I grew up on the Norfolk broads, and love the outdoor life. I had a ‘very colourful’ young life (as someone described!) Unbeknown to me, I had ADHD, and self-medicated in what seemed pleasurable ways at the time. This led to being pretty dysfunctional, but this was my ‘normal’. I was pain-avoidant, and buried my head in the sand.

Two failed marriages, I attended counselling, and later undertook a degree in Person-Centred Counselling. This was a major turning point in my life. I had lived in denial for so long, it took a while to access the pain and wounds in my heart.

Having been adopted, the counselling made aware of my fear of rejection and abandonment. I was a people-pleaser, and lived in anxiety and fear. All this I had been unaware of. While I’m not 100% whole yet, knowledge is power, and I at least recognise when I’m not acting or thinking from a good place.

I have made peace with my ‘former colourful self’, and feel sad for her desperation.

I now love people, transformation and healing. I am a bright, positive and joyful person. I am non-judgemental, and self-accepting of myself and others. I hope to be able to pass on some wisdom from my many years of life and learning.

I have worked with teenagers, young adults and the more mature. I have sat with many young people with complex needs (anxiety/self-harm/depression etc).