Training, Qualifications & Experience

My background is in nursing, and as a qualified nurse I worked within the NHS for many years. I am currently employed by Derby University as Programme Leader and Senior Lecturer in Counselling and Psychotherapy and I combine this role with my private counselling practice.

I have a first class honours degree in Humanistic Counselling and a distinction at Masters level in Trauma Studies, both from the University of Nottingham. I am also a qualified supervisor, with a diploma in supervision. I have a postgraduate Diploma in working with children and young people and a postgraduate certificate in a technique known as Focusing.

I have attended further training in working creatively with clients, working with anxiety and depression, sexuality, domestic violence, self harm and suicide, loss and grief, childhood sexual abuse, safeguarding and child protection, mindfulness, and counselling and the law.

I volunteered for 4 years for ISAS (Incest and Sexual Abuse Survivors) and I was a volunteer counsellor and board member for Counselling Xtra in Nottingham for 3 years. I have worked as a consultant in mediation with local companies. I am trained and experienced in group therapy. My research interests include the role of relationship in counselling children and young people, psychological trauma following miscarriage and stillbirth, person centred education, and reflective practice of counselling students.