I have had a long and varied career in the 'helping professions'.  Beginning as a Samaritans volunteer at two branches from age 19, I then moved through various stages of my career.

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I am a qualified Social Worker (CQSW and ProfDipSW) and am Registered with Social Work England.  As I therapist, my social work training was based on a psychodynamic casework model, informed by family systems theory.  I qualified as an 'Approved Practitioner' under the Mental Health Act, and also obtained my Social Work Practice Teacher award.

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As a therapist, I trained as an humanistic practitioner (Certificate and Diploma in Counselling), before undertaking an MA in Counselling Studies (with Distinction), before then completing my PhD in Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of Birmingham.  I then completed an MSc in Counselling Studies, as well as a PGCert in Supervision.  

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I am a Accredited Coach Practitioner (EMCC) and an Associate Member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) and subscribe to EMCC's Code of Ethics.  I am in the process of working towards my Senior Accredited Practitioner status as a Coach with the EMCC.  I have undertaken extensive continuing professional development, including in working with diversity, safeguarding, mindfulness, ethics, trauma and cognitive-behavioural therapy.