A more human approach to therapy
I’m Vanessa, an integrative counsellor and personal coach with more than 15 years' experience supporting people to explore their needs, understand themselves more deeply and work towards meaningful personal goals. I believe therapy begins with feeling genuinely heard. Not judged. Not analysed. Not told what you should do. My role is to create a space where you can slow down, make sense of what you are experiencing and explore what you might need at a pace that feels right for you. My previous experience includes working within the NHS and supporting people through third-sector charities across London and Essex.
Alongside supporting people with anxiety, stress, relationships, loss and life transitions, I specialise in supporting people affected by cancer. Including those navigating diagnosis and treatment, living with uncertainty, adjusting after treatment, and making sense of the emotional impact cancer can have on everyday life.
My own experience of therapy, at a time when my life changed in ways I had not expected, has stayed with me. It showed me how important it can be to have somewhere to put the things that feel difficult to carry alone. It gave me a deeper appreciation of how difficult it can be to make sense of life when circumstances change in ways we do not choose or expect and how valuable it can be to have somewhere safe to bring those experiences. People do not always arrive at counselling knowing exactly what's wrong.
Sometimes there is a particular experience that has brought you here. Sometimes you feel overwhelmed, anxious or stuck. Sometimes life looks fine from the outside, but something inside doesn't feel quite right.
And sometimes, after spending so much time looking after work, family or other people, you have lost sight of yourself and what you need. I don't believe you need to arrive with everything figured out. I believe that having the time and space to talk openly, without judgement, can be the beginning of understanding yourself differently.
Counselling is not about giving you a set of answers. It is about creating a space where we can become curious about what is happening, notice patterns, explore what may be keeping you stuck and consider what you would like to be different.
My path to this work
“Counselling is not about giving you a set of answers. It is about creating a space where we can become curious about what is happening, notice patterns, explore what may be keeping you stuck and consider what you would like to be different.”
Supporting people affected by cancer
I have a special interest in supporting people whose lives have been impacted by cancer, whether through your own diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or adjusting to life afterwards.
A cancer diagnosis can bring profound emotional and practical changes, not only for the person diagnosed but for partners, family members and those close to them. There can be uncertainty, fear, changes in identity and relationships, and the challenge of adjusting to a life that may suddenly feel very different.
Counselling can offer a private space to make sense of these experiences during diagnosis and treatment, while living with cancer, or when adjusting to life after treatment.
You do not have to navigate those feelings alone.
My experience and qualifications
15 years' experience supporting adults in a range of settings, including the NHS and third-sector charities across London and Essex
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (CPCAB)
MSc Psychology - University of Derby
Postgraduate Certificate in Personal and Business Coaching
BACP - Member 01034915
