I have been working in the field of healing and personal transformation for over forty years. From an early age, I found myself drawn to questions about the deeper nature of human experience and the relationship between body, mind, and consciousness. This led me into the study of psychology, alongside an exploration of yoga, Zen, meditation, and eventually the healing arts of Shiatsu and acupuncture.

 

I have been in private practice as a Shiatsu practitioner and therapist since 1982. During that time, I have worked with thousands of peopleboth those seeking support in their own lives, and practitioners looking to deepen and sustain their work.

 

I am the founder and former principal of the Bristol School of Shiatsu one of the UK's longest-established professional shiatsu training schools. Working alongside my teaching team, I trained hundreds of students to become professional practitioners. The school became known for its emphasis on personal development and its relational approach to Shiatsu, recognising that the quality of presence and relationship between practitioner and client is central to the healing process. The training therefore focused not only on the various skills and ki development needed for shiatsu, but on developing the emotional awareness and capacity needed to truly meet another person in the work.

 

At the heart of my work is a commitment to stay present with whatever arises - physically, emotionally, and psychologically - within a therapeutic relationship. Whether as a Shiatsu practitioner, professional supervisor, a Transformational Dialogue therapist or as a Postgraduate Shiatsu teacher, the emphasis is the same: embodied presence, attunement, and trust in the relational field in which change unfolds.

 

My professional background includes a BA (Hons) in Psychology, a diploma in Acupuncture from the London School of Chinese Medicine, and a diploma in Shiatsu from the Kushi Institute. I also served for many years on the practitioner assessment panel of the Shiatsu Society (UK), including two years as chairperson. I also played an active role in the creation of  professional  standards for both practitioners and teachers and in the process of the ratification of Shiatsu Schools in the UK.

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I am also a moderator for the Healing the Shadow Organisation (HTC)

 

Alongside my clinical practice, I have facilitated workshops and residential intensives in personal transformation for over three decades, and offered postgraduate training for practitioners in Shiatsu, therapeutic dialogue, and sustainable professional practice.

 

Through more than 18,000 hours of clinical work, a particular way of working gradually emerged, which I now call 'Transformational Dialogue'. This body-focused therapeutic approach integrates embodied awareness  with reflective dialogue, supporting deeper enquiry and lasting change. It has been informed by many strands of study and practice. This includes depth psychology (in particular Archetypal Psychology), Jungian work, shadow work, dream work, embodiment practices, and training with psychiatrist Ron Smothermon in the spiritual basis of relationship.

 

My work has also been shaped by many years of meditation, yoga, personal self enquiry, psychotherapy, supervision, and coaching. Important influences have been my initiatory, ‘rights of passage’ work with Michael Meade, James Hillman, Robert Bly, and Malidoma Somé.

 

All of this continues to inform the way I work today—both with individuals and practitioners. My intention is to offer a space where you can be met fully, and where something real has the possibility to unfold.

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I am registered with The Shiatsu Society and have regular professional supervision to support my work.