Background

In 1996, I enrolled on a nutritional therapy diploma course at the Institute of Optimum Nutrition, London.  I very much enjoyed studying nutrition, and after two years decided to transfer to the BSc in Nutrition programme at the University of Westminster, London.  Not entirely satisfied, and with a strong desire for knowledge, I knew I wanted to further my education by attending Bastyr University in Seattle, USA.  I therefore instead switched to the Health Sciences programme where there was more module flexibility.  This enabled me to undertake modules including microbiology and pharmacology, which helped broaden my knowledge.  After graduation, I attend both the University of Westminster and Oxford Brookes University in order to take additional modules to satisfy Bastyr University’s stringent entry criteria.  These included chemistry and mammalian biochemistry. 

I arrived at Bastyr University in the summer of 2002, and immediately enrolled on an intensive biochemistry course, which was a further requirement before commencing the MSc in Nutrition degree.  Whilst there, apart from the nutrition modules, I also completed two counselling modules, which I thoroughly enjoyed.  As part of my degree, I was encouraged to undertake a research project that satisfied two of my main passions at the time – nutrition and exercise.  I therefore embarked on a lengthy and very involved clinical research project combining an exercise protocol and a nutritional supplement in what is known as a ‘randomised, controlled, double-blind trial’ (RCT) entitled “Does Creatine Supplementation Increase Exercise Performance to a Greater Extent in Omnivores Compared with Vegetarians?”  I learnt a great deal about undertaking research of this nature, and acquired valuable skills to enable me to critically assess published research.  During this period I had decided to extend my stay at Bastyr University primarily so that I could teach students enrolled on the undergraduate Exercise Science programme, which I did for two years.        

I returned from the USA, and from November 2006 until March 2022, I worked at a private health clinic in England, where I provided nutritional consultations to hundreds of individuals from many countries, including Italy, France, Germany, Sweden, India, and of course the UK.  These individuals presented with, for example, chronic fatigue, digestive disturbance (e.g. ulcerative colitis), food-related problems, lethargy, poor sleep, and cognitive dysfunction.  The majority, however, had other factors that contributed adversely to their health – the principal one being psychological.  Consequently, even though in this clinical setting I was employed to provide nutritional advice, there was frequently an underlying psychological component that I attempted to address.  Nevertheless, it is not enough to simply focus on ‘what is wrong’, as there must also be emphasis placed on building resilience, which I believe is so often overlooked.

Volunteering and Private Practice

From September 2014 until May 2019, I volunteered as a counsellor at the national charitable organisation Bucks Mind in Buckinghamshire, England, and from February 2018 until March 2020, I was a volunteer counsellor at the Bucks New University Counselling Department in Buckinghamshire, England.  In these settings I encountered people presenting with a broad range of psychological-related issues, including anxiety, bereavement, divorce, health concerns, neglect, relationship difficulties, poor self-esteem and confidence issues, abuse, and significant trauma – both physical and psychological.  Regarding trauma, it has been my experience that people are regularly unaware that they have experienced trauma or are reluctant to acknowledge it, and this prevents them from seeking help and/or diminishes the recognition it has negatively had on their health. 

I volunteered because I do not believe access to psychological help should be denied because of lack of financial resources, and furthermore, when people are suffering or struggling and require psychological assistance, they should not have to wait for an inordinate period of time before receiving it.  Given this, I was pleasantly surprised when my supervisors at Bucks Mind put my name forward for the Aylesbury Vale Community Chest ‘People who make a difference’ award for my counselling contributions, and deeply honoured when I won!

In addition to volunteering, I have developed a successful counselling practice since 2020, based at the Prestwood Osteopathic and Natural Health Centre in Buckinghamshire, England.  I also offer counselling remotely via FaceTime, WhatsApp and Microsoft Teams. 

Education & Qualifications

About the photographs

I have specifically chosen these particular photographs of the English Lake District for my website not only because these represent one of the most stunning areas of natural beauty which I would like to share, but equally important, it is my hope that you are uplifted by looking at these. All photographs used on this site were taken by Professional Photographer Simon Hathaway. To see more of his exquisite work please visit simonhathaway.com

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