I am married and I have two grown up sons.
Prior to becoming a counsellor, I served in the London Fire Brigade for 27 years. The experience of being a fire officer in the capital and helping to meet people's needs, both physically and emotionally was useful preparation for becoming a counsellor. During this time I gained experience of working with people from different backgrounds, cultures and lifestyles.
I retired from the Fire Service in 1997 and after a period of study I qualified as a counsellor and I joined MIND in Croydon in 2000.
I worked for MIND for 5 years. From 2005 until 2010 I was appointed as a counsellor in Primary Health Care working in the NHS. I counselled GP referrals in doctor's surgeries and health centres in Surrey.
I have a diploma in Person-Centred Counselling, accredited to the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
I am a BACP accredited counsellor/psychotherapist and I am bound by the BACP's Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy. I am also a UKRCP registered independent counsellor/psychotherapist.