"Passionate about helping others to help themselves"
I have always been passionate about helping others and usually the “go to” person amongst family and friends when they needed a listening ear!
I was actually awarded a "wet shoulder award" in 2012 by my colleagues as they said I was always available for people to cry on!
I realised how valuable and helpful seeing a counsellor was for me when I was going through a difficult time in my life.
Understanding the patterns behind our struggles can help us make sense of our experiences, build self-acceptance, and move forward with greater confidence and clarity.
I decided to become a counsellor because I wanted to provide a service so that you can experience the positive difference counselling can make to your life and I absolutely love being a counsellor!
Your starting point of taking that first leap of courage, acknowledging that something needs to change and seeking help is admirable!
I’ve supported clients through BUPA’s Employee Assistance helpline, GP surgeries, local councils, and domestic abuse services. I
I now run my own private practice - face to face and online - to make counselling more accessible without geographical barriers.
Therapists are known as "wounded healers" and that's because we have all experienced our own heartbreak, major life setbacks, disappointment and trauma but we survived and thrived and now want to help others to do the same.

Many of us have events from our past which have left us wounded – rejection, death of a loved one, family member or parent, childhood neglect, bullying, relationship breakdown or abuse. When these events occur, our view of the world shifts and we can feel that it is no longer safe and so we adjust our coping style in order to avoid these traumatic events from happening or affecting us again.
What we may not realise is that the coping mechanisms we put in place back then may now be hindering us as adults, but we may not even recognize that that is the case or how to change them. Counselling can help you to explore & understand these in a safe, caring and confidential space.
Are you feeling like you've reached a crossroads in life?
Do you feel lost or stuck and unsure which direction to take?
I can help you to look at what's holding you back, equip you with new, healthier ways of coping and help you to achieve the goals you want for the future you deserve.
I believe that, while I bring expertise in psychology and human behaviour, you are the expert on yourself. I tailor each session with your knowledge and autonomy in mind, supporting you to make the changes and decisions that feel right for you.
I have experience of working with a wide range of clients aged 18+ with an extensive range of issues, however the below issues are those I deal with the most:
Anger Management
Anxiety/Overthinking
Bereavement, Loss & Grief
Career coaching
Childhood - Awareness and Healing
Communication
Depression
Domestic Abuse
Loneliness
Life coaching
Personal development
Post-Traumatic stress
Relationships
Self Esteem/Confidence
Stress / Burnout
Trauma
Workplace issues
Or maybe you can't pinpoint what is troubling you -
you just know you want things to be different.
Counselling is a professional relationship which focuses entirely on you. It’s a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
As your therapist, my role is not to advise you or fix you (you are not broken), but rather to listen with empathy and compassion and provide fresh perspectives on the difficulties you are facing. Together, we will work on strategies that will enable you to effectively manage your emotions, gain insight, implement changes and achieve your goals.
As an integrative counsellor, I use a number of different approaches from various schools of counselling and human psychology according to your individual needs. My aim is to empower you to live a more enjoyable life and uncover your authentic self.
I work with your past and your present - even though we can't change the past, I believe we can change your present by understanding your past! Understanding how our childhood shaped us isn't about blame - it's about awareness. It's how we learn to stop repeating pain and start creating peace.
If you feel you aren't functioning so well, then this suggests that exploring your past may be helpful to uncover the root causes. If you're feeling depressed, anxious, having problems in your relationships, want to feel more confident but just don't know where to begin or you're just feeling irritable but can't pinpoint why, exploring your early years could be beneficial for you in understanding your adult self.
"Until we make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate" (Carl Jung)
Life can be so challenging sometimes and whether you are facing specific difficult situations in your life and feel like no-one cares or understands, I would love to work with you to help you to achieve the life you deserve.

I am based in Leeds City Centre but also offer sessions online, which allows those that are further afield to still have access to my services.
Frequency of sessions: Sessions will usually be on a weekly basis and where possible, at the same time and same day of the week. Experience shows that a consistency of time and place positively aids the therapeutic process. However, we can discuss frequency if you feel unable to commit to weekly sessions.
Length of sessions: Our sessions will be 60 minutes and together we will review the process periodically as this will help to assess whether your needs are being met and decide on a new direction or to establish new goals.
Cost of sessions: I believe in making support accessible, so I offer a standard rate of £60, with lower-cost concessionary spaces available for those facing financial hardship."
Concessionary rates are available—please feel free to enquire if your budget is limited.
Available hours
Daytime, evening and weekend availability.
Online and face to face.

As of my recent partnership with PureGym, active members will get a 15% discount.

Take 5–10 minutes each day to disconnect from screens and distractions.
Sit quietly, breathe deeply, and focus on the present moment—whether it’s the rhythm of your breath, sounds around you, or how your body feels.
This simple practice can reduce stress, improve focus, and help you feel more grounded throughout the day.
Research shows that the therapeutic relationship between you and your therapist is likely to have a big impact on your growth so it’s important
to choose a therapist you feel comfortable with. You can search the online directories and choose, say, 3 therapists you think can help you. Have an initial consultation with all of them so you can ask questions and see who you feel the most comfortable with before booking in your first session.
My aim when working with you will be to :
There’s no “one size fits all” but I am here to offer you a toolbox instead of a single tool.
With my help, you can give yourself time and space to get to know who you are and what you need.
The stigma around having therapy is reducing and you’d be surprised how many friends and colleagues have already taken this step. It’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help, it shows courage and strength that you are ready to make positive changes to your life.
As a therapist, I have had to undergo my own therapy, so I know exactly how vulnerable and uncomfortable it can initially feel.
Here are some ways having therapy can help.
You don't have to wait until you are having a crisis to attend therapy.
Remember that talking to a mental health professional, doesn't mean anything is wrong with you - it's what's happened to you,
I am a member of the British Association of Psychotherapy & Counselling ("BACP") and National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society ("NCPS"). Being a member of these professional bodies is evidence that I have passed an approved training course and I am required to keep myself up-to-date through continuous professional development. I am also fully insured, DBS checked and registered with the Information Commissioner's Office ("ICO").
Our sessions will last 60 minutes.. During your first session, we will spend about 10 mins or so completing some required paperwork. Then, I'll tell you a little about me, how I work and what you can expect from me. I'll ask you about what's brought you to therapy now and any medication you may be taking. I'll ask some questions about yourself, your family history, including your childhood as I like to spend time getting to know you. We'll discuss any challenges you may be facing and what you hope to achieve by coming to counselling.
This is a crucial step in your mental health journey and if, after your first session with me, you don't feel I am the right therapist for you - that's absolutely ok.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
Gail
"What is meant for you, won't pass you by"
J A Martin
“Perhaps the butterfly is proof that you can go through a great deal of darkness yet still become something beautiful.”
Beau Taplin