About Us
Peter Powell
MSc (Birkbeck, London)
MBACP (Senior Accredited)
I have 30 years of counselling experience. Having trained as a secondary school teacher I became an Education Social Worker. I did a Diploma in Student Counselling followed by an MSc in Psychodynamic Counselling at Birkbeck (Organizational Dynamics). I then studied Group work in Cambridge. I subsequently worked at Leeds and Oxford Universities as a Student Counsellor. I was Course Leader for the Diploma in Psychodynamic Practice at Oxford.
I facilitated groups at Oxford and for a charity for 15 years. I was an Executive member of the BACP. I have a particular interest in focused therapy and have applied this to my work as a Staff Counsellor at Bristol University, integrating my therapeutic experience to the particular contemporary challenges faced by those in educational contexts.
“Peter’s combination of listening carefully, providing gently challenging insights and actions, was transformative. This was my first experience of counselling and I couldn’t have asked for a better counsellor.”
Hilary Arthur
MSt (Oxon)
UKCP, MBACP, UPCA (Accredited)
Hilary Arthur
MSt (Oxon)
UKCP, MBACP, UPCA (Accredited)
I trained as a Registered Nurse and early in my career became involved in teaching. I have worked in Education at foundation, primary and secondary levels in a variety of roles. For 10 years I was a Tutor and lecturer at the University of Oxford on the MSt programme in Psychodynamic Practice. The focus of my MSt research was on leadership and management which informed my practice when working as the
Clinical & Professional Lead for GP practice based counselling in Oxfordshire, and as Director & Clinical Lead of a thriving community-based charity that offers affordable counselling. I continue to offer support as a clinical and organisational consultant. I work with adults, couples and young people in my private practice.
“When we first met I was struggling to make any headway and just couldn’t see how things could be different. I now have a greater understanding of what motivates me and what stops me living my life as I want to. I feel more able to challenge myself and others and I am definitely living more authentically. You’ve helped me find meaning and connection in my life.”
Edwina Vernon
MSt ( Oxon )
UKCP, MBACP, UPCA ( Accredited )
I have in addition to my qualifications below, completed a training in Group Analysis and Supervision. I have extensive counselling and teaching experience within state and private school sectors, university counselling service, pupil referral unit, and a specialist school for 7-16 years with specific learning difficulties. Before psychotherapy, I worked in Opera and Music Theatre management, therefore have interests in business management and performance-related issues. I run groups for adults with life limiting conditions, an adult open ended therapy group, and bereavement group
“I just wanted to let you know I’m doing really well… I’m so happy in my own skin, and not scared to be Myself…I’ve come so far. I’d forgotten how happy I could be. Thank you Edwina.
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Kate Sutcliffe
MSt (Oxon)
UKCP, MBACP, UPCA (Accredited)
Kate Sutcliffe
MSt (Oxon)
UKCP, MBACP, UPCA (Accredited)
I am an accredited psychotherapist with extensive experience working in university and school settings, in the state and private sectors. I have worked in the Oxford University counselling service and currently work at a boarding school for students aged 13 to 18, providing support to both staff and students.
My master’s dissertation focused on researching the emotional effects of attending boarding school as a child, which led to me specialising in the therapeutic treatment of individuals who have boarded.
“A heartfelt thanks, but one that is difficult to express… I really appreciated our conversations. It felt much more productive and connected having someone who was able to offer thoughts, feelings, and responses that I could bounce off. …it has been eye-opening and a revelation and I am hugely grateful.”