I have worked in bookshops and libraries, I have travelled and lived abroad and raised a family. After having some counselling myself I was intrigued by the process – how was it that talking to someone I didn’t know could be so helpful? I wanted a new career that involved helping other people and counselling interested me. I was also keen to help people in a way which enabled them to help themselves. 

The PG Diploma in Counselling at Abertay University in Dundee offered training in pluralistic therapy, an approach which uses people’s strengths, resources and preferences and tailors the counselling to a person’s understanding of what works for them. This fit with me and my ideas about helping and I completed my training at Abertay in July 2013.

I have worked with carers as a counsellor and support worker for seven years in Dundee, Aberdeenshire and Angus. This work has included counselling for mental health problems, changes to life circumstances, relationship issues and bereavement.

I have three years experience of counselling people with substance misuse problems and I have worked for four years supporting people affected by someone’s substance misuse.

I am currently a counsellor for survivors of sexual abuse with the Angus charity Hear Me.