Psychological Wellbeing within Compassion
Hello
My name is Sue Barker, yes there are a lot of 'Sue Barkers' out there but like you I am quite unique. If I were to put myself in a box it would be 'your friend's mum' the one you could always approach to ask questions you dare not ask others. I have been asked some amazing things over the years. I will care about you, be concerned about what you have to say and do my utmost to help you make things better for yourself.
My Story
Like you I have had ups and downs in my life. I know its a cliche but the difficult times have been great learning opportunities. I learnt how important it is to be cared for and about. I learnt how my mind could let me down and how my perception of events could be very different depending on what was happening inside me at the time.
Whilst 'nannying' I was encouraged to become a mental health nurse. The only reason I could give the interviewers to start my training was that I wanted to help people. They may be surprised the desire to help has never gone away, it continues to motivate me today. I loved mental health nursing but I wanted to know more, understand more, help more.
I, therefore, continued my studies gaining a psychology degree, then a masters in health psychology and onto a PhD researching the emotional care given to mothers when they have babies.
Alongside my studies I continued to undertake mental health care in various NHS services. My passion, knowledge and skills led to my teaching others. I have lectured in colleges, universities and charities in the UK and overseas.
I have supervised, taught and counselled others on a one to one basis, in groups and large venues. I have also enjoyed undertaking mental wellbeing workshops with children and writing.
I have studied, taught and practiced a number of therapies including CBT, MI, CCT, CAT and ACT but my main aim is to compassionately support people to achieve their potential.