It’s important to know you’re in safe hands when choosing a counsellor or supervisor, so first of all I include my qualifications below:

• PhD in Practical Theology, University of Aberdeen, 2000

• Certificate In Christian Counselling, National Counselling Service, Edinburgh, 2001

• Post Graduate Diploma In Person-Centred Counselling, University Of Aberdeen, 2005

• Advanced Certificate In Bereavement Care, Cruse Scotland, 2006

• Certificate In Supervision, University Of Aberdeen, 2009

• Advanced Post Graduate Certificate In Person-Centred Couple          Counselling, Counselling Works, 2011

And now more details . . .

My research explored people’s reactions to loss and change through the onset of disability, with special reference to the implications of sight loss. My interest in counselling dates back to my time in the pre-natal ward as an expectant mum, where I observed a variety of complex needs about which I could do very little at the time. Eventually I was able to harness my desire to help with professional counselling training. Being blind from birth, separated from my family by attending boarding school from age 5, coping as a teenager in a sighted world, raising a family, facing unexpected illness in middle life, becoming a Kinship carer for my grandchild, and a variety of other life issues, have provided me, I believe, with a keen interest in people’s lives and the ability to tune in sensitively to their needs.

 

I worked as a volunteer with an Aberdeen counselling agency for more than sixteen years, and continued to enjoy doing this alongside my private practice until I retired in October 2017.
In my role as Supervisor I counted it a privilege to support my colleagues in their work with clients. I offered a straightforward, what-you-see-is-what-you-get approach, and counsellors seemed to find this way of working affirming and sometimes challenging when appropriate.
In my retirement I am willing to take on clients on a voluntary basis, subject to assessment of need.
My Christian faith is an essential part of who I am. I adhere at all times, however, to the BACP Ethical Framework of good practice for Counsellors and Psychotherapists, and would only raise faith issues in response to a client’s expressed wish.

 

My interests include family, church activities, fund raising for Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDBA), and of course until her untimely death in December 2017 my lovely guide dog, Faith, now a bright inspiring and wonderful memory. I am an avid reader, a committed ‘Archers’ fan, and an enthusiastic believer in retail therapy!