My Background
For a long time now, I’ve been interested to know how I, and we, can feel more comfortable in our own skin, and how to be authentic, and feel connected with other people. After studying psychology at university, I travelled to India where I learnt about Buddhism, a subject that helped start a journey towards a greater understanding, and a greater acceptance of myself.
After working as a facilitator and coach running training groups within organisations, aged 37 I decided to re-train by studying an MSc in Gestalt Psychotherapy at Metanoia Institute, Middlesex University. In 2018, I qualified, accredited and registered as UKCP psychotherapist, and I have been running my private practice in Bristol since. In 2022, I trained to become a UKCP registered supervisor, studying for a Diploma in Contemplative Supervision in Core Process, at the Karuna Institute. I now see individuals and couples for therapy, clinically supervise psychotherapists and trainee psychotherapists, and run a weekly therapy group.
Development
Throughout life, my ongoing development and growth has been important to me. I came to therapy in my 20s, and now in my 40s, I continue to undertake regular activities to further and deepen my understanding of myself. I've attended retreats and training programmes, from spirituality to mindfulness and bodywork, to explore myself at depth and to find greater peace.
More recently, I have been a student with the Ridhwan school, on the Diamond Path taught by Hammed Ali, and become part of a quarterly therapy group for therapists. This work, developing presence, is as I see it, is at the heart of what makes a psychotherapeutic relationship most likely to be experienced as supportive and growthful by the client.
I have a particular interest in Group Work, and in 2016 I trained to run therapy groups at the Edinburgh Gestalt Institute. I have recently started teaching psychotherapy and counselling at the Gestalt Centre Wales, the Bath Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling on the Diploma in Humanistic and Integrative Counselling programme, as a Guest Gestalt lecturer on the MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy course at the University of West of England.
I now teach as a Personal Development Group Tutor at UWE, and as the Lead Tutor on the PG Certificate, Year 1 of the MA in Gestalt Psychotherapy at the Gestalt Centre London, London Metropolitan University. I have also delivered workshops in Europe, please do contact me if you would be interested in a discussion about a workshop in your country.
Training and Experience
2018 MSc in Gestalt Psychotherapy, Middlesex University
2018 Clinical Diploma in Gestalt Therapy, Middlesex University
2017 Certificate in Gestalt Group Facilitation: Leading Explorations in the Relational Space Edinburgh Gestalt Institute
2019 Pacific Gestalt Institute Residential Training Programme, LA (10-day) with Lynne Jacobs and Gary Yontef
2019 Gianni Fransceti Gestalt Therapy and Phenomenological Approach to Psychopathology and Clinical Practice, IPSIG. Turin
2022 Diploma in Contemplative Supervision, Karuna Institute
2023 Challenges of Racism in Therapeutic Practice
