On reflection, it is safe to say that life is a journey, and you never quite know where you are going to end up. I often speak to my clients about the importance of hopes and dreams and regularly discuss understanding significant life events and their impact on who we are today. Becoming a qualified Counsellor and a Lecturer in Psychology was not my first choice but my journey through life has brought me to this point of wanting to help others. After completing a degree in Contemporary Art at Manchester University in 2002, I spent many years in the professional theatre industry working as a technician on West End shows and touring with bands. After a stint in private education teaching music technology, I returned from London to my native Stoke-on-Trent to support my family's business due to the failing ill health of my parents. In 2015, at the age of 36 following the passing of both my parents, I felt I had no direction and lost a sense of who I was. I enrolled on an undergraduate degree course Psychology & Counselling course here at Staffordshire University to train as a counsellor and it's safe to say I found my passion. After graduating from the first stage of my training, I enrolled on a 3-year MSc in Psychotherapeutic Counselling again here at Staffordshire University completing my professional training in 2021. I joined the teaching staff in the summer of 2021 and have really enjoy giving to the current students the time and expertise afforded to me as an undergraduate whilst sharing in my passion for both Psychology & Counselling and reflective practice.
Now I am proud to say that I am the Course Lead for the Psychology & Counselling program here at staffs.
Professional memberships and activities
- Registered Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
- Member of the British Psychological Society (BPS)
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
Academic qualifications
- MSc in Psychotherapeutic Counselling, Staffordshire University.
- Postgraduate Certificate in Higher and Professional Education, Staffordshire University.
- BSc in Psychology & Counselling, Staffordshire University.
- BA in Contemporary Art, Manchester Metropolitan University.
Research interests
- Counselling Practice.
- Bereavement, Greif, Significant Loss, and Life Changing Illness.
- Impact of COVID-19 on a Client State of Grief.
- Implementation of Digital Counselling Post COVID-19.
- Counselling Pedagogy.
- Barriers to Men Accessing Counselling Services.
- Reflective Practice.
- Practitioner Selfcare.
Enterprise and commercial interests
In previous roles I have been involved in the management of professional counselling organisations, applications for funding and designing of therapeutic services for both children and adult clients alike.