About me

I live near the centre of Romsey, Hampshire, and I have taught confidence and self-esteem classes locally for three years.

I recently finished a Diploma course in counselling at Eastleigh College, where the core approach is Humanistic, in particular Gestalt. My trainee placement was at a GP's surgery in Southampton, where I worked for a year to complete 100 hours of counselling.  In March 2010 I started a further year working for the NHS in an honorary placement, organising and delivering the counselling service at a new health centre.  I have been enjoying the work at many different levels, both personal and theoretical.  I have had some training in CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and find this approach helpful for some clients.

In 2005 I completed my training with Victim Support and followed this with five years of voluntary service offering practical and emotional support to victims of crime.   During this time I had additional training to support victims of domestic abuse. This experience, helping people in crisis, supported my counselling training, and vice versa.

To teach confidence and self-esteem I have read numerous self-help books, as well as studying the psychology behind it.   I bring many of these books to the classroom for students to browse. My pupils have remarked on my enthusiasm, creativity and optimism.

My Myers-Briggs type is INFJ, sometimes referred to as the 'counsellor'.