ABOUT ASTAREA
I’m not your everyday counsellor.
Am I professional in my approach? Yes, 100%.
Do I have legitimate care and concern for your wellbeing? Yes.
Will I walk alongside you on your journey, tailor each session to your unique needs and help you overcome your barriers? Absolutely.
What Makes Me Different?
I know what it’s like to live through trauma. I know what it means to have intrusive thoughts invading your mind at 3 am, draining you of every ounce of energy. I know what it’s like to put on the mask – the smile that allows you to get through your day without revealing your pain.
I also know what it's like to lock yourself away – to feel unseen and unheard. I’ve felt the shame attached to mental health. I’ve been on the receiving end of statements like: “Snap out of it! That’s just stress, not anxiety” and “You’re not depressed. You’re sad, and it will pass soon enough.”
Quite honestly, I have found that these statements are more hurtful than they are helpful. I want you to know that when it comes to your mental health, there is nothing to be ashamed of.
Though we live in a society where we are taught to suppress our feelings rather than express them, the truth is that reaching out to a counsellor for guidance, clarity and support can be highly beneficial.
Here’s what I’ll tell you: you don’t have to go through this alone. I think you deserve to have your story heard. I think you deserve to be supported and as your counsellor I will help you learn to live the life you want.
Why Did I Become a Counsellor?
Not everyone earns the right to hear your story. Getting to know you is a privilege and requires trust. When you are vulnerable, you need someone who can hold space – someone who will listen without judgment. You want to share your thoughts and fears with someone whose capable of going to those dark places, but also has the skills needed to bring you out of the dark. I am that person.
Having experienced my own trauma in life, I decided from a young age that it was my purpose to walk alongside others and help them to transform their lives. I started an early career in social work, went on to study psychology, became a qualified life coach and counsellor and then started my private practice. I’ve over two decades of experience in mental health and 15 years of experience as a therapist.
I am honest, compassionate, and transparent. For me, this creates a sense of trust and rapport. While I am here to support you on your journey, I am willing to share parts of my story to help you work through yours.
I have developed a lot of tools and undertaken a lot of training throughout the years that have assisted me in overcoming my barriers and personal limitations.
My journey now is to help you overcome yours.
Maya Angelou
"I've learned that people will forget what you did. People will forget what you said. But people will never forget how you made them feel."