My qualifications
My first degree is a BA in European Studies, for which I studied French, German, Politics and Economics at Loughborough University (1974 – 1978).
After university I did a one-year Postgraduate Diploma in International Marketing at North Staffordshire Polytechnic in Stoke.
I decided to take a completely different turn in my late 20’s and went to music school in Leeds: I attended Leeds College of Music (1986 – 1989) and took the 3-year degree course in Jazz and Contemporary Music. I had to deal with a life-changing shock during this period, which I won’t go into here. I eventually followed up this course with a one-year jazz course in Wakefield in 2000, and gained a diploma in jazz improvisation. The qualification is called Licentiate of the Guildhall School of Music and Dance. I still play jazz in my leisure time, when I am not doing counselling and psychotherapy.
When I got interested in counselling and therapy in my mid-30’s, I first did a 10-week introductory course(1992), followed by an RSA Certificate in Counselling Skills, at the Swarthmore Centre in Leeds (1992 – 1993).
I then trained at Park Lane College for 3 years and gained a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (1993 – 1996).
After that I did another year at Leeds Metropolitan University which converted my diploma into a BSc degree in Therapeutic Counselling (1997 – 1998).
I attained BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy) Accreditation in 1998.
In 1999 I gained a certificate in therapeutic groupwork from Group Analysis North, which was a one-year course (1998 – 1999).
In 2011 I successfully applied for status as Senior Accredited Counsellor/Psychotherapist with the BACP.
I am registered on the BACP Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists, certificate number: 6161
Continuing Professional Development
Each year I do various activities that contribute to my continuing professional development. These include one-day seminars or lectures on a whole range of topics to do with therapy and life. I don’t want clutter this page with a long list of what I have done over the last 20 years, but I will mention a couple of highlights:
Two 12-week psychodrama groups in Bradford, with Aggi Jakubska
A one-day psychodrama course with David Brazier
Various seminars at the Harry Guntrip Trust in Leeds, with Ronald Britton, Patrick Casement, Adam Phillips, and many others.
The work I do in co-counselling – both the time I focus on myself and when I teach co-counselling to others – is very important for my ongoing personal development.