Call: 07772 683859
Email: [email protected]
About the team
I am a qualified and BACP registered counsellor but with a background in public sector employment. I was drawn to train as a counsellor in 2011 after a life-changing personal experience convinced me to follow the course of becoming an animal-assisted therapist.
I have particular experience of working with bereavement, loss, anxiety, depression and self-esteem issues. After working in the public sector for over twenty years, I have a special interest in alleviating work-related stress. My childhood school experience gives me a particular affinity with survivors of boarding school and other children’s institutions.
I have always had a close connection with animals. The emotional support I gained from my animals as a child has lasted my whole life, and been indispensable on occasions of emotional crisis for me. In others too, I have witnessed the positive emotional impact that a connection with an animal can have at times of vulnerability. I am also a strong advocate of the restorative power of nature for mental well-being, and believe that a beautiful and peaceful natural setting can be conducive to the emotional healing process.
I hold an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling (equivalent to Level 5). I am also a qualified practitioner in equine-assisted therapy (BACP endorsed) and hold a certificate in Animal-Assisted Interventions from the Society for Companion Animal Studies.
Since gaining my counselling qualification I have undertaken extensive continuing professional development. This has focussed in particular on supporting, and working creatively with, the emotional needs of young people and survivors of trauma, domestic abuse and sexual violence. I have undertaken specific training in pre-trial therapy, for the support of clients who may have to face the ordeal of giving evidence in court.
In December 2021 I gained a post-qualifying Diploma in working therapeutically with children and young people. I have undergone a rigorous assessment and am now a registered practitioner for the Family Counselling Trust, a charity offering low-cost early intervention counselling for children, young people and their families in Somerset and nearby areas (www.familycounsellingtrust.org).
As a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I undertake regular training and supervision, adhere to its Ethical Framework and am covered by professional practitioner’s insurance. I am also part of the LEAP network of Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy Practitioners, a member of the Society of Companion Animal Studies and a registered volunteer for Pets as Therapy. I have recently been accepted as a member of the first UK-wide register of equine-assisted practitioners, the HETI Human-equine Interaction Register, following a stringent application process.
I have particular experience of working with bereavement, loss, anxiety, depression and self-esteem issues. After working in the public sector for over twenty years, I have a special interest in alleviating work-related stress. My childhood school experience gives me a particular affinity with survivors of boarding school and other children’s institutions.
I have always had a close connection with animals. The emotional support I gained from my animals as a child has lasted my whole life, and been indispensable on occasions of emotional crisis for me. In others too, I have witnessed the positive emotional impact that a connection with an animal can have at times of vulnerability. I am also a strong advocate of the restorative power of nature for mental well-being, and believe that a beautiful and peaceful natural setting can be conducive to the emotional healing process.
I hold an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling (equivalent to Level 5). I am also a qualified practitioner in equine-assisted therapy (BACP endorsed) and hold a certificate in Animal-Assisted Interventions from the Society for Companion Animal Studies.
Since gaining my counselling qualification I have undertaken extensive continuing professional development. This has focussed in particular on supporting, and working creatively with, the emotional needs of young people and survivors of trauma, domestic abuse and sexual violence. I have undertaken specific training in pre-trial therapy, for the support of clients who may have to face the ordeal of giving evidence in court.
In December 2021 I gained a post-qualifying Diploma in working therapeutically with children and young people. I have undergone a rigorous assessment and am now a registered practitioner for the Family Counselling Trust, a charity offering low-cost early intervention counselling for children, young people and their families in Somerset and nearby areas (www.familycounsellingtrust.org).
As a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I undertake regular training and supervision, adhere to its Ethical Framework and am covered by professional practitioner’s insurance. I am also part of the LEAP network of Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy Practitioners, a member of the Society of Companion Animal Studies and a registered volunteer for Pets as Therapy. I have recently been accepted as a member of the first UK-wide register of equine-assisted practitioners, the HETI Human-equine Interaction Register, following a stringent application process.
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View my certificate from UK Human Equine Interaction Register 2022-2023
My Therapy Partners
Equine
Spirit & Tommy
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Canine
Monty and Lily
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In equine sessions clients work with my two ponies. Spirit is a Welsh pony with a gentle and sensitive nature – who is particularly attuned to clients’ moods. Tommy is a handsome gipsy cob, whose contrasting brown and blue eyes give him a comical look which matches his playful character. They each bring different qualities to client sessions but are equally good natured and calm around people.
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Monty is a very striking brindle whippet who has been with us since a puppy and enjoys sharing sofa space with clients in the shepherd’s hut or taking part in activities outdoors. He is sensitive to client’s moods and good at matching their energy. Lily is a rescue Saluki x who we adopted in 2020 after she had been found injured as a stray. Despite her background, she is particularly friendly and affectionate and has a talent for comforting people in distress. She has recently qualified as a therapy dog with Pets as Therapy.
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