Counselling qualification & experience
I (she/ her) hold a Post Graduate Diploma (PGDip) in Human Relations and Counselling (with distinction), accredited by COSCA and awarded by Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen and delivered by the charitable training centre Human Development Scotland (HDS) in Glasgow.
I have practised as a counsellor since 2022, firstly as a trainee and then volunteer counsellor, where I worked in the Third Sector, with adults and young people (16+ years) were experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, caring responsibilities, physical illness, caring responsibilities, trauma and loss.
I now work in private practice.
Science
Many moons ago, I was a physicist and spent eighteen years in the NHS as a Clinical Scientist, working mainly behind the scenes in three cancer centres. My PhD is in Medical Physics. I also spent time as a volunteer youth worker.
“Learn from yesterday, Live for today, Hope for tomorrow. The important thing, is not to stop questioning.”
― (attributed to) Albert Einstein, physicist
Community Education
I then retrained in Community Education and for a further eighteen years I have been privileged to work alongside people experiencing hardships, disadvantages, exclusion and trauma, in services for homelessness, domestic abuse, addiction, offending and youth work. I continue to be employed as a relief worker within supported accommodation.
I am also Forest Schools’ qualified and have worked outdoors with young people and children with additional support needs.
“We are born without prejudice. It has to be learned and has to be taught from those around us”
Rosa Parks, civil rights activist
Counselling
Counselling, is my third career. It has brought together my professional and personal experiences, as a scientist, community worker and human being. It is a journey both into the self and outward into all other relationships. This journey of self-discovery and change, can be difficult, but, through a trusting and empathic relationship, the rewards can be immeasurable.
“This plunge into the cold water of a mountain pool seems for a brief moment to disintegrate the very self; it is not to be borne: one is lost: stricken: annihilated. Then life pours back.”
- Nan Shepherd, the Living Mountain
Qualifications
PGDip Human Relations and Counselling (with distinction), Robert Gordon University (2023)
Level 3 certificate in Forest School Training (FSTC), Open College Network (OCN) (2016)
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 the Complaint’s Procedure.
I am SSSC registered with respect to ongoing support work and I adhere to the Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers . I am a PVG Scheme Member for regulated support work with children and protected adults and undergo a regular scheme update for all employment as a support worker.