I'm Samantha
MBACP Therapist
I am an accredited counsellor registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, with a Clinical Diploma in Gestalt Psychotherapeutic Counselling from Metanoia Institute.
Alongside my private practice, I work at One in Four, supporting adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. I have previously worked with ELOP, an LGBT+ mental health charity, and the Metanoia Counselling and Psychotherapy Service.
Before becoming a therapist, I worked across the arts, education and charity sectors as an actor, writer, director and teacher. This included teaching Shakespeare for Michigan University and BAFTA LA Community Outreach, helping marginalised students access the performing arts. These experiences continue to bring creativity, curiosity and a deep interest in people's stories to my work.
My background
My degree in International Relations and Development at SOAS developed my interest in culture, power and social context. Through my interfaith work with the Faith & Belief Forum, projects for Rupa Huq MP and ongoing participation in Examining Whiteness, I have developed a strong commitment to culturally sensitive and socially aware practice.
As a queer and dyslexic therapist, I also bring personal awareness of difference, identity and belonging. I am interested in how these experiences, alongside culture and power, shape our relationships and sense of self.
My voluntary work has included helping to establish Ealing and Acton Support Enterprise, supporting refugees and asylum seekers, offering companionship to people approaching the end of life, and working alongside people experiencing homelessness.
While researching my dissertation on ayahuasca tourism and Indigenous communities, I also spent time working alongside Shipibo practitioners in Peru and learning from their plant-medicine traditions.
I also have more than a decade of experience in therapeutic bodywork, with training in NeuroAffective Touch®, the Rosen Method, myofascial release and several massage modalities.
Continuing Professional Development
I have undertaken further CPD in trauma and the body, including work with Bessel van der Kolk, Deb Dana, Pat Ogden, Frank Anderson and Irene Lyon, as well as NICABM's Treating Trauma Master Series and Rethinking Trauma Series. I am trained in Marshall Rosenberg's Non-Violent Communication.
Professional standards
To meet my legal, ethical and professional responsibilities:
- I am accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
- I hold an enhanced DBS check
- I am insured through Balens
- I practise in line with the ethical frameworks set out by BACP and UKCP
- I regularly attend supervision to support safe, reflective practice
- I am registered with the Information Commissioner's Office for data protection compliance