More about me...

I have over 40 years’ teaching experience as both a class teacher and a Support for Learning teacher. I have held leadership roles throughout my career, but in all honesty, I always preferred working with people—not paper. I have supported young people aged 5–18 across the Primary and Secondary sectors, as well as in Additional Learning Needs (both physical and cognitive), ADHD, and Autism.

I was very fortunate to work with young people experiencing Social, Emotional, and Behavioural Difficulties, and I learned so much about how life can be challenging for so many reasons. The experience of a young person realising they could talk to me about the problems they faced was deeply humbling. Without even realising it at the time, I was using mind therapy strategies to promote a sense of hope and positive change.

I have considerable experience working alongside partner agencies—for example, health services, social work, family support agencies, outdoor activity providers, and others. I understand and value the expertise of others. I view Mind Therapy as part of a broader treatment plan, and where appropriate, liaison with other professionals is an important aspect of good practice.

High-quality training in areas such as self-image, anxiety, coping with physical and mental health, dyslexia, autism, ADHD, and social and emotional behavioural difficulties has contributed to my understanding of how individuals may experience isolation, withdrawal from society, or escalating emotional and/or aggressive behaviours.

More recently, I have worked with people aged 18–35 within the care sector, supporting individuals with communication difficulties, autism, health and various neurological conditions. Transitioning from home to a care environment can be a particularly challenging time, and for me, it highlighted how change affects us all. When someone is unable or unwilling to express their emotions, it can often result in changes in behaviour.

I have also volunteered in a soup kitchen and delivered food to people experiencing homelessness—some of whom were substance-reliant, traumatised, or being controlled by others. Currently, I volunteer as a mentor with SSAFA and as a trained webchat volunteer with the Blue Cross Pet Loss and Bereavement service. Through these experiences, I have become acutely aware of the importance of having someone who genuinely listens and offers support—especially for those who are feeling lost or low.