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 and delivered by Human Development Scotland (HDS), which was formely the Scottish Institute of Human Relations.
Originally, I practised as a counsellor in a Third Sector Agency and I am now in private practice. I work with adults and young people (16+ years), who bring whatever is causing them current difficulties. This could be anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, caring responsibilities, physical illness, job disatisfaction, life uncertainties, identity issues, trauma, or loss, including death by suicide. I will work with whatever you bring and if it is outwith my scope, I will help you to find someone else.
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. I also volunteered as a youth worker. My PhD is in Medical Physics.
“Learn from yesterday, Live for today, Hope for tomorrow. The important thing, is not to stop questioning.”
― (attributed to) Albert Einstein, physicist
Community Education
Later, I 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 people experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse, addiction, offending, or in 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 who experienced difficulty with school, for whatever reason.
“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 brings 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, at times, be difficult, but, through a trusting and empathic relationship, the rewards can be immeasurable and life can be experienced more authentically.
“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
Level 3 certificate in Forest School Training (FSTC), Open College Network (OCN)
COSCA certificate in Counselling Skills, Napier University & Stevenson College
PGDip Community Education, University of Edinburgh
PhD Medical Physics, University of Edinburgh
MPhil Physics, University of Exeter
BSc(Hons) Applied Physics, University of Strathclyde
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.