Our therapists
Our work wouldn’t be possible without our team of volunteer counsellors and therapists.
Julie
Having recently qualified in Humanistic Counselling my therapeutic approach is person-centred. I believe that inside all of us are the answers to our own questions, solutions to our difficulties, and the ability to change, we just sometimes need someone alongside us to aid the process.
I was delighted to be taken on by YWCS during my counselling training with York St John University and I am now equally as pleased to continue volunteering as a newly qualified counsellor. I believe in the organisation and love the team spirit.
Qualifications:
Post-graduate Diploma in Humanistic Counselling approved by BACP – York St John University
Introduction to Telephone and Online Counselling – Counselling Tutor
SEG Level 3 and Level 2 counselling certificate – York College
I have an interest in somatics and the way that what has happened to us can be stored in the body. This speaks into my yoga and mindfulness teaching background, the mind and body connection and is something I plan to explore further in the future.
Outside of work I love being outside, walking the dog and gardening. I enjoy challenging exercise that gets the heart pumping.
Anna
I have been practicing therapy at YWCS since 2023. I was drawn to the kind and caring culture of women supporting women.
My therapeutic approach always begins with you as the client, creating a space that is welcoming for all of you, and offering opportunity to explore the impact of your experiences: how they have shaped you, your thoughts, your emotions and your being. I believe the best therapy happens when we – therapist and client - work together to make sense of your experiences.
I am a registered psychotherapist in advanced training and a member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).
I am relational integrative trained psychotherapist which means I see relationships as fundamental to who we are, and how we are shaped. Our patterns of relating shapes how we respond to life’s ups and downs and therapy can bring awareness to this and create the opportunity for change.
Michalina
I qualified as a therapist in 2024 and am currently doing a Master’s in Counselling and Psychotherapy. I’m BACP registered and have been volunteering at YWCS since my training. I like it here because we do our best to offer genuine flexibility and support, wherever possible.
My foundation is person-centred, which means I work at each person’s pace and believe that, with the right support, we can find our own ways forward. When it comes to the practical side of the work, I like to explore different approaches and see my role as helping every person discover what works best for them. I particularly enjoy imaginative work, inner child work, archetypes and attachment styles.
My academic and professional interests are in women’s relationships with their bodies and menstrual experiences, including conditions like PCOS and endometriosis, but also regular hormonal cycling.
Charlotte
I have been part of York Women’s Counselling since February 2020 as a counsellor and love working as part of a warm, supportive and like-minded team. I find the role really fulfilling, and knowing that I am trusted with precious stories is a real privilege.
Between 2021 and 2023, I worked as the Operations Manager at YWCS, where my responsibilities included income generation. The role gave me a valuable insight into the work that happens behind the scenes to keep the charity running, particularly the ongoing challenge of fundraising. It deepened my appreciation of just how vital this work is in enabling us to continue providing low-cost counselling to vulnerable women, ensuring that those who need support are able to access life-changing therapy regardless of their financial circumstances.
I also work as a counsellor in private practice. In my spare time I enjoy travelling, skiing and getting out into nature with my dog.
Emma
I’m a psychotherapeutic counsellor who brings warmth, compassion and genuine curiosity to my work with clients. I completed my Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling and my core training in Transactional Analysis with Northern Guild Counselling and Psychotherapy, on a course accredited by UKCP and BACP. I am a registered member of BACP and continue to develop my practice through regular supervision and ongoing training.
I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches, including Transactional Analysis, humanistic and psychodynamic therapy, attachment and inner-child work. I have a particular interest in trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming practice, and am passionate about creating a safe, accepting space where women can explore their experiences without judgement.
Before becoming a therapist, I worked for over 20 years as a professional harpist and music teacher. My musical background has shaped my appreciation of listening deeply, noticing what is expressed beyond words, and meeting each person with sensitivity and care.
Tara
Counselling is a more than a job to me; it's a vocation. Having experienced the life-changing power of therapy myself, I wanted to support people to experience that empowerment for themselves, and so I left my role in Communications and Social Media Management to train as a therapist.
I hold a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and am currently studying for a Master's in Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice. I am an Accredited Registrant with the NCPS and a registered member of the BACP.
I am a person-centred therapist with an integrative approach. This means we can use a few different therapeutic approaches in our work together, it's like having a really cool toolbox of things to support you when you need them most.
I specialise in working with neurodivergent clients, and women and non-binary people who are survivors of sexual, physical, or domestic violence. I also have specialist training in bereavement and grief counselling through my work as a volunteer counsellor with Marie Curie.
Gill
I came into counselling as a career change and studied Integrative Counselling at Leeds Beckett University, gaining my PG Diploma. My counselling approach is fundamentally humanistic and holistic, valuing each client individually. I believe the therapeutic relationship is at the core of healing. I prioritise building a genuine, empathetic, and collaborative relationship that fosters trust, autonomy and emotional safety.
My placement started at YWCS, and it was a huge compliment to be asked to stay on as a volunteer. YWCS serves a community and I am part of the community. I was given the opportunity to enhance my skills and learning and now in turn I can give back to the community. Providing a safe place for women to explore and work through their problems.
Qualifications:
Post-graduate Diploma- Integrative Counselling
MA Integrative Counselling (ongoing)
BACP registered member
Specialisms:
Domestic abuse
Adoption
Attachment
Neurodiversity
Emma
I have been part of York Women's Counselling team since January 2016, like many of our volunteers, I became involved when I needed a trainee counsellor placement. It's a privilege to stand alongside clients, supporting them to explore their psychological distress and help them to lead a more fulfilling life. In my practice, I place particular emphasis on the therapeutic relationship so my clients feel safe, respected and heard.
I am extremely proud to volunteer alongside and learn from our team of skilled counsellors, we are a community of women supporting women, which I value greatly, both in my therapeutic work and with my own wellbeing.
As well as volunteering and working part-time as the service's Counselling Manager, I have my own private counselling practice. In my spare time, I am an avid crafter and I love to be out and about with friends, enjoying a meal or exploring the beautiful Yorkshire countryside.
Lauren
My therapeutic practice is shaped by my professional experience in archaeology and retail, as well as by my personal journey. After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at a young age, I learned to adapt to a life-altering condition. That experience opened doors I could not have imagined ten years ago and gave me a deeper appreciation of resilience, change and self-discovery. I hope to draw on these insights to support others as they navigate their own paths.
Since completing a CPCAB counselling diploma, I have provided person-centred support to clients for more than a year. I am continuing my professional development through a Level 5 course in psychotherapeutic counselling, expanding my skills and exploring new ways of working. At the heart of my practice is the belief that a genuine, trusting relationship provides the foundation for meaningful therapeutic work.
I became a counsellor because I wanted to support people who might otherwise struggle to access therapy. Volunteering with York Women’s Counselling Service allows me to put that commitment into practice. I am grateful for the organisation’s support and for the opportunities it has given me to grow while helping others.
Janet
I am a qualified counsellor and have been part of York Women’s Counselling Services since completing my student placement with the service. I successfully completed my 100 placement hours and have continued to volunteer with York Women ever since.
I feel very strongly about the work York Women’s Counselling Services provides, making counselling accessible to women in the York area through a donation-based service. I value the ethos of the organisation and the genuine commitment to supporting both clients and counsellors. The ongoing support, supervision and opportunities for continuing professional development have been an important part of my own journey, helping me to continue learning and developing as a counsellor.
I hold a Level 4 Diploma in Counselling and am a member of the BACP.
My counselling experience has covered a wide range of issues, including grief, sexual abuse, trauma and neurodivergence. Every client brings their own unique experiences and needs, and I believe in meeting people with compassion, acceptance and without judgement.
Lucy
I joined York Women’s Counselling in August 2024 as a volunteer psychotherapist / EMDR therapist. I am passionate about helping people heal from trauma and empowering people to make positive change in their lives. I am proud to volunteer for an organization run by women to support women.
I qualified with an MA in Art Psychotherapy Practice in 2011, and since then I have worked mainly with children and adults who have been impacted by complex trauma.
I am currently practicing EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) which uses eye movement and bi-lateral tapping to help process difficult memories, thoughts and feelings.
I spend my spare time making art, walking in the countryside and lounging with my cat, Bertie! I find these really beneficial to my own well-being.
Abi
I am a person-centred counsellor who believes in creating a safe, warm and non-judgemental space where women can explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences at their own pace. I believe each person is unique and the expert in their own life, and I value building a trusting relationship where clients feel heard, accepted and understood.
I hold a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I have an interest in supporting women with areas such as self-esteem, anxiety, relationships, loss and life changes.
I enjoy using creative and arts-based activities as a gateway to expression, offering an opportunity for freedom of expression when words may feel difficult. I choose to volunteer with York Women’s Counselling Service because I share its values and believe in providing accessible counselling to women who may not otherwise have the opportunity to access support.
Cherée
I’m a qualified Counsellor and Psychotherapist who works integratively and systemically, with a particular focus on the person-centred approach. I aim to offer a safe, calm and compassionate space where women can feel heard, respected and accepted, and explore what they are experiencing at their own pace and without judgement. I work collaboratively, drawing on different therapeutic approaches to meet each person’s individual needs and circumstances.
I chose to volunteer with York Women’s Counselling because I value its commitment to providing support for women and felt its values closely reflected my own. I’m particularly interested in how relationships, family, culture and wider experiences can shape our sense of self and the way we relate to others.
I’m an accredited registrant member of the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). I hold an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Strathclyde and a Diploma in Counselling: Integrative and Systemic Approach with Couples and Family from AARC Services in Glasgow.
I work with individuals experiencing a range of challenges, including anxiety, low mood and depression, anger, stress, burnout, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, attachment, trauma, bereavement and loss.
Jill
As a person-centred counsellor I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental counselling space where you can untangle complex feelings, handle the unique pressures of modern life and find your way through major transitions, at your own pace.
My original background in sociology and education shapes how I support the people I work with through the everyday ups and downs of relationships and family life.
I hold a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and am a member of the BACP.
I am passionate about equality and empowerment for women and girls and am proud to volunteer at York Women's Counselling Service where I love being part of such a supportive and valuable team offering counselling to women across our community.
Outside of work, you will find me enjoying spending time with my family, attempting to make my garden a mini haven for local wildlife or welly-booting it along rural tracks with my trusty pooch.
Elizabeth
I am a Level 4 qualified counsellor and a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I am currently working towards a BA (Hons) in Integrative Counselling to further develop my knowledge and skills as a therapist.
My core therapeutic approach is Person-Centred, as I value creating a safe, non-judgemental and trusting space where clients feel heard, respected and able to explore their experiences at their own pace. I have also studied Transactional Analysis (TA) at the Berne Institute and have a good understanding of TA theory, which I incorporate into my practice where appropriate.
I have experience supporting clients with issues including trauma, domestic abuse, relationships, anxiety, self-esteem and life transitions. I chose to volunteer with YWCS because I value its commitment to supporting women and providing an inclusive, compassionate space where women can feel empowered and supported through difficult times.
Sharon
I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Humanistic Counselling from York St John University and am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I feel privileged to continue working with York Women’s Counselling, where I have spent the past two years as a student counsellor.
I aim to offer a safe, warm and non-judgemental space where you can feel accepted and free to be yourself, whatever you may be experiencing.
I believe that having someone alongside you who listens with empathy and understanding can help you feel less alone as you explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences. Together, we can make space for you to discover what feels right for you, develop a deeper understanding of yourself, and find your own way forward at your own pace.