Therapist and Creative Coach

GMBPS, MSc Psychology (Dist.), BA (Hons), DipACTP, DipNFTS. North London & Online

Hello, I’m Shirley.

If you’ve found your way to my site, you may be going through a time that feels overwhelming or hard to make sense of. You might be struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, low mood, relationship challenges, or feeling weighed down by life. Reaching out for help can feel difficult, so I appreciate you being here.

Alternatively, you may be looking to set personal as opposed to therapeutic goals (such as give up smoking/ learn to drive/ write a book/ decide on a career path). It may be that you just need that extra help to overcome some of your blocks or find the motivation to stop procrastinating.

Whether you are here for therapy or coaching or both, I offer a warm, confidential, collaborative and non-judgemental space where you can be truly heard and supported. Together, we can explore what’s happening for you, and gently begin to find a way forward.

How I work.

My approach is relational and integrative, combining different therapeutic perspectives to suit your needs. I draw on humanistic, psychodynamic and trauma-informed ways of working, alongside practical tools such as mindfulness, CBT-based strategies and creative techniques when useful.

What matters most is the authentic, trusting relationship we build. I meet you where you are, and we go at your pace.

I work with adults of all ages from all walks of life, and am committed to an inclusive, culturally sensitive practice. I aim to offer a space where gender, sexuality, neurodiversity, race and class are acknowledged and deeply respected.

What I Can Help With

  • Anxiety, panic, or low mood

  • Low self-esteem and confidence

  • Relationship and family issues

  • Trauma and childhood adversity

  • Attachment difficulties

  • Bereavement and loss

  • Stress, burnout, and identity struggles

  • Neurodivergence, including ADHD and autism

  • Feelings of loneliness, shame, or overwhelm

  • Abuse

  • Disordered Eating

  • Social Anxiety

  • OCD

  • Bullying issues

  • Boarding School issues

Although you don’t need a “label” for your experience.

About Me

Training

I am completing a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy at Metanoia Institute. I hold a Masters Degree in Psychology (Distinction), a Diploma in Transformational Coaching (Animas), and have additional training in counselling skills (Highgate Counselling) and Psychodynamic Couples Work (Tavistock Relations).

I am a member of the BPS, BACP, and UKCP and abide by their ethical codes which includes engaging in regular supervision.
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Experience

Alongside my private practice, I have experience counselling for a highly-regarded North London charity and as a mental health support worker for Mind. I also ran a service supporting struggling mothers for Mind.

Previously I worked for over 15 years in film and television in roles ranging from screenwriting and film directing to set design. This, along with the 7 years I worked as a screenwriting developer and mentor for the British Film Institute (BFI) academy gives me an understanding of the creative mind and film/ TV industries. My doctoral research explores using film and TV within therapy.

Next steps

I offer weekly 50-minute sessions online, with short- or long-term options. To begin, I suggest a free 20-minute phone call where we can talk about what’s brought you here and whether we feel like a good fit.

If you’d like to take the next step, please get in touch.