About Monica: Counsellor and Somatic Trauma Therapist, Totnes, Devon

The benefits of working as a counsellor and psychotherapist include the privilege of working closely with people, and the opportunity to keep developing understanding and experience in areas that benefit both my clients and myself.

I am particularly interested in what is happening currently in the realm of neuroscience, and the practical insight this brings to the field of psychotherapy. This interest was initially stimulated by my training with Babette Rothschild (pioneer of Somatic Trauma Therapy), who continues to educate both therapists and trauma sufferers about the nervous system, and to help people to deal with the very tangible effects of trauma and PTSD. I have also trained in person with Janina Fisher who is a world expert on developmental trauma, and recently completed certification as a Sensorimotor Psychotherapist.

My counselling work is also influenced, and supported, by a long-term interest in Mindfulness/ Meditation/ Presence-Awareness, the practices of yoga and qi gong, and the work of my ex-supervisor Roger Linden.

Training and Qualifications:

  • BA Hons Degree in Psychology (1987 - 90)
  • Diploma in Acupuncture (1993 - 96)
  • Clinical Acupuncture Practice in Nanjing, China (1997)
  • Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Humanistic with Gestalt emphasis) (2002-05)
  • Somatic Trauma Therapy Training (2006-07)
  • Accreditation by British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (2007)
  • Somatic Experiencing Level 1 (2007)
  • Body Psychotherapy Training (2008-09)
  • Diploma in Clinical and Creative Supervision (2010-11)
  • Sensorimotor Psychotherapy - Levels 1 and 2, and Advanced Training in Complex Trauma and Dissociation (2014 - 2018)
  • Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Level 3 (2021-23)

I have also completed training in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and undertaken short courses in other relevant areas including Couples Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Transactional Analysis, and more..

Counselling Experience:

  • Childline Volunteer (2001-05)
  • Counsellor for Devon Youth Association (2003-07)
  • Private Practice in Totnes area (2005 onwards)