Woodrush Place, Saint Mary's Island, Chatham ME4 3BB, UK
About Me
I am a psychotherapist, counsellor, and coach mentor,
My work is deeply rooted in lived experience, resilience, and a genuine desire to help others navigate life’s challenges. My journey has taken many turns, and it is through both my personal experiences and professional training that I have developed an empathic, supportive, and underst
I am a psychotherapist, counsellor, and coach mentor,
My work is deeply rooted in lived experience, resilience, and a genuine desire to help others navigate life’s challenges. My journey has taken many turns, and it is through both my personal experiences and professional training that I have developed an empathic, supportive, and understanding approach.
From the age of five, I trained in martial arts, continuing through to achieving a high standard. Those years played a significant role in shaping my mindset. I learned discipline, focus, respect, and emotional control, skills that have stayed with me throughout my life.
Martial arts also gave me an early understanding of the connection between physical and mental wellbeing, something that continues to influence my work today.
Growing up, I faced a number of challenges, including exposure to trauma, violence, and addictive behaviours. At the same time, I was fortunate to have the support of my close family, which gave me stability and strength. These combined experiences helped me develop a deeper understanding of how people think, feel, and cope, and they continue to shape the way I connect with others in my work.
At sixteen, my life changed suddenly when I was involved in a serious hit-and-run accident while riding my motorbike. I was hit head-on by an uninsured drunk driver. Despite the severity of the accident, I walked out of hospital that same night, in a lot of pain, but grateful to be alive and in my own bed. However, the long-term impact on my body became clear over time.
I had passed all of my GCSE exams and was on my way to earning further qualifications in business and finance. After the accident I had to get treatment from an osteopath and reconsider my next steps, I had lost my main mode of transportation and struggled going back to college.
I decided to go to work in the city of London, commuting daily from the suburbs for eighteen months.
At eighteen, I applied to join the Army with the Royal Engineers but during the process, I was told that due to my injuries, I would need to undergo extensive surgery. The procedure carried significant risks, and after careful consideration, I made the decision not to go ahead with it. Instead, I chose to move forward by continuing in the workforce.
I gained experience across a variety of roles, from accounts and dispatch to working in fast-paced environments on wholesale markets with diverse groups of people. These roles helped me build strong communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to stay calm and solution-focused under pressure.
A large part of my early working life was influenced by my upbringing in the building trade, and on market stalls. From a very young age, I worked alongside my father, learning practical skills, responsibility, and problem-solving. This led me to become self-employed as a plumber, builder, and commercial carpet fitter later on. I also helped out on market stalls on Camden market from the age of eleven, selling all manner of things to people from the four corners of the world.
I managed projects independently, worked closely with clients, and handled all aspects of running a business. This experience taught me resilience, accountability, and how to navigate challenges in a practical and grounded way.
Later in life, I experienced another serious accident that wasn’t my fault and left me paralysed. This was a defining moment that required me to rebuild my life physically, mentally, and emotionally. I had to relearn how to speak multiple times as well as to get myself washed and dressed one handed, plus I had to adapt to life in a wheelchair, and find new ways to approach everyday challenges.
Through that process, I developed a strong belief that while we cannot always control what happens to us, we can influence how we respond to things.
With determination, creative thinking, and the use of adaptive tools, I regained independence and pushed myself beyond what most thought was possible, when you consider that I wasn’t expected to survive.
I achieved things like reaching the top of a mountain, swimming in the sea, taking part in driving experiences, sailing, and waterskiing.
These experiences reinforced my belief in resilience, adaptability, and human potential.
During my recovery, I began to reflect on the direction I wanted my life to take. I realised that throughout my life, I had often been the person others turned to for support, guidance, and understanding. I decided to build on that and retrain in psychotherapy, counselling, coaching, mentoring and mental health.
I have since gained qualifications in coaching and mentoring at SCQF Level 8, cognitive behavioural therapy at multiple levels, counselling for children and adolescents, psychology, and an advanced diploma in human biology. I have also completed training in mental health awareness, ADHD awareness, leadership, and physical and mental health. This allows me to take a well-rounded, holistic approach to my work.
Growing up and throughout my life I’ve found that my physical fitness is Important to me, karate, gymnastics, football, hockey and boxing have all been part of my life, as well as resistance training, after my accident I was able to get my level three personal trainer certification which means I can help people with both physical and mental health.
My approach is integrative and client-centred. I draw on evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioural therapy, while always adapting my approach to suit the individual. I believe that building a strong, trusting relationship is at the heart of effective therapy. I aim to create a space where you feel safe, respected, and supported.
I use active listening, reflective communication, and a calm, grounded approach to help you explore your thoughts and experiences. I am not here to judge or to tell you what to do, but to work alongside you as you gain clarity, build resilience, and move forward in a way that feels right for you.
Alongside therapy, I also offer coaching and mentoring, bringing in my real-world experience of business, leadership, trauma and overcoming adversity. I understand both the practical and emotional aspects of change, and I aim to support you in both areas.
My lived experience is central to my work. It allows me to connect with people in a genuine and grounded way. I understand that life can be challenging and unpredictable, but I also believe strongly in the ability to adapt, grow, and create meaningful change.
This work is more than a profession for me, it is something I care deeply about. I am committed to continuing to learn, grow, and provide a space where people feel supported in making positive changes in their lives.
Philosophy
At Mental Change I believe that every individual has the capacity for growth and change through mental health therapy and counselling. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their inner selves using person centred therapy or counselling and overcome personal challenges.
Expertise
As a licensed psychotherapist with over 5 years of training, I specialise in person centred therapy, mental health counselling and life coaching, helping people navigate difficult life transitions. I have extensive training in cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, coaching, mentoring and psychology.
Approach
My approach to mental health counselling is holistic and collaborative. I work with clients to identify their goals and develop a personalised treatment plan that incorporates a variety of techniques, including mindfulness, cognitive behavioural therapy, and person centred therapy, as well as solution-focused therapy.