How I work

It can sometimes be hard taking the first step in seeking counselling, but if you are here reading this you have already taken it. Everybody has their own pace and what I can offer you is a welcoming space which gives you time to explore what's going on for you.

I am a trained integrative counsellor which means I draw from a variety of different ways of working and adapt my approach to suit you as an individual. I work relationally and collaboratively, believing that the therapeutic relationship is an important part of the counselling process. We work together to explore your experiences, make sense of what is going on for you, and find ways of working that feel right for you. Whilst I work from a person-centred foundation, I also include elements from other therapeutic approaches and enjoy working creatively outside of the box. If creativity is something you are interested in, there are many ways this can be applied in counselling. As a neurodivergent therapist, I also understand that neurodivergent individuals may want to develop specific skills or explore and reframe their life experiences as a late diagnosed autistic or ADHD person.

I don't give you the answers to 'fix' anything, but I will work alongside you to help you better understand yourself, your experiences and where you are in your life so that you can find your own way forward.

I understand that practical support can be an important part of navigating some of the challenges neurodivergent people can experience, alongside space to explore your experiences and feelings. I have knowledge and experience of working with issues like burnout, the impact of late-diagnosis, masking, social and generalised anxiety, sensory needs, alexithymia, executive function difficulties and emotional regulation. We can explore what you find challenging in your day-to-day life and what might help, drawing on practical strategies, coaching and psychoeducation where these feel useful to you.

I have completed additional training in working therapeutically with autism, ADHD, AuDHD, the LGBTQI+ community, GSRD (Gender, Sex and Relationship Diversity), Kink-Affirming Practice and relational trauma. I also work in a trauma-informed way. As part of the Creative Counsellors community, I welcome those who are interested in exploring creative ways of working in counselling.

I am fully insured and a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I regularly engage in continuing professional development to keep my knowledge and skills up to date. I have a natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, which I bring into my work with people.

Creative Counsellors organisational member badge with orange and purple text.

Who I work with

People who are experiencing anxiety, stress, depression or low self-esteem.

Neurodivergent individuals - those who are autistic/ADHD/AuDHD. Self-diagnosis is valid and will always be fully recognised and acknowledged when working with me.

LGBTQI+ individuals. My training included working with the LGBTQI+ community with issues around sexuality and gender identity.

GSRD (Gender, Sex and Relationship Diverse) individuals - trans, queer, non-binary, asexual, individuals in non-traditional relationship structures like consensual non-monogamy (CNM), ethical non-monogamy (ENM), polyamory, open relationships.

People who have experienced trauma or who would like to explore complex experiences.

Thank you Jackie, counselling has been hard at times but you've really helped me understand myself more and I feel more confident and happier than when I first started! I would recommend you to anybody looking for a counsellor.

S, Plymouth

I feel Jackie has always listened to me from start to end. She always has ways of helping me view things from a different perspective. Working with Jackie has been a fun/interesting/eye opening experience. I’ve learnt so much about myself that I never thought I would understand or know without her. I still have a way to go but to finally be able to say I matched with a counsellor who truly understood me as I am feels extremely accomplishing.

L, Online

Having counselling with Jackie has helped me so much. With her support I have been able to make changes in my life that I have struggled with for a long time. Jackie is really patient and caring and I can't thank her enough.

D, Plymouth