I have worked as a Counsellor/Psychotherapist for over 17 years in a number of different settings including voluntary sector, privately and the NHS. The paragraphs below provide an outline of my training and current professional development journey.
The road to becoming a Counsellor and Psychotherapist began when I completed a BPhil degree in Community, Youth and Play work in 2001 with Birmingham University. I had recognised the value of using counselling skills within the setting I was working. As a result I enrolled and completed an Advanced Diploma in Person Centred Counselling at Wolverhampton College in 2003.
In 2003 I was also successful in becoming a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). This enabled me to become established in private practice. During the period from 2003 to 2008 I completed an MA in Solution Focused Brief Therapy at Birmingham University, followed by an Infant Observation, awarded by West Midlands Institute of Psychotherapy (WMIP). I then gained accreditation status with BACP. Between 2003 and 2014 I also worked in the NHS.
In October 2015 I was successful in passing the training in Jungian Analytical Psychotherapy and becoming a member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy. During 2016/17 I became a member of the British Psychoanalytical Council (BPC) and I was successful in completing the Transitions Course: Adolescence into Adulthood (Working with 18-25 year olds) at the Society of Analytical Psychology. July 2019 I was successful in passing a Diploma in supervision and being registered as a member of the British Association of Psychoanalytic & Psychodynamic Supervision.
In May 2020 I earnt the status of Training Analyst. This means that I have undertaken the necessary professional development and training required to provide analysis to trainees of the West Midlands Institute Training Analytical Psychotherapy.
I currently work full-time in private practice and I am an associate counsellor/psychotherapist to the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) in partnership with the Sporting Chance Clinic.
I am the current editor for the West Midlands Institute of Psychotherapy e-bulletin, visiting lecturer and committee member on the training in analytical psychotherapy.