Nice to meet you..
My Journey
My interest in psychotherapy started early on in my social work career within the field of children and families. I worked with families that were impacted upon by trauma, and issues such as domestic violence, child abuse, substance use, poor mental health, neglect and generational trauma. Attachment theory and systemic thinking offered theories of change and ways of understanding and attempting to support families in distress.
Fast-forward a few years and I achieved an MSc in Systemic Psychotherapy with Distinction. Psychotherapy had a profound and positive impact on my life. I spent some time as a family therapist in the local authority. I supported social workers and other professionals in systemic training to Foundation Level, provided systemic supervision, and also team management with a focus on systemic practice. Ultimately, I was compelled to return to direct practice, to work with individuals, families and couples. I maintain some connection with the Hull Children and Young People's Services, and the local authorities in the supporting area; East Riding, Lincs and NE. Lincs. This is predominantly offering family therapy to adoptive families. I am also a member of The School of Life Psychotherapy Team, working online with a global client base.
In my work, I support people to make sense of their lives and the patterns of their lives. Sometimes people make helpful connections with their earlier lives and experiences. Sometimes people gain new perspectives. Sometimes people use therapy to process difficult thoughts and experiences, or find ways of communicating with their loved ones about difficult subjects. I draw upon a variety of methods and approaches, and use the therapeutic process to support people to develop greater self-reflexivity. I maintain my registration through my ongoing commitment to training and professional development, with regular supervision in both EFT and also systemic psychotherapy.
The University of Wales 1995-7, post grad diploma in social work
The University of Derby 2017-19, MSc Systemic Psychotherapy
International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focussed Couples Therapy 2022/23 (12m Externship & 12m Core Skills training)
United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy and Counselling
The Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice
Approved Therapeutic Provider List for One Adoption Consortium