I have 20 years’ experience working with students on a one-to-one setting and in groups. I run a private practice in Central London, W2. I’ve appeared on various television and radio broadcasts, mainly with the BBC. I offer study tips for parents on the BBC education website. I’ve written numerous articles on parenting and education for The Guardian, the Telegraph and for university publications. I give study skills lectures at school and university level.

How did it all start?

I developed study techniques for my own exam preparation at Oxford University. Then I taught French at a 6th form college and noticed how much my pupils were struggling to learn all that grammar, so I passed on a few memory tricks. One thing led to another and soon I was running a study skills department, helping adolescents who were underperforming in homework, essays and exams. My one-on-one experiences with students in difficulty prompted me to train in the emotional aspects of learning and teaching at the Tavistock Centre in London.

After ten years, I became freelance. My work is through word of mouth and I also get referrals from educational psychologists. It’s in this freelance capacity that I was able to start publishing my writings.

Training and qualifications

My qualifications are:

• MA in Emotional Factors in Learning and Teaching (University of East London in partnership with the Tavistock Centre
• BA Hons (Oxon) in English Language and Literature
• Baccalaureate from the European School in Brussels
• Certificate in Counselling Children and Adolescents (Central School of Counselling and Therapy
• Certificate in Counselling Skills and Attitudes (Westminster Pastoral Foundation)

I also have training in:

• Emotional Freedom Techniques
• Learning difficulties (dyslexia, dyspraxia)

I spent a year researching the subject of ADHD, leading to various articles in The Guardian, available on this site.