About Samantha

In my experience of working with clients from all walks of life, I constantly see how effective it is to talk to someone who can fully hear you, and empathise with you, without judging or shaming you. 

I also believe in the healing nature of counselling having personally experienced it first hand as a client.  This is why I believe it is important to find 'the right fit' for you when you  start your journey into finding a counsellor that you feel comfortable with.  I  hope to help make your search a little easier by providing some background about myself.  This also helps me remain transparent with my clients as I believe life experience is just as important as academic qualifications in forming a therapeutic relationship.

My journey into becoming a counsellor was first ignited during my time working over 12 years for several addiction services and in criminal justice supporting clients with alcohol and substance misuse, complex mental health including anxiety and depression, BPD, EUPD, ADHD and paranoia, suicidal thoughts and self-harm. During this time I undertook intensive training in Suicide Intervention and Self-Harm and psycho-social and educational support in harm reduction and addiction;  I now also integrate hthis within counselling when needed. As a Support Worker I became aware that only offering drug reduction treatments was infact putting a symbolic plaster over my clients problems and without exploring or offering any other therapeutic support around the root cause for their unhealthy copying mechanism then it would only lead to a relapse.  And so my passion for helping people led me into my counselling training and eventually setting up my own private practice,

Remaining very passionate about working with vulnerable adults in the addiction field, I have volunteered the past two years as a counsellor for a homeless charity in Rochester.  I have supported their clients; some who have been involved in the criminal justice system due to struggles with addictions, some who have experienced trauma and others with complex mental health issues.  

Until the end of 2022, I worked for six years within a secondary school in the Special Educational Needs Team. I am trained and used to working and implementing support strategies and care plans for students and young adults with diagnosed ADHD, ADD and ASD, Sensory Disorders, disabilities, depression and anxiety.  I have trained to be a MIND EHFA Youth Mental Health First Aider.  During my counselling volunteer placement I noticed that many clients with addictions often were neurodivergent.  Impulsive behaviour and a need to self-medicate to calm their racing thoughts fueling their drive to continue using.  I was able to bring some of my SEN knowledge and strategies into my counselling room to support some of their specific needs. 

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Over the years I have volunteered as a Mediator for Neighbourhood Disputes for Medway Mediation Services after completing my mediation training in 2014.  

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I also have professional and personal experience working with the blind and visually impaired.

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