I trained as a therapist relatively late in life and had previously worked in the IT sector installing computer systems, training staff; developing support systems and integrating workflows. Other work included project managing and developing IT systems to allow small business to migrate to the technology; installation and management of IT infrastruture; and offering IT management services.  This followed 10 years working as a teacher in Secondary schools, and two years previously as an insurance underwriter.

I have been working as a therapist since 2002 and have complemented this work with associated activities that have included support work of university students with emotional/psychological issues; working with health professionals to enhance their communication/counselling skills; taught on UKCP accredited Post Graduate Master Integrative Psychotherapy programmes for over 7 years; and I have facilitated CPD workshops engaged in promoting therapeutic skills and development since 2006

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My psychotherapy qualification is an MA in Gestalt Psychotherapy from Birmingham University having trained with the Sherwood Training Institute in Nottingham.  I am a registered Gestalt Psychotherapist with UKCP, and I am a member of the UK Association for Gestalt Practitioners (UKAGP).  I was also a member of the UK Association for Psychotherapy Integration (UKAPI) during its active period.

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I work as a therapist in private practice, with both adults and young adults.

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I am qualified as a Clinical Supervisor, with a Certificate in Supervision from the  Centre for Supervision and Team Development (CSTD) in Bath; and this is accredited with UKCP

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The trainer element in me stems from my earlier career as a (Maths) teacher working in secondary school, mainly in Leicester.  In fact, although I was not aware of it at the time, my teaching approach was supportive of the Gestalt way of working.  I imagine had I known and learnt Gestalt theory back then I may have remained a teacher.  That said, I am so glad and happy to be able to do the work I now do; it is a privilege and honour to be allowed to share in a persons journey of discovery and growth.

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Clinical Experience:

I have gained valuable experience and learning through my work with individuals, and couples, dealing with a wide range of difficulties.

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• Working within a medical practice.

• Brief and focal therapy.

• I work in private practice with adults and adolescents; individuals and couples.

• Working for WEA (Workers Educational Association) to deliver adult evening classes with a Listening/Self Development theme.

• Working within Primary and Secondary Education as a therapist with Nottingham students 10 - 16, for three years.

• Delivered CPD courses for health professionals on Counselling Skills and Skills Consolidation, Communication Skills and Bereavement courses for three years.

• I worked as a Safe Speak (part of Derby Relate) counsellor working with adolescents for three years

• Lecturer in psychotherapy for Postgraduate Masters Integrative Psychotherapy programme for six years

• Mental Health Support worker with university students through their Wellbeing Service, for seven years. 

• Delivered many Professional Development workshops for counsellors and psychotherapists in Birmingham over a period of seven years. 

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Clinical Qualification: MA (B'ham) Gestalt Psychotherapy

Supervisor Qualification: Certificate in Supervision (CSTD, Bath)

Clinical Practice:  Lichfield only.  (I have closed my office in Nottingham)

Supervisory Practice: Lichfield

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My father was a member of the Royal Air Force (RAF) and he met my mother whilst stationed in RAF Aldergrove. At 11 months old my I experiened my first flight, from RAF Lyneham to RAF Changi, in Singapore.  Do I remember this flight? No, but I have my first memory at 15 months when I needed to have an out patient operation and I recall the operating theatre, and walking home. Walkin down the hill from the hospital with my father.  I remeber the Christmas preparations and asking about the white foam he was putting on to the Christmas tree. I asked what it was for and he told me it was snow.  His response stays with me, not least as it was said so many times as I grew up; you will find out later, he said.  This answer was repeated so many times to my questions of inquiry, curiosity, and exploration.

My family became civilians when I was 20. The pattern of moving home however continued and saw me relocate across a number of cities and in each city numerous accommadation changes. This might be seen as maintaining my Script.  Eric Berne put forward that the pattern of our lives is formed by the tiem we are six - for me a pattern of relocating.