Military & Service Connections

I come from a family that was part of the military in South Africa.  My late grandfather was a WW1 Veteran, my late father was a WW2 Veteran, and my brother was involved in active service in Angola in 1982.  I grew up surrounded by the Military community, and my family were culturally involved with the Scottish Regiments that remained in the Cape at the time. These experiences mean I have a lived understanding of the effects deployment and potential PTSD have on family life. I have expert experience and knowledge of working with and supporting Emergency Service Personnel. Working in collaboration with the College of Policing UK, and other local and central government organisations I have delivered training in debriefing, demobilisation and resilience. I also have specialist experience in the rehabilitation of Police and other Emergency Services using Trauma Focused CBT and EMDR Therapy. These experiences mean I am honed with the skills to offer tailored support and training to those who dedicate themselves to public service.

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My Qualifications​

BMus and Education at the University of Cape Town South Africa

Higher Diploma in Education University of Cape Town

Qualified Teacher Status UK

MA in Psychology for Musicians University of Sheffield

PG Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling University of East London

Diploma in Integrative Supervision CPPD London

EMDR Part, 1, 2 and 3

MSc EMDR University of Worcester

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Additional Clinical Training

Trauma Focussed CBT training with Noreen Tehrani Associates

Trauma Focussed CBT Training University of Oxford

ACT for Trauma - Russ Harris

Compassion Focused Therapy for PTSD

Compassion Focussed EMDR for CPTSD and Moral Injury

Level 3 Safeguarding Adults and Children

EMDR Child and Adolescent Training Levels 1

Attachment Focussed EMDR Training

EMDR Group Traumatic Episode Protocol Training

FLASH technique training Basic and Advanced Level Training

IFS Informed EMDR

EMDR Consultancy Training

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My Professional Accreditations​

BACP Accredited Practitioner

EMDR UK Accredited Practitioner

EMDR UK Accredited Consultant Supervisor

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Additional Information

Enhanced DBS Adults and Child​

Experience working as a safeguarding lead and child protection officer.

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My Experience

My experience spans twenty years of Counselling and Psychotherapy, having started in school counselling, working with adults, children and young people. I also provided counselling for charities in London linked to the Secondary Mental Health Rehabilitation Services in East London. After moving to Hampshire, I continued my career in education as a teacher of Psychology and college counsellor. I have since left education and engaged full-time in Trauma Rehabilitation for Adults and Children.  I have current experience working with PTSD and complex PTSD, within NHS Talking Therapies where I continue to work as an EMDR Practitioner and Supervisor. 

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Clinical Supervision

I am a trained Clinical Supervisor with experience of supervising individuals, groups and EMDR trainees. I have completed my EMDR consultancy training and received formal accreditation as an EMDR UK Consultant Supervisor. My style is relaxed but focused. I will create a supportive environment for you to learn and progress in your EMDR career. My supervisory practice benefits from my previous teaching experience, providing opportunity for me to share knowledge and encourage skills development in a way that best suits your learning needs. As a supervisor I remain up to date with clinical practice and theory, through CPD and by regularly attending the EMDR conference. 

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My Commitment to You​

I strive to offer a confidential and safe space for collaborative therapy through regular sessions at a pace that is supportive and ultimately transformative.

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As a supervisor I keep up to date with current practice ensuring the skills I offer in own supervision sessions are up to date. I will offer you a supportive, non judgemental space where you can freely ask questions, practice skills and develop your own practice. Keen to develop others i will support you through your EMDR career, helping you to achieve EMDR accreditation and Consultancy status, should you wish. ​

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Please contact Optimism if you would like a copy of my full Bio.