‘I write because I don’t know what I think until I read what I say’
Flannery O’Connor
I’ve spent all of my working life (and long before that) as a writer. I began my training as a therapist in 2019, after going through a lot of life changes and having a lot of therapy myself.
My most recent book was a ‘creative non-fiction’ memoir about family, mental health, broken hearts and moving on. I have also written two YA novels (and co-written a third), all about friendship, fandom and the messy human experience of growing up.
Writing is a way of making sense of the world and understanding ourselves better, empowering us to find our voice and tell our own story. So is therapy. The person-centred approach to therapy embodies an honest and authentic ‘way of being’, with radical acceptance and empathy – I believe this beautiful ethos lends itself to powerful creativity as well as personal growth and healing.
I do not believe it is necessary to suffer to make good art. I believe there is no wrong way to write.
I believe in the power of therapy and the power of art. They are both about telling stories. They both have the potential to transform individuals, communities and the world around us.
My qualifications and experience
As a therapist, I am a registered member of the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) and am committed to their ethical framework. I have a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling from Haulm, who specialise in the person-centred approach, and also have the Certificate of Proficiency from the BACP.
I have worked as a volunteer counsellor at Release For Women, and as a helpline volunteer at Rise. I have delivered writing classes and workshops at YALC and for Jericho Writers. I have also run trauma-informed writing workshops for the Rise Community Connectors Programme.
As well as writing my own books, I have worked for 20 years in media and publishing, specialising in healthcare writing.
My publications
Staunch – 2020, HarperCollins/HQ
Floored (co-author) – 2018, Pan Macmillan
Becoming Betty – 2017, Pan Macmillan
My Secret Rockstar Boyfriend – 2015, Pan Macmillan
Eleanor Wood 