Specialisms

Half of the world’s population is female or assigned female at birth (AFBA), and most will, at some point, have experienced some form of gynecological difficulty. Female reproductive health includes a vast and often complex range of conditions and experiences. Their impact can vary, from mildly disruptive to life altering, and even life limiting. Whether it be fertility, menopause, a prolapsed uterus or lichen sclerosis, these gynecological difficulties all come with their own unique challenges. They all change the courses of the lives they affect.

Many women and AFAB experience difficulties accessing the right medical support, often being passed between medical professionals whilst trying to get a diagnosis or treatment, leaving them feeling unheard, disbelieved and alone.

As a therapist and woman, I am passionate about helping clients who have been impacted by gynecological issues in any way. I am acutely aware that female reproductive health can create challenges both for those living with conditions and those who love and support them. In my practice I offer a space for both.

Often a medical diagnosis can create a sense of powerlessness; I strive to give my clients back their strength. I work with my clients to create a relationship where they can talk through all aspects of themselves, from childhood to present day. This open and accepting space can be helpful when trying to understand a new diagnosis, process a painful procedure or think about how the condition impacts relationships. I provide a space for my clients to be heard, believed, and accepted; I help them find their voice.

I understand that gynaecological health can bring up complex emotions, sometimes leaving women and AFAB experiencing feelings of abandonment, shame or fear while navigating the path to getting help. I believe that having a therapist that specialises in female reproductive health creates a safe place to think through how their lives have been, and are being, impacted. I am able to sit alongside my clients as they process losses, life changes and the impact on how they view themselves as a person. I offer a space to think about how you as a whole human are impacted, a space where you are not alone.

If you would like to know more about how I work please get in touch via my contact page.

Within my specialism of female reproductive health, I have a specific interest in working with women and assigned female at birth (AFAB) with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). PMDD affects an estimated 5-10% of women and AFAB, yet is rarely discussed or taught in schools. It is a cyclical, hormone-based mood disorder caused by the body’s reaction to hormone fluctuations during the luteal phase of menstruation.

PMDD can leave people feeling totally out of control and create extreme anxiety, anger and depression. At times, it leaves sufferers wanting to just walk away from everything in their lives. It is suggested that 30% of PMDD sufferers will attempt suicide in their lifetime. Frustratingly, medical professionals are often unaware or under-informed about this condition, resulting in misdiagnoses and incorrect medications.

For an average of 2 weeks a month, sufferers experience a range of life-impacting symptoms. They may struggle to focus, have extreme tiredness, or bloating; their moods can be volatile and unpredictable. Severe depression and intense anger can take over, creating self-destructive behaviours that often leave relationships damaged.

PMDD is an exhausting and debilitating condition which can completely destroy lives. Among the recommended medical treatments is the suggestion to engage in talking therapies. While therapy doesn’t cure PMDD, having a space to talk through personal experiences and the sometimes-unbearable impact of PMDD can help create clarity and build resilience. Therapy can provide a place to learn how to recognise triggers and understand which feelings are real and which hormonal. Weekly therapy with someone who understands the challenges of PMDD offers a safe reflective space where it is possible to notice and understand the individual impact of menstrual cycles.

PMDD can create dark thoughts and terrifying feelings of rage that can leave women and AFAB feeling afraid of themselves. Having PMDD can mean wanting to leave loved ones, hating life, or crying for days and not understanding why. My practice provides a safe non-judgemental place to talk about these experiences, with someone who is able to recognise the symptoms of PMDD. Together we find a path through what can at times seem impossible.

I provide support on the days that are overwhelming, when brains are foggy or plagued by suicidal thoughts. I provide a consistent place where clients can think about how they are impacted by both symptoms and treatments. We can think about coping strategies, the impact on personal and professional relationships, and work through the shame and guilt that can come after the luteal phase.

Sessions are led by my clients; we work at a pace that works for them, often depending on where in their cycle they are. Living with PMDD means that each week they may need something different from therapy, from a place to cry to a place to feel the relief of getting their period. When working together, I encourage honesty and openness; all aspects of PMDD are welcome.

In addition to supporting women and AFAB, I support the people in their lives. I strongly believe that everyone who is affected by this condition should be able to access support.

If you would like to know more about how I work, please get in touch.