About Sonya

My story, my values, my qualifications and experience

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a close up of a dandelion in a field

About Sonya

Hi, my name is Sonya and I believe passionately that mental and physical health go hand in hand and are equally important. It’s OK to not to be OK and I am here to help when life becomes overwhelming and to offer support when you’re feeling alone and frustrated.
I have been a Senior teacher working in Birmingham, London and the Isle of Man for 30 years where I supported families and young people to improve their mental well-being and develop greater self confidence. As well as holding a BEd Hons degree in Education I also have a level 5 Counselling Diploma and currently work alongside Claire visiting young people referred to Cruse Bereavement Support.
It would be my pleasure to help you become a happier more content person, able to manage emotional experiences more effectively and to feel greater control of your life.
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My Approach & Values

I have completed a qualification in Social Therapeutic Horticulture and feel that being part of nature helps with mental health balance. I live on a small farm surrounded by my chickens, ducks and dogs! I find that planting seeds in my polytunnel allows me time to escape the pressures of everyday life and re-energise myself.
I am a qualified Drawing and Talking practitioner using pictures as a prompt to unlock trauma and encouraging individuals to share past life experiences that may be impacting on their ability to move forward.

I understand how challenging it can be when you feel lost or stuck in a rut. When my children were young their Dad died suddenly by suicide. It left me floundering with five children all grieving differently- I was trying to work full time, support them while trying to make sense of what had happened. A close friend suggested I seek help and I reluctantly agreed to meet a counsellor…It was a true lifeline! By talking to someone impartial who wouldn’t judge me it allowed me to clear my head and focus on making one small step at a time. Let me help you make those small steps to a clearer more healthy mind with empathy and compassion. 

My Qualifications and Experience

  • Bachelor of Education Honours Degree
  • Level 5 Counselling Diploma – accredited by TQUK
  • Qualified Youth Mental Health First Aider
  • Cruse Bereavement Support Foundation Course
  • Cruse Children and Young Person’s Bereavement Course
  • Social and Therapeutic Horticulture Practice
  • Drawing and Talking Therapy 
  • Cruse Face-to-Face Workshop
  • Safeguarding
  • Trauma Awareness Workshop
  • Suicide Awareness Workshop