ABOUT ME
I am an experienced, trauma informed psychotherapist and coach, with a warm, compassionate and grounded approach. I believe in the importance of a collaborative, co-created therapeutic relationship to explore the challenges and possibilities that you bring. It can be a messy and tricky business being human, and I'm passionate about offering the kind of support and embodied, depth inquiry that can unblock creativity and enable more ease and flow, so you can pitch up more fully in your life.
EXPERIENCE
Originally from a background in theatre as an actor and storyteller, I went on to train as an Integrative Arts Psychotherapist (MA, HCPC, UKCP reg). This rich blend of creativity and psychology has informed the development of a diverse range of work for over 15 years with groups and individuals in private and public sectors.
As a psychotherapist, I am currently in private practice offering sessions online and face to face in Frome. I also offer clinical supervision for individuals and groups, and Reflective Practice for teams. I am committed to develop my practice through ongoing depth learning, and keep up to date with evidence based, effective trauma informed therapies. I have trained in Internal Family Systems (Levels 1 & 2) and am a Programme Assistant on IFS UK trainings. I'm also trained in EMDR (1-4) which is an evidenced based trauma therapy.
I have a background of over a decade of experience working in the NHS, with a range of client caseloads in community and hospital settings, as well as offering supervision for frontline staff. I've loved being part of multi disciplinary teams, and have worked with a wide variety of clinicians, most recently managing an arts psychotherapies team across Wiltshire as a NHS Lead Art Psychotherapist. I am an Academic Advisor, Marker and approved Supervisor for the Integrative Arts Psychotherapy MA at IATE.
I have developed different threads to my career in contrasting settings, and enjoy working with a diverse range of people and cultures. Alongside being a psychotherapist, I have been a trainer, coach and group facilitator in the world of business, running a wide variety of leadership development programmes and workshops across Europe, as well as global webinars and coaching at all levels. I have worked internationally with leaders who face the challenge of managing change, and I bring experience in the fields of resilience, mindfulness, storytelling, and creative transformation.
I enjoy my own creative practice, which is in working with myth and story. As a storyteller I have told stories at festivals and theatres in collaboration with musicians, and brought myths to hospitals, orchards, board rooms and retreats. I've created storytelling workshops for international business across Europe from Paris to Istanbul. I'm currently co-creating a woodland retreat exploring the story 'The Handless Maiden' in a weekend of wild camping, storytelling, poetry and art - check out the group page for details. I am passionate about the power of narrative to deeply change both the teller and the listener, and have an ear for unearthing the untold and unheard stories that need to be shared.
QUALIFICATIONS
Registered with UKCP, HCPC and BAAT member.
Integrative Arts Psychotherapy MA (distinction) - IATE
Internal Family Systems Levels 1 & 2 (IFS Institute)
EMDR (1-4, EMDR Academy)
Embodied Systemic Coaching (ICF accred) - Jenny Mackewn
MBT (Basic) - Dr A. Bateman, Anna Freud Centre
Other CPD includes: Storytelling with Martin Shaw at West Country School of Myth; Ecotherapy trainings with Ian Siddons Heginworth, Hayley Marshall and Martin Jordan; Rites of Passage with Sue Gill and Gilly Adams, Shadow Work intensives and training with Bill Plotkin at the Animus Institute
PUBLICATION
Chapter 'Untold Stories - the Art of Imagination in Later Life' - published by Routledge in 'Integrative Arts Psychotherapy' ed. Nash & Valculik