My CPD
Continuing Professional Development
I believe that in order for someone to practice ethically, they should continue to ‘sharpen the saw’. In other words, to remain fresh and current they should continue to study and seek out new opportunities for growth.
Current Training
I am currently engaged on training with the Welsh Psychotherapy Institute. This training body is know for the quality and rigour of its training. Not only does it ensure that students meet the appropriate academic standard for a level 7 (master’s level) qualification, the training is experiential. Following a four year taught course, there will be two years of self-study to complete the qualification.
Continuing Professional Development
Delivering Online Therapy
I successfully completed the Open University course DGXS002. This is a course aimed at both trainees and trained psychotherapists who are working or wishing to work online. It covers both practical issues and ethical issues.
Creating Safety and Connection with Trauma Clients
This two day course, led in-person by Deb Dana, introduced Polyvagal Theory and its application to trauma.
It was a real privilege to be taught directly by one of the co-creators of Polyvagal Theory.
Exploring Personality Adaptations in Relationships
This online, live, course was led by Vann Joines, who developed this aspect of psychotherapy. It explored how we develop ways of protecting ourselves by adapting to our environment. However, not all of these adaptations are helpful in adult life. This course looked at working with these adaptations.
Mindfulness for Autism
This course looked at how mindfulness can be useful (and can be harmful) for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Flash Technique for Trauma (PESI)
This six hour course explored using the flash technique to work with traumatised people.
Safeguarding
It is vital for a psychotherapist (or other caring professional) to know how to take care of clients, and others who may be affected, when there is the possibility that someone is at risk of harm. I have taken part in safeguarding training both with WPI (Spring 2023) and New Pathways (Autumn 2023).
Secret Agent of Shame
This one-day course, led by Gillian Downie and Martin Capps, explored the role of shame in the therapeutic relationship. It allowed us to explore our relationship to shame, to work through that shame, as well as looking at how it might affect our clients.
Money… The Tip of the Iceberg
This two-day course, led by Martin Capp and Catherine Havard, allowed for a discussion of money, our own attitude to it, as well as how it affects our lives, our clients’ lives and the sense of worthiness.
New Pathways Induction
New Pathways is a charity working with victims of sexual violence. In order to be ready to work with these clients, New Pathways runs an induction course that operates over 6 months. The course covered aspects such as: working safely with trauma, how sexual violence might be different for male victims, safeguarding, etc.
Free to be Me ADHD
This course looked at adaptations that can be useful when working with people with ADHD. It was in the process of doing this course that I realised that I might have ADHD as I recognised the adaptations as things that I already did in my life.
Marian Fry Lecture 2023 (Managing Your Blackness)
This day-long course was led by Dwight Turner and explored race in the context of a psychotherapeutic environment.
Marian Fry Lecture 2024 (The Enormity of Now)
This day-long course, led by Gaie Houston, looked at the many aspects of now. The ‘here and now’ is a major aspect of Gestalt therapy, as well as working with trauma clients. This amazing day looked at ways of exploring the “Now”.
10 Day Silent Vipassana Course
The technique of Vipassana Meditation is taught at ten-day residential courses during which participants learn the basics of the method, and practice sufficiently to experience its beneficial results. https://www.dhamma.org/en/about/vipassana
Other roles
In addition, I have held a post on the LGBTQ+ Research Group with New Pathways – this research project (2024-2025) with New Pathways and Umbrella Cymru explored the provision of care for victims of sexual violence who identify as LGBTQ+ in Wales.
I also run a monthly Zoom call for counsellors, coaches and psychotherapists who identify as LGBTQ in Wales.
I am a facilitator in a New Pathways men’s group for post-counselling support of victims of sexual violence who identify as men.
Other Qualifications
In addition to the above qualifications I also hold:
BSc (Hons.) Dunelm – Bachelor of Science from the University of Durham in Physics
BTh (Hons.) Oxon. – Bachelor of Theology from the University of Oxford
400m Swimming Certificate
Cycling Proficiency
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (2008) MCSE
