I’m currently based in Exeter and Newton Abbot as a Counsellor and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapist. I work with a range of presenting issues. In my counselling practice I integrate traditional counselling approaches with some of the approaches most recently developed out of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): namely Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT).
I also write wellbeing related column for The Exeter Magazine. You can view the latest online edition at this link. Please follow the links in the social media menu at the top of this website if you wish to view previous articles that I have shared on my feeds. Recent articles have covered ways to work with worry, reducing emotional eating and the benefits of nature for mental health.
PICTURE BY NAT HOOK PHOTOGRAPHY
My Therapeutic Background
I have a very strong background in working with adults experiencing anxiety and depression and have been employed in mental health and wellbeing services for over fourteen years.
I received my Post-Graduate Diploma in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) from the University of Exeter under the tuition of Professor Willem Kuyken, now Director of the Oxford Mindfulness Centre at Oxford University. I attained my Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling from Iron Mill College, where I also did my student placement for two and a half years, which included working with clients experiencing bereavement, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and relationship difficulties.
I have previously worked at the University of Exeter supporting the wellbeing of students by delivering secular mindfulness and compassion courses and workshops, and one-to-one guided self-help Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). In my earlier days in this role I facilitated anxiety management courses and a range of other wellbeing workshops. I wrote booklets explaining CBT techniques for issues often encountered by students and also written blog posts for the Doctoral College on wellbeing related topics.
I have similarly provided mindfulness courses, stress, anxiety and depression management courses and one-to-one guided self-help CBT for various NHS services previously.
Additionally, I have facilitated introductory mindfulness sessions for several organisations in Exeter, including The Environment Agency, DEFRA and Elsevier.
I also completed a year’s internship on a research project investigating the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MCBT) compared with antidepressants for relapse prevention of recurrent depression at the University of Exeter.
Prior to all this, I worked as a Victim Care Officer making initial contact with, and needs assessing, victims of crime to arrange relevant support. I also have experience as a Support Worker with adults with learning and developmental difficulties and as a volunteer for Samaritans.
I have participated in retreats led by other meditation teachers regularly for the last eleven years, which has significantly deepened my own mindfulness and meditation practice and provided a further context for valuable learning.
Relevant Qualifications
Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling (BACP Accredited), Iron Mill College Exeter, March 2019
PGDip Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) with Distinction, University of Exeter, 2014
PGCert Psychological Therapies (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)), University of Nottingham, 2010
MSc Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, 2007
Additional Training
Includes:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Grief – Contextual Consulting, 2022
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Perfectionism and People Pleasing – Contextual Consulting, 2021
Mindfulness for Life (MBCTL) – Oxford Mindfulness Centre, 2021
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Depression and Anxiety – Contextual Consulting, 2021
Mindfulness and Acceptance for Self Esteem – Contextual Consulting, 2021
The Discovery of Will – Experiential Introduction to Psychosynthesis, The Open Way, 2020
Working with Grief and Loss, Heartwood Counselling and Psychotherapy, 2020
Deepening and Sustaining Mindfulness for Life: Beyond the 8 Week Course, Oxford Mindfulness Centre, 2020
MBSR Updates and Future Directions, University of Exeter, 2019
Relational Depth in Counselling and Psychotherapy with Mick Cooper, Compassionate Mind Foundation, 2018
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Trauma with Dr Russ Harris, Contextual Consulting, 2018
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) for Trauma with Dr Deborah Lee, University of Birmingham, 2018
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) with Groups with Professor Paul Gilbert, University of Birmingham, 2017
Building Positivity in Depressed Clients, University of Reading, 2017
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Clinical Skills Building Intensive – Intermediate Level with Professor Steve Hayes, Contextual Consulting, 2016
The Impact of Trauma, Birmingham & Solihull MHF NHS Trust, 2016
OCD in Primary Care, Birmingham & Solihull MHF NHS Trust, 2016
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) for Depression & Anxiety, University of Birmingham, 2016
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) & Self-Compassion with Professor Kelly Wilson, University of Wales, 2016
Enquiry in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Oxford Mindfulness Centre, 2015
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Intermediate Level, Mindfulness Training Ltd, 2015
Experiential Introduction Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness Training Ltd, 2014
Introduction to Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) for Shame and Self-Critical Difficulties with Professor Paul Gilbert, University of Derby, 2014
Mindful Compassion, Psychology Associates, 2013
Teaching Mindfulness in Non-Clinical Settings, Oxford Mindfulness Centre, 2013
Working with General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), University of Exeter, 2013
Eating Disorders – Binge Eating and Bulimia Nervosa, Yorkshire Centre for Eating Disorders, 2012