Hello, I’m Donna!
Author, Artist & Therapist.
I’m discovering what it means to be an artist in midlife – and documenting the journey. Through songwriting, flow music creation, and my writing, I’m exploring how we can harness flow states for peak creativity.
I’m also an accredited therapist (BABCP/NCPS) and published author, and these experiences deeply inform my understanding of creativity and wellbeing. Whether you’re here for the music, the psychology, or the creative journey, you are very welcome. Especially if you too are a midlife creative, discovering your passion and purpose.
Psychology & Therapy Experience & Qualifications.
I have degrees in Psychology, Occupational therapy, Cognitive behavioural psychotherapy and Integrative arts for health. I also have further training as a trauma therapist using methods such as EMDR and Brainspotting. I am fascinated by the science of emotions and how we can use science to help us understand how best to manage our feelings.
1. BSc (Hons) Psychology 2:1
2. BSc(Hons) Occupational Therapy 2:1
3. PG Diploma Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy
4. EMDR Practitioner Training All Parts 1-4
5. IAPT Clinical Supervisor training
6. General Certificate in Online Counselling & Therapy Part 1 (ACTO)
7. City & Guilds Teaching Adults in Further Education
8. Brainspotting Practitioner training. Phase 1, Phase 2 and David Grand Masterclass. BSPUK
9. Level 1 Certificate in Sound healing with Multi-instruments. Sound Healing Academy
10. Elaine Aron Approved Therapist for Sensory Processing Sensitivity / HSP
11. Introduction to Deep Brain Reorienting by Dr Frank Corrigan
12. Emotion Regulation Therapy Training.
Songwriting & Music Qualifications.
Writing songs is a special type of magic and I love writing lyrics and melodies. I have had two songs published and also have written two songs with the songwriter Michael Garvin, as well as several others. I have recently trained in producing music and sound therapies in order to know more about this area and be able to produce sounds for well-being.
1. Popular Singing – Leeds College of Music
2. Jazz Singing – Leeds College of Music
3. Songwriting – Factory Street Studios
4. Recording and Production – Leeds College of Music
5. Arvon Songwriting Retreat – Kathryn Williams and Chris Difford
6. Songwriting Retreat with Martin Sutton (The Songwriting Academy)
7. EDM Bootcamp with Altar Studios and Audio Devils
8. We are the unheard Music Production Course with Eve Horne
9. Level 1 Sound Therapy Course – Academy of Sound Healing.
10. MMus Music & Sound – Academy of Music & Sound (University of West London).
10. Future Producers Course – Altar Studios and Arts Council England.
Writing Qualifications.
There are several types of writing that can fall under this category. I use free writing, expressive writing and lyrical writing (songwriting) in my work with clients and for myself. I have had training in different types of writing (non-fiction, poetry, songwriting, academic writing, and trauma-focused writing therapy. It is the main method that I use to process and manage my feelings.
1. Writing Narrative Non-Fiction – Arvon at-home retreat
2. Writing a Memoir course – Curtis Brown Creative (Online 6 weeks).
3. Creative Writing (Poetry) – Manchester Metropolitan University
4. Creative Writing Short Course – UEA
5. Arvon Retreats x 3
6. Arvon Creative Writing Course (Poetry) Jo Shapcott.
7. Writer’s Workshop & Conference – Hay House Publishing.
8. Diploma in Journal Therapy.
9. Expressive Writing Training Day with Professor James Pennebaker.
Arts
1. PG Certificate Artists in healthcare settings
2. PG Diploma Integrative Arts in Health, Education & Community Settings.
certifications
I am a full member of the society of authors, an authority member of the non fiction authors association and also an accredited therapist with the BABCP (british association of behavioural and cognitive psychotherapies) and the NCPS (national counselling and psychotherapy society.