CEO, Counsellor & Supervisor

“I have been a counsellor with Focus since 2017. In 2019, I opened the Frome Practice., having harboured a long held passion to bring affordable, high quality person-centred counselling to my home town of Frome. As CEO, I am dedicated to our aim of fostering a culture of safety, warmth, compassion and understanding both inside and outside our organisation. In my spare time I enjoy reading, long country walks and wild water swimming.”

Practice Manager at Focus Bath & Counsellor

“Having started as a trainee at Focus in 2017, I quickly become an employed counsellor for them, and now have taken on the role as Practice Manager. I love the way in which Focus has supported so many different people, for more than 20 years. I feel it is a huge honour to help carry the legacy forward into the next chapter. Away from work I have a very full family life and am one of those mad runners who enjoys running as a way of relaxing.”

Office & Finance Manager

“I have been Office & Finance Manager at Focus since February 2018, having spent most of my career in office management, admin and logistics. I love working for Focus because I support the aims and values of the charity completely, believing wholeheartedly in affordable counselling for all. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, running and spending time with my children and grandchildren.”

Practice Manager at Focus Wells & Counsellor

Joining in November 2023, I  am the newest member of the Focus Team. I am delighted to be part of a vibrant organisation committed to making Counselling financially accessible to all in our communities. I have a Masters in Counselling Psychology from Trinity University in Chicago. My especial love is the church family I pastor in Wells. When I get to play, my favourite pastimes are to be at the seaside; scuba diving, growing and arranging beautiful flowers and reading with my two cats on my lap.

Office Manager

I started at Focus in April 2024 after having worked as a Coordinator at a charity in Frome. I met many people who were struggling and I know how important it is to be listened to. Before moving to the UK in 2014 from the Netherlands I worked as an adult social care worker for many years. I subsequently worked as an Integrative massage therapist for 20 years in my own practice and trained and worked as a counsellor. I have an active social life here in Somerset and travel to the Netherlands regularly to see family and friends. Those same people frequent our home for short breaks to ramble through the green hills!

Practice Manager at Focus Frome

I started working for Focus in Frome in 2019. During the pandemic I moved online and then worked in Bath, but it has been a joy to return to St John's Cottage, Frome, as Practice Manager in November 2024. I love the diversity of my role, working with the fabulous counsellors and engaging with the community, as well as my own counselling work with couples, adults, children and young people. I also find it really rewarding working as a supervisor with therapists and those from other organisations.

When I'm not at work, I love spending time with my family, rowing and having adventures by the sea.

Chairman

Andrew joined as a trustee in January 2022, (having previously served as a trustee and Vice-Chairman of Julian House) and was appointed Chairman in April 2022. His background is in business, having led organisations in Plc, Private Equity & Public Sector environments, latterly as CEO of The Royal Mint. His passions are sport - supporting Bath Rugby & Aston Villa, and helping the socially excluded & disadvantaged through his role at Focus.

Trustee

“I have been a trustee and the treasurer of Focus since early 2020. A chartered accountant by training, I spent most of my career in the Far East working in aviation and banking before coming back to Bath in 2001 to work in the City. I am passionate about the work Focus does every day to help and advise people.”

Trustee

“ My career background in Human Resources, both in the private and public sectors, provide useful experience and skills to offer to the Focus Board of Trustees. I am passionate about what we do, namely providing affordable, highly professional counselling to significant numbers of clients in a variety of critical areas. I would highlight our local schools work where we support many young people and help them deal the challenges of everyday life. “

Trustee

My early career was in education where I championed inclusivity for all children/students in their educational journey. My later career was as a psychotherapist, both in the public sector and in private practice. again inclusivity for all who sought counselling was something very important to me and it is a delight to see Focus Counselling Service driving this.

I have recently retired to enjoy travel, my garden and two small grandaughters. I am excited to be a part of a committed and engaging team and hope my earlier experiences and skills will contribute to Focus Counselling.

Trustee

I worked in hospitality in London before moving to Bath in the early 80s, I was a full time mother for many years and doing house viewings for a local Estate Agent. I trained with Cruse Bereavement as a counsellor and with Dorothy House which I found very rewarding as I have always been interested in mental health and wellbeing. I am delighted to be joining Focus as a Trustee as affordable counselling for all is so important.