My desire to become a Counsellor started a long time ago, but it was a change in life circumstances that gave me the motivation and passion to pursue this career, and after receiving counselling myself I was convinced that this is what I had to do. I would say that my life experiences have not only shaped me as a person but have also helped me to develop a better understanding of the issues my clients are facing.

I trained in Humanistic Gestalt Counselling and I am dedicated to a continuation of my professional development through study and experience in order to broaden my knowledge and enhance the quality of my practice.

I have worked for a charity which supports survivors of domestic and sexual abuse and have volunteered for a youth counselling service, working with vulnerable young people. I also teach Counselling students , and I am a qualified Counselling Supervisor. I provide individual and group supervision, and I am proud to work for a cancer charity as a supervisor. Before qualifying as a counsellor I worked in a Secondary school for 20 years, first as a teacher and then providing pastoral care.

My own life story includes being blessed with raising three wonderful children. Their different personalities and journeys have provided me with many life lessons and insights, which I value greatly. My lived experiences include supporting others with mental health conditions, gender identity issues, aspects of loss and life transitions. I draw upon these personal experiences in my practice. I have recently moved to Plymouth to be nearer to family and I have fallen in love with the area already!

When I need some quiet reflective time, I enjoy reading, drawing, walking my dogs, watching a good documentary or practising yoga. Through my own journey of development I have discovered that being creative is one of my favourite mindfulness practices - even though I am not a talented artist. I am also an animal lover - my dogs and cat are very important members of the family and I would have a house full of dogs if my husband would agree to it!

Being a good listener is one of my attributes and I have always been a nurturer. I have been described as having a very calm and warm personality and I bring this into my practice. I am dedicated to making sure that my clients feel safe and relaxed, building trust within the therapeutic relationship so that issues can be explored openly.