A Bit About Me
I began my career as a teacher of English, and spent 23 years working in Leeds high schools as a classroom teacher, Assistant Head of Year and Head of Department. I left teaching in 2001 and moved into the voluntary sector, where I have undertaken a variety of roles involving training, advice and guidance, and advocacy. I have extensive experience of supporting employment and training and the substance misuse, addiction and recovery arena, as well as involvement in a CCG funded project where I undertook group counselling with a target group of socially isolated men at risk of suicide.
I gained some counselling qualifications whilst in education, and resumed my studies after leaving the teaching profession. I completed my Diploma in Counselling and Human Relations in 2010.
In addition to my work in addiction, I have a keen interest in employment issues and acted as a support officer in my workplace, assisting with sickness reviews, reasonable adjustments, grievances and disciplinary processes. I have many years of experience in relationship counselling, self-esteem, domestic abuse and bereavement and loss.
I completed the training programme at Bradford Bereavement Support and served as Vice Chair from October 2012-October 2013 and Management Chair from October 2013 - October 2016, spending many years there as a volunteer counsellor.
I am committed to my own ongoing personal and professional development and enhance this by undertaking regular training. I work within the BACP Ethical Framework and attend regular supervision in order to explore ethical issues and ensure my fitness to practise.
I am covered by full professional indemnity insurance.
My Qualifications and Professional Membership
Diploma HE Counselling and Human Relations (Bradford College)
Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Coping Skills - CBT (University of Leeds)
Transactional Analysis 101 Certificate (Tenemos)
Transactional Analysis 202 Certificate (The Link Centre)
80 hours Training Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling (Counselling Tutor)
Certificate in Supervision (Manchester Institute of Psychotherapy)
Certificate in Couples Therapy (Leeds Psychotherapy Institute)
Level 1&2 in EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)
OCR Level 3 Certificate in Counselling
NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care
NVQ Level 3 Leadership and Management
NVQ Level 3 Information, Advice and Guidance
NVQ Level 4 in Careers Advice and Guidance
OCR Level 6 in Careers Counselling and Development
BA (Hons) English Language and Literature
Postgraduate Certificate in Education
Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy - on the Accredited Voluntary Register
I was an active member of both the NUT and NASUWT while teaching. I am currently a member of UNISON and the PCU (Psychotherapy and Counselling Union)
Registered with Counselling Directory
I am fully (enhanced) D.B.S. (formerly C.R.B.) checked.