Stepping away from finance felt right. I did many courses and training to work with families and groups. I also studied the SEND and EHCP system which enabled me to get my two children the school support they needed. I became a form filling ‘expert’ on anything from applying for Disability Allowance to writing grant applications for our special needs’ charity! 

 

My knowledge on the local statutory and voluntary sector alongside my parenting experience helped to become a family support worker, helping other families with neurodiverse or physically disabled children. The role was demanding but profoundly fulfilling. I met parents who, like me, were trying to make sense of a new reality, and I discovered the power of empathy, listening, and shared understanding. 

 

Being there for those families wasn’t just a job; it became a calling. I realised how much I valued building connections and providing support in moments of vulnerability. 

It was during this time that a local charity I worked with posed a life-changing question: 

"Have you ever thought about training to become a counsellor?" 

 

The idea was both exciting and daunting. Could I really take such a leap as I had two children at primary school age? But the more I thought about it, the more I realized how much sense it made. My experiences as a parent and family support worker had already given me the foundation for counselling—compassion, resilience, and a deep understanding of the struggles families face. 

I took the plunge, and I’ve never looked back. Training as a counsellor was a transformative experience. It not only deepened my understanding of others but also gave me the tools to guide couples and families through their unique challenges. Today, I help people strengthen their relationships, navigate parenting struggles, and rediscover the ‘wow’ moments amidst the difficulties. 

 

 

Today, I am proud to be a counsellor specializing in supporting couples and families. My personal journey gives me a unique perspective and a deep empathy for my clients. Whether helping a couple improve communication, guiding parents through the challenges of raising neurodiverse children, or offering support to families facing life’s uncertainties, I strive to create a safe and compassionate space where healing and growth can happen.