I am an independent therapist/counsellor and have been in private practice in Manchester since 2014. Before training as a therapist I worked in secondary education for 20 years which I really enjoyed. Initially, I was a classroom teacher and eventually served as a senior leader with responsibility for inclusion and safeguarding. In 2011 there was a large reorganisation in our area and redundancy (though unwanted) did enable me to take a career break and retrain. It’s something I’ve never regretted.
Working as a therapist is a real privilege. My own experiences of being in therapy have been so positive and led to so much personal growth and I know from my work with hundreds of clients that good therapy can truly be life-changing.
My diploma was in Person Centered Counselling (Manchester College). My approach is non-directive but I do check with clients whether or not they want a slightly more guided approach at the beginning of the work. I have done additional training over the years reflecting my own interests, developments in the field and client needs. In 2019 I also obtained a Diploma in Counselling Supervision from Mary Ward College in London.
In addition to my private work I have also worked in a voluntary capacity at Age UK in Manchester and at the Manchester LGBT foundation. Initially this was part of my training but I continued the work after qualifying for a few years. During lock-down I volunteered again with the LGBT foundation and provided online counselling to clients. At this point I also trained in delivering counselling online. At the moment (2024) I am doing all my work online.
On a personal level, I grew up living in various different countries and like other third-culture kids I got used to being on the edge of different groups – having to work out for myself what it means to belong and how to cope with living on the margins. I recognise that this isn’t always easy and that our sense of our own identity can change and develop over time. I do feel strongly that we should be able to explore and assert our own identities. It is often the case that we identify strongly with x and y when others feel we should choose between them. My belief is that the world is only enriched by the beautiful variety of humans who are able to love and flourish.
Counselling for a better life 