I have a Masters degree in Teaching Mindfulness-Based Approaches from the University of Bangor. Prior to training as a mindfulness teacher I was a counsellor for many years and spent 8 years as Manager of a counselling service within the NHS.
I live in the south of England where I offer regular courses, workshops and retreats. I also work further afield both within the UK and internationally. In 2013 I came across the work of Dr Chris Germer and Dr Kristin Neff in the form of Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC). This made a huge impact and I immersed myself in this field and am now one of the core Teacher Trainers for this programme. As well as teaching my own courses, retreats and workshops, I have been a supervisor for many years and a mentor and teacher trainer since 2018. My mindfulness work has mostly focussed on MBSR, MBCT and MSC, both in person and online.
I enjoy supporting other teachers in my various roles and often have newer teachers working alongside me too. I have a deep love of the countryside, part of my practice is mindful walking in the woods each day and I am also trained in facilitating in nature.
Qualifications
· MSc Teaching Mindfulness-Based Courses (distinction), University of Bangor
· Certified MSC Teacher, Teacher Trainer and Mentor, Mindful Self-Compassion, Center for Mindful Self Compassion, San Diego
· Trained supervisor, University of Bangor
· Certificate of Competence in Teaching Mindfulness-based Courses (advanced), University of Bangor
· Diploma in Casework Supervision
· Advanced Diploma Client-Centred Therapy
· MA Culture & Social Change
· BA (Hons) Cultural Studies
Teaching-Training Specialisms
· Mindful Self Compassion
· Ongoing practice support and development following initial training
· MSC Teacher Training & Mentoring for MSC Teacher Certification
Retreat Lead Experience
I have been leading residential Mindful Self-Compassion intensive courses and 5-day silent retreats since 2015 (for CMRP, Bangor University initially, for the Mindfulness Network, and independently). These have also been offered online in recent times. I also offer weekend retreats and workshops both online and in person.
Retreat Specialisms
· Mindfulness and Self-Compassion
Personal Practice
I have had a regular personal mindfulness practice since 2010 following the core practices of MBSR, and developed this further to incorporate self-compassion practices since 2013. My movement practice is enhanced by regular yoga classes and a love of mindful walking out of doors.
I am nourished and supported in deepening my practice by regular (at least annual) teacher-led retreats.
Research Activities and Interests
My MSc research explored ongoing support for participants following eight-week training courses. I am particularly interested in this field and feel an ethical responsibility to offer ongoing support to participants post their initial training.
Publications
MSc thesis: ‘Getting it under your skin’: experiences of monthly mindfulness practice support groups available on CMRP website: https://www.bangor.ac.uk/mindfulness/mastersresearch.php.en.
Further Information
Website – www.mindfulnesshampshire.co.uk