My story.
I’m Ember (she/they) and I’m a Person-Centred psychotherapist working in-person in Manchester, or online if you’re based elsewhere in the UK.
Since I was very young, I have been deeply interested in our personal stories. What shapes us and makes us who we are… how we make sense of and give meaning to our experiences… what hurts and what heals us. To quote Bella Baxter in the film Poor Things: “I am finding being alive fascinating”.
My first degree was in English Language and Literature (mostly because I loved reading). This really opened my eyes to the richness of what it means to be human. I adored being immersed in so many different cultures and reflecting on what it all meant. How we tell and give meaning to our stories, making sense of what has happened and is happening to us. Thinking about this now, this is very similar to how I see therapy.
Following uni I fell into a role in advertising, moving between various agencies and studios for a few years. I enjoyed the energy of these roles, but something wasn’t sitting right with me. I went to therapy myself after feeling very lost, and experiencing anxiety and depression. From engaging with therapy, I began to develop a deeper, more compassionate understanding of myself and what changes I needed to make for myself in order to move forwards.
I took an introductory course to Humanistic Counselling Skills and Studies at Metanoia Institute, Ealing and knew this was going to be my new path from day one. The same year, I moved into the third (charity) sector, and started my MSc in Contemporary Person-Centred Psychotherapy and Applications. After almost seven years of working and studying, I qualified as a UKCP-registered psychotherapist.
Outside work I love spending as much time outdoors as possible – being in nature is grounding for me and an essential part of my self care. I enjoy keeping active by doing aerial arts and going to the gym. I love reading, films, music, making (and eating) delicious food and spending time with my friends. I volunteer with a not-for-profit community organisation delivering harm reduction and welfare at live events, clubs and festivals. I’m a devoted cat parent to a very chaotic but adorable rescue cat.