My background, qualities and qualifications
Key life experiences that have moulded me
Age 50, I've faced many challenges that have felt shocking and overwhelming.
This led me to get seriously interested in what the keys are, to a meaningful and connected life.
Bereavement and bullying scarred my childhood. Work, friendships, and sexuality have all felt vulnerable as an adult. I received counselling, healing, and other support that helped me settle and mostly stay in my heart.
I've been in long and short-term relationships, and have been divorced. I became a dad in 2015, after many years of uncertainty - she stretches me and brings such joy.
With the climate crisis, I feel fear, grief, anger, hopelessness, and determination.
I'm faced with my ageing - my body looks different, my capacity is reduced, my memory less effective.
Key questions that occupy me and guide me
These questions are ones I apply to myself, but are on my mind when I'm supporting you too. They may well say something about where I'm coming from, and I hope chime with your own self-enquiry.
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Who do I feel I am, what defines me? Am I comfortable with that, free in it, or confined by it? How is it sharing this with others?
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Is my focus on doing and thinking or can I also let go and be present?
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Do I feel connected, enjoy time alone, or am I troubled by isolation?
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Dare I really notice my ageing, my health, or really check my feelings about dying?
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What am I here for? What is there outside my normal perception? How connected to myself, others, nature, and the universe beyond could I be if I really tune in and dare to meet what I find.
My professional experience
I've been offering therapy sessions to the general public since 2005, supporting wide ranging needs in a large number of people.
Plus more years in other supportive roles, including in Universities, care homes, and a disability support charity.
What expectations do you have of me?
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To feel understood, less alone? I'm really curious what it's like to be you, at a deep level.
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Clarity, hope or answers? As I help us both learn about being you, we'll build understanding and acceptance of your patterns and choices. New possibilities and a greater ease emerge from this.
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Safety? I hope my openness, clear boundaries, awareness of trauma and attachment, and pace of working will help.
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Freedom to let it all out? I can remain grounded and centred, whatever you speak about, and however strongly you need to say it. I've got my own support so you can stay focused on yourself.
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Straight talking, to be challenged? I'll speak with directness when that's helpful, yet sensitively.
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Genuineness? I aim to be real with you, and will share my reactions and my own experiences where this seems helpful.
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Easiness, light-heartedness? When appropriate, I can be quite playful and spontaneous.
My therapeutic qualifications
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Certified VortexHealing® Practitioner: many modules taken since 2011, to an advanced level.
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School of Energy Healing Graduate (2007-10): accredited by Complementary Medicine Assoc.
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Reiki to Master level (2005-07).
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Dip Person-Centred Counselling & Psychotherapy (Warwick Uni, 2003-05): accredited course.
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Emotionally Focused Therapy Core Skills (2021, all 4 modules): for couples and individuals. Previous couples training required.
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Sex as a Safe Adventure (2022): deepening EFT with sex therapy approaches.
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Movement therapy using Biodanza (2012-2019). I run dance classes in South Devon.
