I graduated with a BA (Honours) degree in Fine Art in 1990. Having worked with the arts with older people and adults with acquired brain injury I joined Southend adult community college with the intention to teach art. But I was asked to cover a class for adults with learning disabilities. I loved it!

I trained as a specialist tutor supporting learners to manage anxiety, develop independent living skills and increase their self-esteem. As SEN pottery lead, I designed a curriculum to explore the sensory qualities of clay to develop fine motor skills and creative skills. I taught mainstream drawing, painting and digital art workshops.

But I wanted to deepen my work in using the arts to support the needs of vulnerable adults. My formal training at the Institute for Arts in Education and Training includes:

• MA degree in Integrative Arts Psychotherapy
• Post-graduate Certificate in the Therapeutic Arts
• Introduction to Counselling
• Award in First Aid for Mental Health.

I work in accordance with the leading professional bodies BAAT Code of Ethics, UKCP Code of Ethics and Professional Practice and BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. I attend regular supervision when in clinical practice with clients.

I have worked with HARP, NHS adult mental health services in Rochford and Vibe Southend. I have supported people with lived experience of homelessness, at risk mental state for psychosis, the care system and adoption, self-harm, suicidal ideation, substance misuse, pregnancy loss, sexual abuse, grief, trauma and learning disabilities.