I majored in Psychology and Sociology for my undergraduate degree. There was a major emphasis on early behaviourism, client-centred and psychodynamic theory and practise. at that time. I then completed an honours degree in Clinical and Counselling Psychology where I was introduced to systems therapy. I found this very interesting as we learned how the development of people is influenced by the 'systems' they experience like families, schools and so on. This interested me in finding out more about how systems influence children so I  studied for a post graduate degree in education in order to qualify as a school counsellor. After practising in this role for some time, I realised that I did not want to be confined to work with children and adolescents only, and I joined a quasi-government service where I received excellent training and experience in working with couples and families. Many years at this job supplemented my experience with adolescents with working at healing and restoring marriages, and helping families to progress from dysfunctional behaviour to a more functional approach to family life. In this service I learned a lot more about systems therapy through the very powerful medium of experiential group training supplemented by academic work.

I took a break and worked for a few years as a statistician for a research company. This was a highly pressurised environment and gave me a taste of what professionals outside of the sometimes protected world of psychology can face on a daily basis. This experience has greatly informed my work with families where external stressors and busy-ness are often a factor.

I moved to the UK to further my studies in Cognitive Therapy, as it was becoming clear that this fairly new focus on the effects of thought processes on behaviour was the way forward. I studied Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy, which is a very powerful form of cognitive therapy. Whilst practising in London I discovered ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). This was in the early days of the emergence of process-based therapies have been shown in many studies as methods which enable long-term, sustainable improvement in functioning. I achieved Peer-Reviewed status as an ACT trainer, which is the only 'accreditation' offered to ACT practitioners. It indicates that I am proficient in my practice of ACT and capable of training other therapists in ACT.

My primary focus is working with troubled individuals, helping them to function well in this complex modern environment. I had experience in a psychiatric hospital in London, and the Clinical Director advised me that I should specialise in treating severely disturbed and/or psychotic patients as I seemed to have an exceptional  skill in this area. I put it down to my ability to listen very carefully and to respect the person who is speaking as the expert on their own life. It was at this hospital that I acquired the skill of facilitating therapeutic groups. I also had a private practices in Harley Street, London, and in Banbury, Oxfordshire.

In 2006 my husband and I moved to Dubai. I started online therapy with my UK clients who did not want to move to another therapist. I also provided individual in-person therapy, group therapy and experiential group training for lay counsellors. This was mainly within the ex-pat community in the UAE, so I experienced many different cultures.

I am now settled in a village in Warwickshire and focussing mainly on working online. I find extreme fulfilment in my work, both with individuals and couples. I have found very little difference between working online and in-person. Naturally some limitations occur online but the advantages outweigh these. I have found that people who could not otherwise have benefitted from therapy can now do so - even couples who cannot be in the same place at the same time. Sometimes one person is at home and the other one is at work and we can still meet and work together. This has also helped with family members who will not meet together in person but will consent to meeting online.