Counselling qualification & experience

I (she/ her) trained in the psychodynamic approach to counselling at Human Development Scotland (HDS) and hold a Post Graduate Diploma (PGDip) in Human Relations and Counselling (with distinction), accredited by COSCA and awarded by Robert Gordon University.

For the last two years, I have practised in two counselling services within the third sector; one for people experiencing mental health difficulties, such as anxiety and depression, past and current trauma, grief and loss and addiciton and a service for people experiencing physical ill-health, including their carers, families and friends. Counselling, has brought together my personal and professional experiences, as a scientist,  community worker and human being, a participant in this same life, with all its struggles.

Life as a Physicist

Many moons ago, I studied Applied Physics at the University of Strathclyde. I then trained as an HPC Clinical Scientist in the NHS, working behind the scenes in three radiotherapy departments. During this time, I also completed an MPhil in Physics at the University of Exeter and a PhD in Medical Physics at the University of Edinburgh.

Life in Community Education

After eighteen years in science and technology, I yearned to work alongside people and therefore I returned to the University of Edinburgh to study Community Education. Over the next seventeen years, I taught (maths and literacy) in prison, worked in homeless and supported accommodation, in drug and alcohol services, youth work and health and arts projects, all alongside people who had experienced mental or physical health difficulties, loss, trauma, abuse, poverty, addiction, exclusion or discrimination and I continue to be employed as a relief support worker within homelessness. These experiences, alongside my own personal journey, have led me to my vocation as a counsellor.

Qualifications

PGDip Human Relations and Counselling (with distinction), Robert Gordon University (2023)

COSCA certificate in Counselling Skills, Napier University & Stevenson College (2010)

PGDip Community Education, University of Edinburgh (2008)

PhD Medical Physics, University of Edinburgh (2003)

MPhil Physics, University of Exeter (1993)

BSc(Hons) Applied Physics, University of Strathclyde (1988)

Professional

I am a registered member of BACP (406685) and adhere to the Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions and the Professional Conduct Procedure. I am also a counsellor member of COSCA (5807) and adhere to the Statement of Ethics and Code of Practice and their Complaint’s Procedure.

I am SSSC registered with respect to ongoing support work in homelessness and I adhere to the Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers . I am a PVG Scheme Member for regulated work with children and protected adults and undergo a regular scheme update for all employment as a support worker.