I have been offering mindfulness within the NHS since 2007, initially within a Dialectical Behaviour Therapy-based service within Cornwall Foundation NHS Trust. Since completing the mindfulness postgraduate training at University of Exeter in 2010, I have been teaching MBSR and MBCT courses within the NHS and privately in Cornwall.
These courses have included MBSR for the general public, NHS Therapists and MBCT for Primary Care patients, the Eating Disorder Service and clients of the Integrated Community Mental Health Team (ICMHT). I also currently offer mindfulness to patients and staff of the Mental Health Inpatient Unit and have for several years been working individually with clients of the ICMHT.
I also have several roles on the University of Exeter postgraduate training programme, including as a teacher and trainer, supervisor to students on placement, and MBI:TAC assessor.
Before teaching mindfulness, I was involved in research prior to training in counselling. Subsequently, I worked in both the voluntary and statutory sector for 16 years initially, developing a mental health helpline for Cornwall before then researching NHS services.
Qualifications
- MBI:TAC training University of Exeter, 2014 and 2015
- Supervisors’ training, University of Exeter, 2011 and 2012
- Postgraduate Diploma in Mindfulness-based Approaches, University of Exeter, 2010
- Background in Person Centered Counseling and Transactional Analysis
Teaching-Training Specialisms
I have offered both MBSR and MBCT courses in a variety of settings both within the NHS and privately. This involved an extended period of co-teaching before then moving to teach independently, both of which have been invaluable in supporting and enabling a deepening of the themes that run through the MBSR and MBCT curriculum and which continue to inspire and enthuse me as I continue to offer courses.
Supervision Experience
I began supervising trainee mindfulness teachers in 2012 and subsequently have been supporting supervisees offering MBSR and MBCT courses both within the NHS and privately.
Supervision Specialisms
Supporting trainee teachers as they step into their teaching journey as well as supervising newly qualified and more experienced teachers.Personal practice
My practice began with Yoga in the early eighties which then led me to meditation initially in the Indian tradition before then connecting to Tibetan Buddhism whilst travelling in Nepal.
Since the late 90’s my practice has become an essential and deeply valued part of my life. I have been fortunate to have been under the guidance of HH 17th Karmapa and Mingyur Rinpoche and between 2008 and 2013 completed Mahamudra Meditation training in India over 6 years under the guidance of Tai Situ Rinpoche.
This has offered me wonderful and comprehensive training in shamatha and vipassanya practices with a daily commitment of two hours working through a detailed and precise method and supported by Rinpoche.
With this, I have also spent extended periods in personal retreat as a way to deepen practice and honour the practice commitment.
These practices have I feel enriched, complemented, and supported my training and teaching of MBSR and MBCT giving me the opportunity to investigate and examine the small details that comprise the core practices and give me sound and richfull bedrock from which to understand and teach from.
Other influences on practice and my life
I also regularly attend retreats with Tsoknyi Rinpoche who I find brings together the traditional Dzogchen teachings with a strong emphasis on the body and reconnection into the heart. His profound wisdom, clarity and humourful approach has been invaluable in supporting my personal journey, in deepening understanding of the nature of mind and integrating practice into my life.
I am also inspired by the writings of Tulku Urgyen, Dilgo Khyentse and Chogyam Trungpa as well as the teachers from the Insight tradition such as Christina Feldman, Jack Kornfield and Joseph Goldstein.
The writings and poetry of Rainer Rilke have also become an inspiration and together with Dharma teachings and practice offer a support and kindly reminder of the transformational quality of being with all experience.
My practice feels much supported by being in nature, walking around the Helford River and along the Cornish coast where I live offering me a deep sense of nourishment and delight.
