My Qualifications

I have spent over 10 years in total undergoing therapy training, the vast majority of which was at a postgraduate level. This means that it involved the study of in-depth and complex theory, deep thinking and reflection. It also involved critically supervised practice and ongoing critique and feedback on my integrity and the personal qualities required to be a competent practicing therapist. 

I have an MSc in Therapeutic Counselling for which I gained a merit.  I was awarded the MSc after four years of academically rigorous and experiential study, as well as hands on experience working face to face with clients while having my work examined and critiqued by peers and tutors.

I have a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Couple and Individual Counselling and Psychotherapy from Tavistock Relationships, known internationally for offering the highest of standards in couple psychotherapy training. 

I also have a Certificate in Counselling for Addicted Gamblers from the University of Salford and I have worked with this client group and their families for over five years.

I have a Certificate in Using Video Conferencing to Conduct Online Therapy from the Online Therapy Institute which ensures that I practice ethically and competently while working via Zoom. This is in addition to a Certificate in Online Counselling Skills.

I'm qualified to supervise the work of other counsellors and psychotherapists too, since I have a Diploma in Integrative Supervision from the Minster Centre.  

I am committed to continuing professional development to keep my skills and knowledge sharp and up to date. You can see the various courses I've completed in recent years in the scrolling panel to the right. 

Professional Body

The role of a professional body is to set standards of practice and provide accountability. So membership indicates that I have had to prove a certain level of experience and competence, and it gives you as the client somewhere to go if you were to feel that I was working in a way that was not ethical.

I am a registered, Senior Accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and abide by their Ethical Framework.

The register to which I belong is vetted and approved by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care and has been accredited under a scheme set up by the Department of Health and administered by an independent body, accountable to Parliament. 

In order to become a Senior Accredited member I had to give extensive evidence that I have reached a certain level of competence and experience through having completed hundreds of hours of practice and continuing professional development, have this verified by other professionals, and prove that I have a clear understanding in theory and practice of the ethical and professional standards held by the BACP. 

I am also a member of the Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists Online (ACTO) who ensure the highest standards for people conducting therapeutic work online.

Other Work

As well as working as a therapist and supervisor, I also work as a lecturer and tutor on counselling degree courses in London. Currently I am based at the Metanoia Institute. I also write (fairly infrequently) on mental health issues, such as on the Huffington Post and The Mighty.