“Vulnerability is the ever-present and abiding undercurrent of our natural state. To run from vulnerability is to run from the essence of our nature; the attempt to be invulnerable is the vain attempt to become something we are not" - from the essay, VULNERABILITY in David Whyte, Consolations
I grew up in Belfast at a time of profound change and collective vulnerability, along with our innate resilience, creativity, love of music, song and story, humour, nature - the hills and rivers around the city.
Learning to live and work through loss, complex post traumatic stress and growth, violent and post-conflict and complicated grief, as well as the dynamics of individual and collective connection/disconnection, creativity, and transformation is part of my journey and many people and groups I have had the honour to work and learn with - as a leader and as a co-learner.
I was drawn to working locally, throughout this island, and travelling to work as part of specialist trauma healing teams in South Africa, Sri Lanka, Scandinavia, and other parts of Europe. I also offered tailored consultancy for teams of therapists and organisational consultants.
Exploring and supporting practices of connection - of contributing to create conditions for restoring wholeness and integrity of body, mind, spirit and heart full connection is a joy to facilitate, witness and participate in. I am a piano player and poet who believes that creative expression is an essential aspect of our humanity.
Professional Certifications include: Conservation Volunteers, wildlife and biodiversity training, 1985 Certificate in Community Development with commendation. University of Ulster. 1991 PhD holistic approaches to well being, intentional community, consciousness and leadership 1994 Senior Leadership / Executive Training - Heyward and Masters, Edinburgh Supervision Training - Tony Morrison MBACP senior accredited supervisor and psychotherapist Accredited member as gestalt practitioner in organisations and therapist of the European Association for Gestalt Psychotherapy EAGT Part Masters and Post Graduate Diploma in Gestalt Psychotherapy, Gestalt Trust (1994)/Gestalt Centre London/University of North London; Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Holland, SETI, (2005) and International Team Assisting 2006-2014; Working strategically and intimately with couples, family, small and large systems; Cape Cod Model, Gestalt International Studies Centre, USA, (2010); Healing Developmental Trauma, NeuroAffective Relational Model with Larry Heller (2014-16) Assistant, NARM; and Advanced NARM training in Complex Developmental Adaptations, and Master Practitioner (2018-on). Additional Couples training with Terry Real, Relational Life, and the Developmental Model, Ellyn and Peter Bader. I also use relational tools from the research based Gottman Institute.