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 own training on the use of 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.