Creating Safe Spaces Beyond Therapy

How Community Engagement Shapes My Counselling Practice

A Lifelong Dedication to Creating Safe Spaces

From early on, I’ve been passionate about fostering environments where people can connect, share, and grow. My journey includes:

  • Providing peer support in HIV and LGBTQ+ spaces.

  • Partnering with organisations focused on safety and inclusion.

  • Building supportive online communities that offer real connection.

These experiences taught me the transformative power of being truly seen and heard within a supportive network.

person in red sweater holding babys hand
person in red sweater holding babys hand

Long before I trained as a counsellor, my community work shaped how I engage with people. Managing safe social spaces in the LGBTQ+ scene and leading inclusive online forums gave me invaluable insights into the diverse challenges people face.

Community work isn't separate from counselling — it’s the foundation.

Every time we create a space where someone feels valued, respected, and safe, we’re doing therapeutic work.

Why Community Matters in Counselling

In therapy, having a sense of belonging is crucial. It’s not just about being heard; it’s about being understood.

My community experience taught me:

  • The importance of co-creating safe spaces, not dictating them.

  • How diverse perspectives enrich understanding.

  • That connection and shared experience are powerful tools for healing.

These lessons are woven into every session, ensuring you’re met with empathy and real-world understanding.

Certified Community Manager & Digital Advocacy

My passion for community-building also extends into the digital world. As a Meta Certified Community Manager and a member of Facebook’s Power Admins Global Program, I’ve honed my skills in creating supportive online spaces.

These platforms have shown me how digital communities can provide:

  • Genuine connection and advocacy.

  • A sense of belonging, even in virtual spaces.

  • Safe environments for meaningful dialogue.

This digital expertise complements my therapeutic practice, ensuring the spaces I hold — both online and in-person — are inclusive and welcoming.

Empowering Through Community Engagement

Community engagement is about more than participation — it’s about empowerment. In my counselling practice, this means:

  • Encouraging you to express your story with confidence.

  • Offering a space where your voice is valued and heard.

  • Supporting you in navigating life’s challenges with resilience.

These values aren’t just theoretical; they’re the principles I bring into every session.

Building Safe Spaces: A Foundation for Counselling

Counselling is about more than just one-to-one conversations. It's about creating environments where people feel safe, heard, and empowered to be themselves. That’s why my work in community-building is a vital part of who I am as a therapist.

Whether it’s supporting online groups, fostering inclusive environments, or helping individuals feel seen, my approach is grounded in the belief that belonging matters.