About Me
I am an experienced therapist having worked extensively with adults, couples and families for many years. Alongside my independent practice I have worked with a local charity as clinical lead for their child and family service, two years in CAMHS as a family therapist, and currently running training and supervision with a team looking after vulnerable young people in care. I am occasionally available to work with families who are in the court system, where other professionals are involved. I am currently completing a Systemic Supervision and Consultancy training course at the Tavistock and Portman Clinic in London.
I run courses for adults on Biography Work, and am co-director of a one-year training course in Biographical Counselling Skills – see here: https://www.biographicalcounsellors.org.uk/course
I also teach and contribute to the Mental Health Seminar at Emerson College: https://emerson.org.uk/course/mental-health-seminars/
As well as doing a three year Counselling Diploma course, I have also completed a four year training in Family Therapy, (also known as Systemic Psychotherapy). During my training I held an honorary contract with Birmingham NHS Trust offering family therapy, consultancy and supervision in out-patient CAMHS and also within an inpatient specialist eating disorder unit. On completion of my training, I held a part-time post for two years offering family therapy with an outpatient CAMHS service. I have experience in incorporating a multi disciplinary approach into my work where I work alongside the input of other professionals, carers and those involved in treatment.
I am registered with UKCP, and was previously an accredited member of The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (www.bacp.co.uk). I am a member of AFT (Association of Family Therapy), and work in accordance with these professional guidelines and codes of ethics. I am also on the register of Preferred Providers for Gloucestershire County Council and can accept referrals from Social Workers and other professionals in the county.
I attend regular CPD events related to my personal and professional development, and have had my own psychotherapy and counselling in different forms (including family therapy). I take a passionate position to ensure an anti-oppressive practice. This is also against othering in all its forms and child focussed.
I have an up-to-date certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), and I am fully insured with Professional Indemnity Insurance and Professional Liability Insurance. And I am up-to-date with safeguarding training.
Primary Training:
Systemic Supervision and Consultancy – Tavistock & Portman Clinic 2023 to 2024
MSc in Systemic Psychotherapy - Birmingham University 2018-2020
Intermediate Skills in Family Therapy and Systemic Practice - Birmingham Parkview Clinic 2015
Foundation Level in Family Therapy and Systemic Practice - Birmingham Parkview Clinic 2013
Diploma in Biographical Counselling 2008
Additional Training:
NVR (Non-Violent Resistance) Advanced Training 2023
NVR (Non-Violent Resistance) Foundation Training 2019
Post Qualifying Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy 2010
CRUSE Bereavement Care training 2007
Psychodrama Skills Training (2years) 2001 and 2003
CPD experience and areas of interest include: Sex in psychotherapy, working with dissociation, trauma and the effects of neglect and sexual violence, mindfulness, meditation and contemplative enquiry, working with the inner child, humanising the workplace, leadership and role development in organisations, holistic health care for children and families. Child development, and the development of the senses and the 7 life processes.
Links and Resources
Samaritans – immediate support if you are feeling suicidal: Tel: 116 123 https://www.samaritans.org/
GDASS - Supporting victims of Domestic Abuse in Gloucestershire: https://www.gdass.org.uk/
Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind - Support for Mental Health Problems: https://www.sgmind.org.uk/
Overeaters Anonymous: https://www.oagb.org.uk/
Alcoholics Anonymous: https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/
Young Minds - Support for Mental Health Issues for Young People: https://youngminds.org.uk/
Eating Disorder Support Gloucestershire: https://helpfinder.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/eating-disorders-service-gloucestershire
Information about Parental Alienation: https://thealienationexperience.org.uk/
