About me
On a Journey
I have been on an inner journey of therapeutic transformation for over 20 years. I have listened to me unheard aspects of self, met and engaged with compassion, expressed the inhibited parts of myself through creative arts and universal archetypes of myths and stories.
My own journey has led me to be a stronger and empowered woman and feel more colour and vital joy in my life. I attend more to my self care and needs and lead a more creative life leading to feeling more aligned with my soul’s purpose.
I have been inspired to develop and facilitate my own unique courses from the various trainings methods I have researched and experienced over many years, (includes training with Dr Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Anna Halprin and the Tamalpa Method®, Vital Development®, Tobias School of Art, R Woolger and the Goddess Within, and various Jungian writers).
My belief is that we can benefit most when we access our body wisdom and can bring out hidden aspects of our psyche through embodied imagination and the creative process. The archetypes enable us to have a larger perspective and can act as a guide and an echo for our experiences. Then we can bring to consciousness and reflect on what we see and feel and make meaning that can lead to change and healing. I have seen amazing, authentic wisdom expressed through this approach and an expansion of awareness to self and others.
Professional Qualifications
I am a qualified and experienced Psychotherapist accredited with the UKCP. I have an MA in Psychotherapy and Counselling and an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy, both from Regents College, London.
I have a two year certificate training in using Transformative Arts for Therapy from Tobias School of Art and have a diploma in Source Experiential Counselling and Breathwork, using body and breathwork methods. I also have training in coaching. I frequently add to my knowledge by attending workshops on specialist topics.
I have a particular interest and have worked in depth with creative methods in therapy, using arts and creative movement – I trained with Anna Halprin and the Tamalpa method and I have a diploma as a Vital Development® Facilitator.
I trained with Dr Clarissa Pinkola Estes on her Singing Over The Bones Intensive course (in person) on using the stories from her book Women Who Run With The Wolves, to support women in groups.
I have researched the use of archetypal myths/stories with art as part of the therapy process for my MA.
I am accredited with the UKCP and I am a registered member of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists BACP. I am bound by its Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy and subject to the Professional Conduct Procedure.
Vital Development®
Vital Danza®
I have personally benefited immensely from the practice of Vital Danza®/Vital Development® and trained as a facilitator. It is a movement practice that regenerates our energy and vital life forces through a particular pathway of exercises to music. We can discover joy and wellbeing, experience new aspects of ourself and explore archetypes and characters in our body. We can integrate the four elements of earth, water, fire and air into our body, leading to a more balanced energy. We can heal the wounded attachment relationships and experiment with masculine and feminine or yang/yin energies.
Career Background
My first degree was a Bsc(Hons)in Management Studies and my previous career was in the healthcare sector therapy and management, as Manager of a Community Care Agency, as Therapy and Groups Coordinator and as Registered Manager of a Rehabilitation Clinic for people with acquired brain injuries, which I expanded and ran. I understand the complexities of managing a business and of workplace issues. I have a Certificate in Supervisory Development. I gained extensive experience working with clients, their families and training staff on the psychological effects of brain injuries and have specialist training in providing psychotherapy for people with neurological impairments.
As a Psychotherapist I have worked in various settings; at a University Counselling service, at Age Concern counselling older clients in their own homes, and with people in hospital and the general public in both organisations and private practice. Until recently I worked in The Nightingale Hospital, a private psychiatric hospital in Marylebone, London. I established a Vital Movement group within the hospital and researched its benefits for the patients.
Continuing Professional Development
I believe providing psychotherapy requires ongoing learning and I am committed to my furthering self development and to acquiring further knowledge and skills for my work as a therapist. I have regular individual and peer support and supervision and attend workshops, trainings and conferences.
