Who are we?

Well firstly and most importantly I am a mum to 2 boys and a large family of animals.

I am a counsellor using different approaches with persons centered theory at the core of my work.

Following professionally qualifying as an adult counsellor, I went on to gain additional training in working with children and young people too.

I then gained a second Diploma in child counselling. I have spent many years working therapeutically with children in primary schools, children's charity Place2Be, in various other agencies and within my own private practice.

During my time within Place2Be I assisted in facilitating group work involving up to 10 children supporting them about interactions, differences and emotions between each other.

I also offered support for children of Time2Talk sessions where they could drop in to share for a limited time either individually or in friendship groups about any worries, or issues raised.

I went on to complete a postgraduate qualification with Tavistock and Portman (NHS) in child, adolescent and family mental multi-disciplinary systemic therapy. I then became an Accredited Family Therapist and Registered with AFT.

I then went on to complete a Masters in Psychology at University with hope to widen my understanding of neuroscience, social science and human development to further enhance my work with others.

I decided to undertake clinical training in Autism diagnosis assessment using the gold standard ADI-R and ADOS-2 for children and adults. This was undertaken to increase my knowledge and understanding of the diagnosis process and have deeper understanding. This further enhanced my therapeutic work with greater awareness and understanding of neurodiversity.

I went on to become a fully trained clinical supervisor offering support to counsellors working with all age groups, including online and telephone supervision.

I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

I am a mum with two grown up children who started a career in teaching (predominantly additional needs provision) and recognised my interest in children and young peoples mental health I am passionate about engaging with people in a positive way believing that everyone possesses what they need to make changes I adopt a person centred approach and tailor therapy to meet individual needs. I am committed to furthering my own development and recently trained as a clinical supervisor, I am privileged to be part of an amazing team who’s values and ethos aline with my own.

MA in Youth Work & BSc hons Health and Community StudiesStarting with a dance career that included training at the High School for the performing Arts Texas and London Contemporary Dance School, I performed everything from ballet to hip hop across the UK. I became a mum and went on to become a youth worker through teaching and choreographing dance with inner city and rural areas. Over the past 30 years I have supported young people to create projects that capture their voice and aspirations including award winning peer education projects (Philip Lawrence Award) and break dance projects. Over the past ten years I have developed my individual support to young people as a case officer in Gloucestershire Public Protection Unit and the Shaw Trust focusing on child exploitation. My approach is person centred which achieves meaningful support and outcomes that are important to the young person. This means all young people that I work with, will receive tailored support for their unique needs and aspirations.I am a professional youth worker that uses different approaches that are trauma informed and educational.Approaches and support can include:Trauma recovery / Trauma informed model of care (TIMOC)Systemic family support / Teen Triple P parentingConflict resolutionEmotional support that builds resilience and confidenceUnderstanding yourself through personal construct Psychology approachesHealthy relationships and sexual health educationUnderstanding power and control in respect of unhealthy relationshipsYoung women’s empowerment support / educationUnderstanding exploitation and grooming, including online adviceUnderstanding anxietyPersonal and social development supportGroup work for young peopleParent workshopsHarmful sexual behaviour support through AIM assessmentReducing parental conflict supportAdditional experience / skills and qualifications.Guest lectures / workshop training delivery for the University of Gloucestershire, supported living staff, District Councils and Gloucestershire Safeguarding Childrens Partnership, including engagement, contextual safeguarding, and exploitation.Youth Justice trained – Unitas level 4