PCU Committee 2017 - 2018

Following the AGM on 1st April 2017, the Union has an executive committee of 8 people drawn from many parts of the counselling and psychotherapy field. You can contact the committee via admin@pcunion.org.uk

Richard Bagnall-Oakeley (Chair)

I work primarily with children and young people, currently in local schools in North London. Before I became a psychotherapist, I worked in play and youth projects (and was a Unison union rep) - play and creativity have always been central to my work and my values. I've been involved in various grass-roots, non-party political and community projects most of my adult life - for me, the most inspiring social movements are those which work in a decentralised, 'bottom-up' rather than 'top-down' way, empowering their members to make their voices heard and take action. I hope the union can also work in this way.

Juliet Lyons - Secretary

Having trained as Integrative Child Psychotherapist at the Institute of Arts in Therapy and Education, my specialist interest is in children and families and how we care for each other as a society. I have a strong cross-over interest with the expressive and healing potential of creativity and the use of the arts. I would like to see politics in this country being much more representative of gender, ethnic, cultural and class diversity and I would like to see this widening of diversity in our profession as well. I have come to see PCU as an important protective, critiquing and challenging voice for our complex profession. My particular concerns are in the direction economically driven policies are taking us, impeding the quality of in-depth relationships.

Andrew Price - Treasurer

I was one of the founding members of the PCU and soon after its inception I became a committee member. I am now the National treasurer.Prior to qualifying as an integrative counsellor, I had been an operational firefighter for 30 years and a Fire Brigades Union official. I have experience of being a lay advocate, negotiator and experienced union activist. My practice thus far, includes working with young people as a school counsellor and with a recognise national charity. Currently, I am working at a doctors surgery as their in house counsellor. We need an independent voice for counsellors and psychotherapist so that we can effect change as to how our profession is regarded and rewarded. To take our profession forward we will need to have influence in the workplace, professional bodies and politically.Building the union further is vital if we are to achieve the goals of the founding conference of the PCU. Come join us and be part of making history.Unity is strength!

Philip Cox (Lead for professional complaints)

Phil (Dr Philip Cox, HCPC registered Chartered Psychologist and BACP Senior Accred) has been with PCU since its first meeting. He was part of PCU’s executive committee for over 3-years and took a lead on professional complaints, helping to develop the unions' response complaints support work. Phil has over 25 years of clinical experience and is Chair of the BPS Psychotherapy Section.

His research publications, conference presentations and lectures focus on unintended harm within psychotherapy, and how to support professionals who seemingly misjudge the delicate balance between good and less helpful practice. Philip is a passionate advocate for social activism and supporting marginalised groups, which includes therapists who experience difficulties – Phil’s philosophy is that by supporting therapists, we support clients.

Jane Clements (Membership Secretary)

Jamie Crabb

I’ve worked in education, mental health and wellbeing for over fifteen years. I studied applied theatre (educational, community and therapeutic contexts) working in schools and community settings supporting young people experiencing social and emotional challenges. I also worked as lecturer/tutor in applied theatre and as mental health, disability and learning differences (SpLDs) coordinator in higher education leading me to train in counselling and psychotherapy. A few years ago I co-edited Study Skills for Students with Dyslexia (Support for Specific Learning Differences).

I have been a community member involved in the development and delivery of the social enterprise Diversity and Ability (D&A) since it's formation currently as specialist mentor and supervisor for our amazing mentor's team. I have a counselling and psychotherapy practice for adults 16+. With Aashna Counselling and Psychotherapy I’m engaged in the development of training considering issues of diversity and intersectionality in therapy practice including projects “Let’s Get Uncomfortable (LGU): Embedding explorations of race, ethnicity, culture and power in counselling and psychotherapy training” and "Untold stories of adults who have grown up in care: Understanding impact of disrupted childhoods." I have worked as a counsellor for my local Mind, a University, a GP Medical Practice Counselling Service and the charity Crisis offering accessible counselling and groups.

I am a Care Experienced Conference team member, a national conference for care experienced people and care leavers of all ages to enable a much-needed debate about improving the care system campaigning at national and local government around the 10 key messages for change. My MA Psychotherapy thesis explores care experience drawing on socio-historical/political systemic, transgenerational and intergenerational understandings of trauma.

Viviane Carneiro

Robbie Lockwood