GILLIAN

I am an integrative psychotherapeutic expressive arts therapist, trauma therapist, self development coach for children, teens and young adults and supervisor/reflective practice lead with many years of experience, training and background in integrative and expressive arts based psychotherapy and counselling, trauma therapy, developmental psychology and neuroscience, music, art, storytelling, movement, dance and somatic based therapy, self development coaching, sound healing, meditation and mindfulness.

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I work within private practice for 1:1 support, group teen sessions for self development and emotional, social and relational skill building, and also support teens and young adults through a text based crisis intervention and suicide prevention charity service. I helped to create United in Crisis, a non profit that supports refugee children and families living in Lisbon, Portugal with integration and community building. Within the UIC team I run the expressive arts therapy programme for the children and train and supervise our volunteers. I additionally co-created a Care Team within Lisbon Project Association to support refugees and migrants to feel as supported and safe as possible whilst integrating into life in Lisbon.

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In part I am sure due to the significant emotional and health challenges I had to navigate as a young person, I have grown passionate in my profession about encouraging children, teens and young adults to identify and follow their dreams, know their self-worth, explore their unique talents, and feel held, heard and supported during all times, and especially difficult times in their life. I have been blessed to have been working closely with young people and families within schools and communities for the last fifteen years, sharing in their lives and stories.

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I offer a creative, warm and very personable approach to therapeutic work. I think and meet others with an open heart and mind. Flexibly. Honestly. Authentically. We meet and work together, as a team, human to human. 

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I work foremost in a 'young person led' structure, grounded in mindfulness and creativity and also within a psychotherapeutic and neuropsychological framework. Children's Rights and Every Child Matters also significantly inform how I practice. I integrate all aspects of my training and experience into my work, so that all sessions can be approached in accessible, professional, empathic and grounded ways. 

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I am a professional registered member of The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I adhere to their Codes of Ethics, which entails maintaining confidentiality and relational boundaries, as well as regularly reflecting on my practice with a clinical supervisor. ​

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I have full professional liability insurance cover, advanced child protection and safeguarding training and an up-to-date enhanced DBS (Disclosures and Barring Service) certificate.

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By profession I am also a writer, and I make many other passions in my life a priority. I create time often to rock climb, travel, hike, cycle around beautiful places, ride horses, dance, practice meditation, self development, go to the beach, play the piano, watch movies, attend live music events, read, wander around modern art galleries and bookstores, spend time with friends and family and laugh as much as possible!