About me
I'm Heather, and a warm welcome to my page. I am a mid-lifer, based in Cornwall, where I have lived and worked my whole adult life.
I have co-parented, single-parented, single-mum-worked and now enjoy watching my offspring parent, knowing everything I was ever told about being a grandparent was true!
In my little part of the world, I am lucky enough to be surrounded by trees and nature, which is good for my soul. I try find joy in the smallest things which keeps me present and grounded - apart from spiders. I haven't made peace with them yet!
An avid reader, crafter and homebody, I am unapologetic in making time for me!
My Story
Before becoming a counsellor, I spent over 20 years working in education — an experience that was both rewarding and challenging in mostly equal measure. However, as teaching brings its own many and varied challenges I found the rigours of the classroom were no longer sustainable for me and I needed to find a gentler way of using my skills in listening, empathy, and human connection.
Already questioning my work-life balance, I received a cancer diagnosis in the midst of the chaos of the Covid years. A shock in itself, my progress through a system of lockdown and social isolation, gave me ample time to reflect on what direction my life was going in, and if this is my opportunity for change, what do I want to do?
Fortunately for me, my cancer journey was fairly straightforward (and I am eternally grateful to the angels of the NHS for my care), albeit quiet and a bit lonely. But facing a life-changing diagnosis can be strangely life-affirming too, and my decision to take my skills and retrain as a counsellor was solidified.
You may be wondering why I have shared this very personal part of my journey with you. Being a cancer survivor doesn't define me: it has strengthened my empathy, resilience, and acceptance of life’s challenges and turning points.
The therapeutic journey is about being authentic and finding that human connection. This is me and my story - I'm here for you if you want to share yours.
My Work
I work with adults facing a range of issues, including abuse, trauma, bereavement, anxiety, life transitions, and relationship difficulties.
I have grown to specialise in supporting adults who have experienced childhood abuse, and have also developed my knowledge and understanding of the impact of domestic abuse and sexual violence on both female and male victims.
I am interested in supporting under-represented groups, and much of my work has been with older clients who may find it difficult to reach out. I have a growing caseload of mid-life clients who are facing a range of challenges, not least learning to talk about their feelings.
My face to face work is in an accessible space and I also offer online and telephone counselling for clients with accessibility issues.
My Experience
As an ethical practitioner, I am frequently updating my areas of experience through professional development. If you would like to get in touch, I am happy to explore how I can meet your individual needs.
- Level 5 Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling and Therapy
- Harmless - Menopause, Mental Health & Suicide Awareness Training
- CPACB – CLEAR training in supporting adults harmed by sexual abuse and relationship trauma
- Me-Learning - Supporting Male Victims of Domestic
Abuse - Barnardo's - Level 2 Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence.
- Level 3 safeguarding
- ASIST Training - Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
- Life After Loss Training
- Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling
- Level 2 Equality and Diversity Training
- Certificate in 'The internet, suicide and self-harm'
- Level 2 Counselling Skills
Walking Alongside You
Your story matters.
I’m here to walk alongside you as you move forward.