Trauma informed therapy, counselling & coaching
Why Trauma-informed?
In today’s always-on, fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. So many women are carrying emotional stress while trying to keep up with the demands of life, work, and relationships. Over time, this can show up as patterns that feel hard to shift — ways of coping or responding that once helped us get through, but now feel limiting or exhausting.
Often, these patterns have deep roots. They can be shaped by our early experiences and the beliefs we formed about ourselves along the way. What once protected us can quietly turn into something that holds us back. And when emotions don’t feel safe to express, they don’t simply disappear — they can settle in the body, affecting how we feel both emotionally and physically.
In my work, I gently support you in creating space for your feelings — at your own pace, in a way that feels safe and manageable. When emotions are acknowledged and allowed, the body has a natural ability to process and release them.
It’s a little like being in the ocean. When we’re caught in strong currents, it’s instinctive to fight and stay afloat, which can feel exhausting. But when we learn how to move with the waves, rather than against them, we find a sense of steadiness and safety.
From this place, life can begin to feel different — clearer, calmer, and more spacious. You may notice a greater sense of ease, connection, and possibility in both your inner world and your outer life.
“Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional”
Haruki Murakami
My work embodies experience as a trauma informed therapist (studied under the Compassionate Inquiry programme - Gabor Maté ), coach and counsellor. Underpinned by a passion for people.
I work with women who are looking for a safe space to feel supported and held to help navigate life’s challenges.
Trauma Informed Therapy
Somatic Therapy
Self Care and Wellness
Mind Body Wellbeing
Ways to work together
I offer a confidential calm space at my home in West Dorset for in person sessions, and also online via zoom which has equally impactful results according to client feedback. Sessions are typically 1 hour long and scheduled at a pace that suits you, often starting with weekly or fortnightly and moving to monthly after approximately 6 sessions.
I also have a limited number of free sessions for clients who are in financial need.
What to expect from a session
Gently seen and deeply heard — experiencing a space where nothing needs to be hidden or judged, and your story is met with genuine curiosity and compassion.
Safe to explore at your own pace — with no pressure to “figure it all out,” allowing your body and emotions to guide what feels ready to be uncovered.
More connected to your inner experience — beginning to notice thoughts, feelings, and body sensations with greater awareness and compassion, rather than overwhelm.
Less alone in what you’re carrying — feeling supported as we make sense of patterns that may have once felt confusing or isolating.
A softening of self-judgment — starting to understand how your coping strategies once served you, and meeting yourself with kindness instead of criticism.
A sense of calm clarity and possibility — leaving with a little more space inside, and a growing trust in your ability to navigate life with greater ease and self-understanding.
About Vanessa
Life began with a quest for glamour and a career in fashion, travelling the world and developing brands for an eclectic mix of designers and publishers.
A move to a coastal life prompted a swap of the catwalk for a different form of creativity, as a brand consultant in human development and wellbeing; green smoothies replaced cocktails and cold water swimming for nightclubs!
Having volunteered at The Samaritans as a listener and outreach worker for several years, studying counselling (Diploma Level 3 TQUK) and coaching (CPD accredited), as well as training in Compassionate Inquiry.
Exploring my own behavioural patterns consistently over the last 20 years, together with extensive research and learning has made dramatic, positive changes to my own life. This is part of the safe space that I want to share with other women to help them reclaim their true identity, purpose and passion at work and in life.
“Trauma is not what happens to you, but what happens inside you”
Gabor Maté