Integrated Counselling Services

Individual and Couples Therapy in Birmingham and the West Midlands

About Me

I am an integrative counsellor which means I use a range of approaches and techniques, tailoring my way of working to take account of your unique needs and preferences. I do not believe in a one size fits all approach.

My core training is in person centred therapy. In simple terms, this approach is based upon the idea that we each have within us an innate ability to grow and fulfil our potential. Sometimes life experiences can disrupt or block this ability and we need some help to unblock it. I will place you at the heart of the therapy and work with you to understand you and your world from your perspective, rather than presuming I know what it's like to be you.

With couples I use an emotionally focused approach. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a humanistic, evidence-based approach to psychotherapy, drawing primarily from attachment theory to facilitate the creation of secure, vibrant connection with self and others. By fostering a secure attachment bond, EFT enables clients to respond to their partners in healthier, more constructive ways.

At the beginning of therapy, I will talk to you about what you are hoping to achieve and your preferences for working together. We will review the work regularly and make changes as needed.

I may suggest things which I think will be useful for you but I will never make you do something you don't want to. l will offer a safe space for you to talk about whatever is on your mind without fear of judgement, shame or embarrassment.

Therapy is your time and your space to use in whatever way feels right for you.

get in touch

My Background

I spent almost 20 years working as a projects lawyer and in legal regulation. Although at first, I thrived on the pressure, over time, I found I was unable to balance work, home and raising a family.

Eventually I experienced burnout.

When my GP suggested counselling I didn't know what to expect and wasn't convinced talking to someone would help. Over time, therapy helped me to make sense of my thoughts and feelings and to begin to feel like "me" again.

I spent some time working with women with post-natal depression. I trained as a work-based Trauma Practitioner, Mentor and Wellbeing Supporter. Later, I qualified as a Recovery Coach and started a peer support group for people experiencing problems with alcohol. 

My Qualifications

  • CPCAB Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
  • NCIP Advanced Certificate in Couples Therapy 
  • ICEEFT Externship Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
  • ICEEFT Core Skills in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
  • CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
  • NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
  • Level 3 Award in Supporting Trauma Risk Management
  • Recovery Coaching Certificate
  • Certificate in Addictive Desire Recognition

Continuing Professional Development 

  • The Fundamentals of Working with Couples
  • Dealing with Affairs and Betrayals
  • Couples in Conflict
  • Meeting Partner's Needs
  • Communication and Difference
  • Sex, Arousal & Ageing 
  • Introduction to Transactional Analysis (TA101)
  • Goals in Therapy - Actualising our deepest directions
  • Talking it Better, from insight to change in the therapy room
  • Existential Therapy

Get in touch

If you think you may benefit from counselling or if you are unsure, please get in touch by completing the form, calling me on 07396843548 or email me, to arrange an introductory call. This is an opportunity to talk about what you are looking for from counselling and how I can help. It is also a chance for us to get to know each other a bit and gauge whether we would be a good fit. You can ask any questions you have and if you decide to go ahead, we can book your first session (subject to availability).

For couples I prefer to speak to both partners at the same time but if this is not possible I will offer you each an introductory call.

If I am not the right person for you, I can signpost you to providers offering the support you need.

I endeavour to return calls within 24 hours.

Complete the contact form, email me or text/call me on 07396843548.

All contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services. 

“My sessions with Vicky helped me to work through issues I was experiencing, with a very positive outcome. In addition to benefitting from a safe environment in which to talk,..

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I came away from sessions equipped with practical suggestions and tools which helped me to re-define a relationship I was finding difficult. There is no doubt that my sessions with Vicky were instrumental in helping me to deal with a situation which I was finding distressing and I feel the benefit of these sessions every day.”

RS

“I’ve never felt more seen and understood than when I’ve worked with Vicky. I’ve been able to share things with Vicky I’ve been afraid to voice because of fear that I’d be misunderstood, but everything I’ve shared we’ve been able to explore safely together without judgement...

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I feel the most empowered I have ever felt before; I feel like I have my own back, and through the extensive work we’ve done together I now have the tools and renewed self-esteem to deal with life’s challenges moving forward. Thank you for supporting me and allowing me to have such a safe space to grow into a better version of me.”

BK

“Vicky helped us to work hrough some issues we had as a couple. She was gently challenging and at the same time kind and non-judgmental. We are incredibly grateful for her help as she has made a huge difference to our marriage. We cannot recommend her highly enough.”

P&H

“As someone who was sceptical about counselling, I can safely say my ideas were all wrong. I got what I needed and a little more from these sessions in a safe, non judgemental environment. I felt like Vicky got to know me and was genuinely invested in my progress which meant a lot to me. My sessions with Vicky helped me to work through issues I was experiencing, with a very positive outcome.”

AR

“We just wanted to thank you for all you did for us in our therapy time

with you. We appreciate your openness, encouragement and clear approach.

Thank you for empowering us”

N&F

“My daughter and I sought Vicky’s help when we were having difficulties in our relationship. Working with Vicky we have been helped to communicate better and resolve the issues we had. We can’t thank Vicky enough for her help and support and would wholeheartedly recommend her.

Thank you once again Vicky. We're both so glad we came to see you”

M&J

“I made tremendous progress with Vicky, tackling past and current trauma as well as worries about the future and personal identity. I was consistently reassured that positive change and recovery is more than possible and left every session feeling as though a weight had been lifted. Could not recommend her enough!”

Charlie

“Vicky is a very calm and flexible therapist. She creates a safe environment for couples to connect and communicate in an efficient manner. She certainly helped us to overcome many challenges we had in our relationship. Vicky is highly recommended by both of us.”

Mr & Mrs N

“Through our sessions, you helped me confront and address the underlying issues that led to my infidelity. Your wisdom and empathy not only helped me navigate through the storm but also enabled me to become a better husband...

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Thanks to your expertise and compassion, my wife and I have been able to begin to rebuild trust and strengthen our bond. Your impact extends far beyond our counselling sessions; it has transformed our lives for the better. I will be forever grateful”

Ian

“Vicky was easy to work with, and made us feel at ease. We were able to express ourselves, knowing confidentiality was maintained throughout. Vicky contributed to us realising what doesn't break you will make you stronger as a couple - Thanks Vicky you are a diamond !”

Mr & Mrs T-S

“I couldn’t recommend Vicky enough! When at my lowest she was all I could have asked for in a counsellor! Together we got me from the lowest I’ve ever been in my life to being back to normality and feeling on top of the world! 10/10 would recommend!”

Dom

“Vicky gained an understanding of my life and situation with complete ease and intuitively adapted her methods each session to suit what I needed, meaning our process together flowed very naturally throughout...

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She made me feel comfortable from our first session to our last, easily creating a safe space for me to speak openly about my difficulties each week. I initially started counselling when I was at ‘breaking point’, struggling to deal with experiences of previous trauma and feeling lost. I had never had counselling before and was worried that I didn’t even know where I should start; but it didn’t matter. Vicky helped me to figure out the help I needed. Together with Vicky my insight into my experiences has hugely improved, and I’ve learnt how best to cope with my emotions towards the past. My sessions with Vicky came to a natural end with me feeling optimistic for the future and ready to move forward.”

Clare

“Vicky has been a huge help in encouraging me to question and confront my negative thought patterns and self -doubt. She has taught me new techniques, ways of thinking and helped me rationalise my thoughts. I have seen multiple therapists but Vicky has made me feel more comfortable, confident and well in myself than I have for years. Highly, highly recommend.”

Fin

“Vicky patiently listened to my concerns, thoughts and emotions and provided me with an unwavering sense of support. Vicky's guidance not only helped me navigate through my challenges but also empowered me to recognise my own strengths and capabilities. Thank you for the support you have given me.”

Shantelle

“Vicky really helped us to get back on track and start rebuilding the foundations of our relationship.”

Mr & Mrs T.

“As soon as I walked into the room Vicky made me feel completely relaxed and comfortable. This was a very big step for me and I wasn't made to feel awkward at any point. I would highly recommend Vicky's services.”

Kelly

“I found Vicky when I was in a very, very dark place. By her insightful and caring counselling, I have moved on from there and into the light, learning to recognise my underlying issues and how to deal with them along the way...

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I am now better able to understand myself and where I have come from. I truly believe that if I had worked with Vicky earlier in my life I would have been much happier. Her counselling has been the best investment I have ever made.”

Roger

“I came to Vicky for support after suffering with work related anxiety which was impacting my home life. I was able to express my thoughts and worries without judgement...

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Vicky was understanding whilst challenging me to explore practical techniques to help manage how I felt. I do feel better and I now have the management skills to deal with my anxiety that I can take into the future. Thank you.”

Perminder

“Vicky is compassionate, solution-orientated and has an intuitive sense of how to move forward... I couldn't recommend her enough.”

Keith

“Vicky is a wonderful counsellor and I would wholeheartedly recommend her services to other couples. My husband and I did couples' sessions with Vicky for almost a year. We were on the brink of divorce and now our marriage is stronger than ever. The environment she cultivated was safe and encouraging...

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Vicky is clearly passionate about counselling and takes her work seriously. We both felt that our perspectives were understood and equally important. She helped us to understand each other's points of view and to communicate more effectively, and we have developed skills we can use outside of the sessions.”

Alicia

“ I felt extremely comfortable talking with Vicky. She is kind and makes you feel at ease. Vicky creates a safe environment for you to be open and honest with difficult topics. Vicky’s style of counselling really helped me think about issues in a way that I hadn’t thought about before...

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Vicky’s advice was extremely helpful and easy to follow. I am pleased to say that there has been a huge improvement in my mood since having counselling with Vicky. I now feel like a weight has been lifted off my chest.”

Jess

“ I can't praise Vicky enough. Warm, friendly, professional, always listening, and very quickly put me at ease, despite how nervous I was about my first time going to a counsellor. From someone who had hit rock bottom, I now feel confident and ready to explore a new phase of my life.”

Simon

“Vicky has an incredible ability to listen attentively and empathetically, to truly understand me and help me navigate my emotions in a safe environment. Vicky has been an invaluable source of support and guidance in my life and I am truly grateful for her time and commitment to my wellbeing. I highly recommend Vicky to anyone seeking a compassionate, knowledgeable and skilled therapist.”

Charlotte

“I found the therapy sessions with Vicky really helpful in working through the issues I had with some personal relationships. I am in a much better place now.”

Adam

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