Qualifications and Background

My Qualifications;

• Diploma in Counselling (BACP Accredited)

• Certificate in Counselling

• MSc Social Work

• BA (Hons)

• Foundation Certificates in Group Analysis and Core Process Psychotherapy

• Foundation in Outdoor Education Leadership

I have worked in the field of Mental Health for over 20 years, in the NHS as a Mental Health Social Worker, in Education and Youth Work settings and as a Specialist Trauma Counsellor for SARSAS (Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support). I have also worked with carers as a counsellor for Dementia Care Trust and as a Social Worker with adults with physical disabilities. I have completed specialist mental health training around trauma, self-injury, addiction, eating disorders, domestic abuse, depression and anxiety. I currently combine my private practice with a role in the Wellbeing Service at Exeter University.

In 2009 I decided to undertake a professional counselling training at UWE, Bristol to support my Mental Health work. I qualified as an Integrative Counsellor (Diploma in Professional Studies Counselling) in 2011. The course is fully accredited by the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and I am on the BACP National Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists. This means that I adhere to the standards set out in the BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy.

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In addition to my counselling qualifications I have a background in Mental Health and Social Work and am qualified with an MSc Social Work from the University of Bristol. In this capacity I am registered with Social Work England - an independent UK-wide regulatory body responsible for setting and maintaining standards of professional training, performance and conduct of the social work profession.

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I have further training and experience in Trauma Informed Practice, Motivational Interviewing, Brief Solution-Focused Therapy, Coaching Approaches and CBT skills.

I have completed a Foundation Certificate in Core Process Psychotherapy with the Karuna Institute, Devon. This is a psycho-spiritual approach integrating Buddhist understanding of personality and consciousness with Western psychotherapeutic theory and practice. Mindfulness is a key part of this practice.

In 2019 I completed a year long Foundation in Outdoor Education Leadership ‘Call of the Wild’ with Shumacher College and Wildwise Events, Devon. The course was a hands-on experiential introduction to deep ecology, mentoring nature-connection, earth education, bush-craft, ceremony and storytelling. I am developing this side of my work to integrate the benefits of nature connection with my counselling practice through ecotherapy. 

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I have my own experience of therapy and nature connection practice, as I believe that it is important for counsellors to have a commitment to their own personal development and wellbeing to work with effectively with clients.  I attend regular Continuing Professional Development lectures, conferences and workshops to reflect on and update my practice. I receive monthly supervision of my counselling work and I am fully insured.

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I live with my partner, two daughters and various animals in Devon.