Who am I?

Firstly, my ‘core profession’ is a occupational therapist; a wonderful role enabling the individual to return to ‘function’ after a period of illness, disease or injury. A major feature of OT is helping a person to find and maintain ‘balance’ within life. As an experienced occupational therapist I have been employed in numerous mental health care settings. Following this, my first training as a psychotherapist came in the form of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which I hold a masters degree. Added to this, I have trained in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). I am also a qualified EMDR practitioner, also trained in Attachment-focused EMDR and EMDR for Children and young people. I am a mindfulness teacher, qualified in MBCT-D, MBCT-L and Mindfulness: Finding Peace in a Frantic World (M-FP). I am accredited CBT Practitioner and an accredited CBT supervisor (BABCP). Along with this, I am an accredited EMDR Practitioner (EMDR Association UK). I am also a listed Mindfulness Teacher with British Association of Mindfulness-based Approaches (BAMBA).

What do I do?

After 31 years working within health care (27 within the NHS) I decided to leave and work within private practice. I manage my own therapy service for people of all ages and conditions. I provide one to one sessions and a variety of MBCT groups. Added to this, I supervisee CBT therapists in training and those who have qualified. My current role with the OMF is a Mentor to Teachers in training, closely supporting trainees as they journey along their learning. This is an exciting time, and it is a pleasure to go to work each day. Next, I am hoping to explore the impact of mindfulness interventions upon individuals from the LGBTQ+ community, I am sure this will be an interesting venture.