Integrative Counselling in Exeter and Online

Specialist Support

While I support people with a wide range of concerns, I have particular experience and understanding in three areas. You might find yourself nodding along as you read these descriptions, and if you do, know that you're not alone.

Recovery from Narcissistic Abuse

What is Narcissistic Abuse?

Narcissistic abuse is a form of psychological manipulation that can happen in romantic relationships, families, friendships, or workplaces. It's often subtle and insidious - unlike physical abuse, there are no visible bruises, making it harder to recognise what's happening.

Someone engaging in narcissistic abuse typically displays patterns designed to control and manipulate you. They might shower you with affection one moment, then withdraw it completely the next. They may twist your words, deny things they've said, or make you feel like you're overreacting. This gaslighting makes you question your own perception of reality.

How It Can Show Up

You might find yourself constantly second-guessing your thoughts and feelings, or walking on eggshells around someone. Perhaps you've lost confidence in your own judgement, or feel overwhelmed by confusion about what's real. Many people describe feeling emotionally exhausted, anxious, or depressed.

Even after the relationship ends, the effects linger. You might struggle with trusting others or yourself, feel hypervigilant about people's motives, or find yourself replaying conversations. Some describe feeling "stuck" - knowing the relationship was harmful but struggling to move forward.

How Counselling Can Help

Recovery isn't just about understanding what happened - it's about rebuilding your sense of self and learning to trust yourself again. In our work together, we create a space where your experiences are believed and validated without judgement. We'll explore how the relationship affected you, help you recognise manipulation tactics, and work on rebuilding confidence in your own perceptions. 

Together, we'll strengthen your internal compass, establish healthy boundaries, and explore patterns that might help prevent similar situations in the future. The goal is helping you rediscover your voice and move forward with greater self-trust and clarity.

If you've experienced narcissistic abuse and would like to explore how counselling might help, get in touch to arrange a free 15-minute consultation.

Supporting Highly Sensitive People

What is High Sensitivity?

Being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) isn't a disorder; it's a natural personality trait found in about 15-20% of the population. Your nervous system processes information more deeply than others. You pick up on subtleties that others miss, feel emotions more intensely, and can become easily overwhelmed by strong sensory input like bright lights, loud noises, or busy environments.

This trait is biological - it's how your brain is wired. While this can be a gift, it can also feel like a burden in a world that often values toughness over sensitivity.

How It Can Show Up

You might get overwhelmed more easily than others - needing to retreat after social events, feeling drained by busy shops, or finding violent films unbearable. Perhaps you've been told you're "too sensitive" so many times that you've started believing something's wrong with you.

Many HSPs absorb other people's emotions like a sponge, leaving you exhausted. You notice subtle changes in mood that others miss entirely. Small things like scratchy clothing, flickering lights, or someone's tone can feel genuinely distressing. You probably need more downtime than others to recharge.

On the flip side, you likely experience joy, beauty, and connection more deeply too. The same sensitivity that makes life challenging also enriches it in ways non-HSPs might not fully experience.

How Counselling Can Help

Working with someone who understands high sensitivity can be transformative. Many HSPs have spent years thinking something's wrong with them, and counselling offers a space to explore and accept your sensitivity as a legitimate part of who you are - not a flaw to overcome. We'll develop strategies to manage overstimulation and create a life that honours your needs, including learning to set boundaries around your time and energy, recognising your limits before you hit overwhelm, and finding ways to recharge. We'll challenge negative beliefs like "I'm too sensitive" and replace them with "I'm deeply perceptive." The goal isn't to become less sensitive - it's about learning to work with your trait rather than against it, recognising it as the strength it can be.

If you identify as a Highly Sensitive Person and would like support, reach out for a free consultation. Let's explore how counselling might help you embrace your sensitivity while managing its challenges.

LGBTQIA+ Affirming Counselling

Understanding LGBTQIA+ Experiences

Being part of the LGBTQIA+ community comes with unique experiences and challenges. Whether you're exploring questions about your identity, navigating coming out, dealing with discrimination, or simply existing in a world that doesn't always make space for diverse identities - these experiences can take a real toll on your wellbeing.

LGBTQIA+ individuals face higher rates of anxiety, depression, and stress - not because of their identity itself, but because of minority stress. This is the additional pressure from living in a society where heterosexuality and cisgender identity are assumed as the default.

How These Challenges Can Show Up

You might be grappling with questions about your sexual orientation or gender identity, trying to understand yourself in a world that hasn't always provided mirrors or language for who you are. Perhaps you're facing the decision of whether to come out, dealing with its aftermath, or navigating complicated family dynamics.

Many LGBTQIA+ people experience the exhausting mental load of monitoring their safety, code-switching between environments, or dealing with microaggressions others don't notice. You might struggle with internalised negative messages absorbed from society. Relationship challenges can look different too - navigating non-traditional structures, lacking role models, or feeling isolated without a visible community.

How Counselling Can Help

As someone with experience supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, I provide a space where your identity is respected and affirmed from the start - you won't need to explain basic concepts or worry about being misunderstood. We can explore identity questions at your own pace without pressure to have everything figured out, work through the practical and emotional aspects of coming out, or process experiences of rejection and work on healing. 

I can help you work through internalised negative messages, develop strategies for protecting your mental health while navigating challenges, and address relationship issues in a non-judgmental space. Sometimes you might just need to talk with someone who gets it - where being LGBTQIA+ isn't the focus of every session, but the context is always understood.

If you're looking for affirming support as an LGBTQIA+ person, contact me to arrange a free 15-minute consultation where we can discuss how counselling might help.

Not Sure Which Applies to You?

That's completely okay. Many people come to counselling without having everything neatly categorised. What matters is that you're looking for support, and I'm here to help however I can. Get in touch, and we'll figure it out together.