I have led my whole life in the helping professions originally training as an SRN in 1977 and thoroughly enjoyed many years working as an Intensive Care Sister, Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist and Researcher. I then went on to train as a Health Visitor and concurrently trained as a Psychotherapist at Metanoia Institute in London. I discovered much adult mental illhealth started in early childhood and via this dual role I hoped to be able to support young mothers in being the best mother they could be! It was also where I needed to learn how to support and mother myself through years of personal therapy. It was the early days of my therapy and Psychotherapy degree that I first became interested in the Eastern Philosophies, mainly Buddhism. I moved to Devon in 2000 and discovered Gaia House and joined a local sitting group which was an invaluable sangha. This ignited the passion to train as a Mindfulness Teacher and I led 8 week MBSR courses to NHS staff, to the general public, at Sharpham Trust and at Exeter University through their Mood Disorders Clinic. In the last 15 years I have taught many retreats at Sharpham House; Mindfulness for Beginners, Taking Mindfulness Deeper, 5 day Silent Retreats, Yoga and Mindfulness and Mindfulness for Burnout. I also supervised, mentored and assessed students attending the Diploma in Mindfulness at Exeter University. In 2020 I had a surgical procedure that was intended to repair a torn Hamstring Tendon, however this has since prevented sitting so I am unable to lead retreats and have stepped back from most face to face teaching commitments. I continue to have a daily personal practice, attend online retreats and feel deep gratitude for the many years of practice that holds me steady in times of turmoil.
Interests
I loved the outdoors, especially the sea. I feel completely “in my element” in the sea where I can feel the tickle of joy in my solar plexus/heart area. I have a huge vegetable plot where I can be found with mud up to my elbows and prize brassicas. My dog accompanies me everywhere and has always meditated with me since a puppy.
Qualifications
SRN
BSc(Hons) Health Studies 2:1
BSc(Hons) Community Care 1st Class
Masters in Gestalt Psychotherapy, Metanoia Institute
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy – Oxford University
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction – Bangor
Mindfulness Supervision – Exeter University
MBI-tac – Exeter University
Mindfulness for Life – for Myriad Trial – Oxford University
Mindfulness in Schools – MISP
Mindfulness for Teachers – Bangor
Self Compassion – Kristen Neff and Chris Germer – Derby University
Compassionate Living – Sussex
Publications
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(94)90513-4/fulltext
https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/mindfulness-mind-over-matter/