Who I am
My work is shaped by a rich mix of personal and professional experience - a recipe made from curiosity, imagination and a lifelong interest in people, their communities and spiritual needs. Growing up as an only child within a complex family dynamic, I have come to understand the value of connection - for ourselves, each other and the world we share. This remains the foundation of my work, with Nature providing the framework for self discovery, purpose and potential to unfold. Through teaching, learning, cooking, therapy and play, I explore the power of honest communication. A deep interest is in reconnecting with our instinctual life, trusting our intuition, allowing self expression to flourish, for the sustainable benefit of all.
Career path
After a first degree in Anthropology, I completed teacher training, that I was later able to fit around my family. Landing a job as drama specialist at a school for high functioning dyslexic and autistic spectrum pupils, I also learned about ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). I felt at home. Drama is a wonderfully flexible subject, lending itself to therapeutic input, adapting to the needs of the moment. After a break from secondary education, I returned to a new kitchen classroom, teaching adults domestic cookery. In the same year, I also began my training as a therapist. Whilst thoroughly enjoying these as discrete occupations, their compatibility and potential to feed into each other, quickly became apparent, and became Kitchen Therapy, an ongoing voyage into the nature of life...
Currently
I am passionate about bringing possibility, potential and pleasure centre stage, abandoning notions of perfection, to make way for the transformative power of reality. To this end, my book, 'Kitchen Therapy, how to become a conscious cook', takes us on a culinary adventure to the inner workings of the human mind. I have now founded a non-profit, training organisation, Kitchen Sessions CIC, to promote the therapeutic potential of food in all areas of life. Writing remains a constant companion for both personal and professional development. I always have an article or event in mind to share ideas. As part of my role in the Spirituality Division of the BACP, I have a regular column, in Thresholds quarterly journal, and am (almost) enjoying working on understanding how best to use my Substack platform... not easy for a busy luddite! Being an active part of my community means helping out at my local lunch club, seeing as much live music as I can, and being co-presenter on Radio Reverb's Food and Drink show, where I get to reconnect with my inner drama queen who loves to reach an audience.
Qualifications
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published 'Kitchen Therapy, how to become a conscious cook'
2024 -
2024
founded Kitchen Sessions CIC training organisation
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BACP Spiritual Division executive committee member
2024 -
2016
Accredited Member British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
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Foundation in Systemic Family Therapy, St Georges’ University Hospital, Tooting
2014 -
2011
Psycho-dynamic Therapeutic Counselling PG Dip, Brighton University
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Science Short Course – Understanding Human Nutrition, Open University
2008 -
2000
Certificate in Teaching Children with Specific Learning Difficulties – Dyslexia. Roehampton Institute
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BA (Hons) Anthropology and Sociology
1991
