About Gemma
Hello, I'm Gemma and it's lovely to meet you!
I am a Counsellor and Psychotherapist with many years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults across a variety of settings. Working with people from all walks of life has given me a deep appreciation for the uniqueness of every individual and the challenges they may face.
Reaching out for support can feel like a significant step, and finding the right counsellor is an important part of that journey. My aim is to provide a safe, welcoming, and non-judgemental space where you can feel heard, understood, and supported.
I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework. This guides my professional practice and ensures I work safely, ethically and in the best interests of my clients. I also hold professional indemnity insurance, providing an additional level of reassurance and accountability within my practice.
As part of my commitment to professional development, I regularly undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training and engage in clinical supervision to ensure I continue to provide the highest standard of support to my clients. I also hold an Enhanced DBS certificate, which is regularly updated in accordance with current safeguarding requirements.
I am really looking forward to meeting with you and starting your journey, however that may look.
With love, Gemma
My journey into counselling
From a young adult at aged 19 years, my daughter came into the world as a micro preemie, 12 weeks early. My whole life changed and not only did I become a mother, but I also found a different perspective for life. During that time, I realised how important emotional support, understanding, and compassionate listening are when people are facing some of life’s most challenging moments.
Navigating the uncertainty, fear, and overwhelming emotions that came with my daughter’s early arrival showed me the value of having someone who can provide a safe, non-judgemental space to talk and be heard. It was through these experiences that I developed a deep passion for helping others through their own struggles and life challenges.
This journey inspired me to become a counsellor. I wanted to be able to support people in finding strength, hope, and resilience during difficult times, just as I learned to do myself. Becoming a counsellor allowed me to turn my personal experiences into meaningful support for others, helping them feel understood, empowered, and less alone on their own journey.
My integrative approach
I adopt an integrative approach to counselling and psychotherapy, meaning I draw upon a range of therapeutic theories and techniques to best support your individual needs. You can expect a supportive, compassionate, and non-judgemental space where you are welcomed exactly as you are. Above all, I am a genuine and authentic person who will walk alongside you on your journey, offering understanding, empathy, and support. My commitment is to build a trusting therapeutic relationship where you feel safe, heard, and valued.
Experience
My private practice has also been open for the past 3 years, allowing me to grow both professionally and personally, while expanding my experience in supporting a diverse range of clients. This has also enabled me to broaden my reach to not only just UK clients, but also international clients.
Alongside my practice, I have also been working for the mental health charity Mind as a School Counsellor for the past 8 years, delivering one to one therapeutic support to children and young people experiencing a range of emotional, behavioural, and mental health difficulties.
I also have gained 8 years of combined experience with supporting victims and survivors of sexual violence, both within a specialist sexual violence charity and as a Crisis Worker in a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). In these roles, I provided trauma-informed support to children, adolescents, and adults, offering crisis intervention, advocacy, emotional support, risk assessment, and safeguarding.
All of my work experience has involved building strong therapeutic relationships, supporting resilience and wellbeing, and working collaboratively with families, schools, and other professionals to achieve positive outcomes for young people.
Outside of the counselling room
When I’m not in my professional role, my life is enriched by being a mum to my two wonderful daughters and a wife to my husband. I cherish spending quality time with my family, whether that’s days out together, enjoying holidays in the sunshine, but most importantly simply creating lasting memories together. I also find a great sense of peace and calm in nature, and you will often find me spending time in my garden.
These personal interests help me stay grounded, maintain balance in my own wellbeing, and bring a broader perspective to my work as a Counsellor & Psychotherapist for myself and my clients.
"Gemma is one of the most kind-hearted people I've ever met. She actively listens to me and asks great questions to guide me through the feelings and thoughts I've been experiencing and how to improve and establish better patterns".
Past client