Counselling and care  I have over thirty years’ experience working in a wide variety of settings including teaching, training, supervision, management and social care.   I have a Certificate in Counselling and an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling (BACP accredited), as well as a Foundation Degree in Care and Management and The Registered Managers’ Award.

Over the past 10 years I have worked with young people and adults in schools, colleges, foster care, residential care and addiction units.   I have supported clients with depression, post-traumatic stress, addictions, suicidal thoughts, low self-esteem, relationship and sexuality problems as well as learning difficulties and autism.

I am a naturally positive, open person but also sensitive and caring.   I believe in Dr. Carl Rogers’ core conditions of empathy, congruence and acceptance and would describe myself as a humanistic integrative therapist.   I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP) and subscribe to their Code of Ethics and Professional Practice.   I have full professional Civil Liability Insurance and an enhanced Criminal Record Bureau check.

Animal, Equine Assisted and Green Therapy  I have worked with horses all my life and I am BHSAI qualified.   I trained with the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) in 2004/5 and have subsequently attended many workshops, seminars and training courses run by individuals and organisations including Lucy Rees, Franklin Levinson and Leigh Shambo (EPONA).   I have been a member of EAGALA, NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association), and the FRDI (Federation of Riding for the Disabled International) UK.

I have also worked in agriculture, specifically animal husbandry, and have always owned pets and domestic animals, as well as larger farm animals.   I have a Diploma in Agriculture and training in Animal Assisted Interventions through the Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS).

I enjoy many outdoor leisure activities including walking, horse riding, cycling, swimming and gardening and I also have qualifications to teach some of these activities, including leading moorland walks.

Animal, Equine Assisted and Green Therapy are all relatively new experiential interventions which I combine with Counselling where requested to do so by clients.   These approaches can be particularly effective for young or vulnerable people.   Session rates are the same as counselling but rates for Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) are by arrangement.

The cost of Walk and Talk weekends will vary as your individual weekend programme will be tailored according to your needs and preferences.   Please contact me for more details.

Training and Workshop rates vary depending on whether you choose a half day or full day workshop and also on whether this is held here at my premises in Cumbria or on your premises.   Please contact me to discuss your requirements.