I have worked as a supervisor both in social work and therapy settings for over 30 years.  I was a qualified Social Worker Practice Teacher (CCETSW) and supervised social work students on their training placements, working in generic intake teams, with child protection and adult mental health settings.

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In therapy contexts, I have a PGCert in Therapeutic Supervision and have supervised trainee therapists in mental health settings and higher education.  I am experienced in working as a supervisor both for individuals and groups.  I draw on a pluralistic approach in my supervisory practice, working with the personal, professional and cultural resources of the supervisee(s) to best meet their restorative (self-care), formative (skills development) and normative (ethical practice) needs.

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I have been a practitioner-researcher for many years, completing my MA in Counselling Studies (with Distinction - University of Chester/Liverpool), where I researched the experience of therapists who work with suicidal clients; my MSc in Counselling Studies (University of Salford), where I researched the use of risk tools in higher education counselling settings; and my PhD in Counselling and Psychotherapy (University of Birmingham), where I researched integrating risk assessment into the therapeutic discourse.

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I continue as an active researcher, undertaking service evaluations, continuing to explore the needs of suicidal people, and those bereaved through suicide.  My research interests include risk, suicide, men's mental health, ethics, drawing on a range of qualitative methods.

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I am a Professor in Counselling Professions and Mental Health at the University of Chester, where I teach on a Professional Doctorate (DProf) in Counselling and Psychotherapy Studies and Psychological Trauma Studies, as well as supervising on the PhD programme.  I am Principal Supervisor for over 20 doctoral students, working with a doctoral student community of over 50 students at the University.

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I am a member of the Pluralistic Research Network Group and am leading on the development of a Pluralistic Practice Research Network (PRN).