I have worked in the fitness industry for thirty years, initially qualifying as an aerobics instructor with the YMCA and a step instructor with Reebok UK. As a gym instructor, I gained much experience working on a one-to-one basis with clients. Then, twenty years ago, I gained further qualifications in personal training, body conditioning and fitness testing.

 

Working from my own private gym, I have since gained qualifications in nutrition, stability ball, yoga and an advanced level personal training diploma. My current client base is broad, from marathon runners to less able-bodied clients who suffer with heart conditions, joint problems, obesity and diabetes-related issues. I’ve even had the honour of training a Team GB Paralympic blind footballer. Working in both one-to-one and group sessions, I have seen first-hand how a person’s state of mind can majorly impact their physical resilience. Anxiety, stress and depression are all key contributing factors to a body’s inability to heal, both mentally and physically. I found most of my overweight training clients struggled with more than just a lack of motivation. Food had become the enemy to many and years of negative thinking made any real behaviour changes almost impossible.

 

Wanting to address this, I completed a Person Centered Psychotherapy Diploma fifteen years ago. I later found and fell in love with Transactional Analysis and embarked upon a second advanced diploma to qualify as a Transactional Analysis Counsellor. I work with both individuals and groups, in my own private therapy rooms and at a local NHS GP surgery, covering a variety of issues, including anxiety, stress, depression, sports performance and obesity. I also co-run weekend retreats for obesity management and deliver work-based workshops for staff struggling with health and weight issues.

 

In 2018 I completed the Level 6 Diploma in Clinical Supervision and now offer both individual and group supervision, for both trainees and qualified counsellors.

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I am currently training with the EMDR Academy to become an EMDR practitioner for working with trauma.