MY STORY

Without Walls was born out of a passion to help young people. Inspired by working with teenagers as an Art & Design teacher, I was amazed at the general lack of self confidence and self belief most had. I feel an overwhelming desire to help our younger generation believe in their abilities and self worth.

I have a wealth of teaching experience working in a variety of education settings and roles, including as a SENCO in an FE setting and as Senior Mental Health Lead in an SEMH Special School. I have a solid understanding of the evolving needs and constraints within our education system and am passionate about supporting both students and staff to feel at optimum health and perform at their best.

I support young people, their families and anyone working with young people.

QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

I am DBS checked and have up to date training within the following areas: Designated Safeguard Lead; Prevent; First Aid; Mental Health First Aid; Leading Good Autism Practice. I am an accredited Solution Focused Brief Therapist with IASTI (International Alliance of Solution-Focused Teaching Institutes), have a PGCE, a National Award in Special Educational Needs Coordination, I am a qualified Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist with the CSTA (Craniosacral Therapy Association), have a Level 3 Diploma in Anatomy and Physiology and I'm in training for a Diploma in trauma and mental health with Trauma Informed Schools UK.

I partake in weekly CPD opportunities, whether around SEN, Solution Focus or Craniosacral practices. I try to live as authentically as I can and continue to develop my learning and practice, connecting with people on a creative and deep energetic level.

1:1 AND GROUPS

I use a solution focused (SF) approach as a framework for improving emotional wellbeing and mental health. I may bring mindfulness techniques and creative activity into sessions depending on the individual or group needs. Adopting an SF mindset is a healthy way to view life, which can not only change one’s own life, but affect those around them in a positive way.

SEND

My experience as a SENCO has driven my passion for working to the students’ strengths and what they can and are already doing to support themselves. This awareness of what a little self-belief can achieve is nothing short of transformational. I have coached students before exams with successful outcomes.

Schools and colleges that I have worked with have noticed an improvement in motivation and overall happiness within a few sessions.

FAMILY SUPPORT

Having a child with barriers to learning and managing challenges around their mental health in school, can feel very difficult to navigate. In collaboration with pastoral and or SEND departments, I support families to build strategies and solutions, whilst maintaining consistency between school and home.

PEER MENTOR TRAINING

I often find that the students I support are inspired to support others. The peer mentor programme is designed to train older students in the SF approach who feel the benefits for themselves an learn how to have SF conversations with younger students. How this is managed and coordinated can be discussed with the schools and tailored to suit.

SOCIAL ART WORKSHOPS

Art and design workshops with a twist. In small groups, we work as a team to boost each other’s confidence and support social interaction with mindfulness and kindness. I am a huge advocate of student led approaches to learning, so each series of workshops may differ depending on the group and what each person brings

TRAINING & SUPERVISION

Training for teachers and support staff who want to adopt a solution focus approach to the way they work with children and young people. 1:1 or group sessions for NQTs to build self-confidence and enhance positive classroom management.

SOLUTION FOCUS APPROACH

Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) places focus on a person's present and future circumstances and goals rather than past experiences. Problems are listened to and given time but not focused on. Instead, clients are encouraged to develop a vision of the future and offered support as they determine the skills, resources, and abilities needed to achieve their vision .

SFBT aims to help people experiencing difficulty find tools they can use immediately to manage symptoms and cope with challenges. It works with the assumption that people already know, on some level, what change is needed in their lives. Practitioners encourage individuals to recognise their existing strengths and abilities to make meaningful change needed to achieve their desired future.

SFBT practitioners attempt to guide clients through the process of recognising what is working for them, help them explore how best to continue practicing those strategies, and encourage them to acknowledge and celebrate success.

This is me co-hosting Family Based Solutions Chat with special guest Russell Sabella, author of Solution Focus School Counselling.

I LOVE SHARING WHAT CLIENTS AND SUPPORTERS SAY

ASSOCIATES