My Story
Since my teenage years I have always been a 'people helper' but as my own personal development has progressed I have found that my ideas about how I want to do this have gradually changed. With a varied past career, interests and life experience, I have journeyed from biological scientist to medical doctor, to health policy advisor, to what I love doing now, which is helping people and organisations with a variety of aspirations or challenges through individual coaching, counselling, psychotherapy, and group workshops.
I have had a lifetime of studying how we function as human beings; what makes us healthy and fulfilled, and what drives us. Over this time I have acquired a broad understanding of both neurobiology (how our brains work), and various psychological models; particularly from the more modern fields of positive psychology, needs based psychology and process work, but also including the archetypal psychology pioneered by Carl Jung.
To apply this knowledge practically I am qualified and experienced in a range of 'people helping' techniques in coaching (Institute of Training and Occupational Learning), neurolinguistic programming (Master Practitioner), psychotherapy/counselling (Human Givens), and hypnotherapy, as well as having years of experience in storytelling, drama techniques and group facilitation. When we work together, I may use any or all of the techniques at my disposal to support you in the most effective way with the issue in question. For individuals my sessions are always tailored for your needs and choices, and while based on a systematic approach are never formulaic. For groups and organisations my workshops are fun, experiential, informative and bespoke to your requirements and challenges.
In addition to running my own practice I am also a Programme Director with Olivier Mythodrama which uses the power of myth, drama and archetypal psychology for transformative leadership training, and am a Practitioner with the Archetypes at Work™ Guild of Practitioners. I am also accredited to provide counselling with the charity PTSD Resolution, which provides free treatment to veterans and their families for mental health problems associated with military trauma and I am a qualified course leader on the acclaimed Just What We Need programme for parents. I am also a Trustee for inner city environmental education charity Global Generation
In my free time I enjoy singing in a choir, community theatre, and permaculture.
My approach (one-to-one work)
No matter how 'stuck' you may feel in your life just now, I believe that you already have, or can develop, the inner resources you need to enable you to achieve a life that works well for you. I see my role very much as a facilitator in helping you to remember your sometimes forgottten strengths, overcome any emotional barriers currently holding you back, build your self- confidence, and add to your life-skill set where necessary. My approach is friendly and practical. I use down-to-earth language and my aim is always for you to feel that you are making progress right from your first session, whatever the issue we are working on together. My ultimate intention is to empower you to achieve your goals and move on with your life in the direction and at the speed that is right for you. Typically I might see someone for around 4-5 sessions though some people need fewer and some will need more ongoing support.
Professional Memberships
I am now retired from medical practice but maintain my registration with The General Medical Council and membership with The Royal College of General Practitioners.
My professional conduct and continuing professional development are monitored by the Human Givens Institute, which works predominantly to a modern 'needs based' model of psychology that is applicable to coaching, counselling or therapy. The register of the HGI is accredited under the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) for Health and Social Care in the UK, and I abide by its ethics policy and complaints procedure. General Medical Council guidance to doctors recommends that they should only refer patients to practitioners on registers accredited with the PSA.
I am also registered with the General Hypnotherapy Register.
I have full public liability insurance and DBS clearance.