About

I am a writer and a poetry therapy practitioner (PTP) in training with the International Academy for Poetry Therapy.

My debut novel Is This It?, for which I achieved an MFA (merit) in 2023, explores themes of identity, wellbeing and change – both individual and social.

For the past forty years, I have had a deep interest in approaches to health and wellbeing. My approach to wellbeing is based on an integrative model as I believe dis-ease in the mind and body is a combination of many different factors.

I began studying Shiatsu in 1991, followed by Reiki healing. The commitment to a way of life that encompassed these ideals led me to study a BA (Hons) in Anthropology and an MA in Research Methods at the University of Durham. I focused on attitudes and approaches to health and wellbeing in different cultures.

Later, I completed three years of intensive teacher training in Tai Chi, Chi Kung and Meditation with Master Jason Chan (Infinite Tai Chi, Manchester). I qualified in 2008 and ran classes and workshops. To complement this, I achieved a Diploma in Oriental Medicines (D.OM) in 2009.

I have also studied flower essence therapy and am well-versed in homeopathy.

While completing these studies, I brought up six children in a rural location and I now have 13 grandchildren. This fed into interests in natural parenting, home education and ageing. I’m convinced of the benefits of being outside in nature, walking, gardening and listening to the birds!

I offer a combination of poetry therapy, Tai Chi movement and flower essences to groups and individuals to promote wellbeing, supporting stress management and a healthy lifestyle.

I am a member of Lapidus International, the writing for wellbeing community, and the National Association of Writers in Education (NAWE).