The Career Break and Transition Coach

About me

As a Career Break and Transition Coach, I help professionals explore their future options and prepare for selection processes with confidence, clarity and optimism.

I’m a Chartered Psychologist and accredited Career Coach. I have taken two career breaks and experienced many transitions and I vividly recall the highs and lows of this period, alongside the challenges of returning to the workplace or adapting to change. I have 35+ years' experience of organisational development and coaching roles in Financial Services, Higher Education and the Cabinet Office and supported people through periods of change driven by many reasons.

- Caring responsibilities (children, ageing parents)

- Transitions due to re-structure, redundancy or career change

- Health and Well-Being

- Travel and Education

- Life events (re-location, divorce, bereavement)

It’s estimated that almost two thirds of us will take a career break during our lives and most of us will experience numerous transitions - whether changing from one role to another or adapting to a new lifestyle or profession.

These periods in life can be an energising time to think about where you go next. You can identify your strengths and values, alongside the working pattern, culture and environment where you will flourish. However, if the transition is enforced, it may be a time of uncertainty, low confidence and loss of identity where you need time and space to adapt and practical tools which make things more manageable.

How can you be sure you are making good choices and perhaps, managing yourself differently next time? That's where I can help you.

My services and approach

I help professionals return to the workplace from a career break or adapt to a career transition through a bespoke package of support delivered with a clear structure and sensitivity

Making informed career choices

Supporting you to return or adapt to the workplace. This might include:

Acknowledging & supporting emotional states in response to change
Reviewing strengths, values and life-stage to find your ‘best fit'
Developing a strong CV
Re-establishing personal confidence
Exploring practical career options and solutions

Managing selection processes

Developing interview techniques and practising in a safe environment. This might include:

Developing a structured approach to interviews
Interview and presentation rehearsal
Managing nerves and demonstrating competence under pressure
Increasing personal impact & effectiveness
Negotiating flexibility, personal development & the work environment

My approach

I offer a calm and empathic space to develop self-awareness, personal impact and clarity about your career - enabling you to shape fresh perspectives, experiment with new skills and operate with ease. As a psychologist, I can work safely and insightfully with deeper issues influencing career satisfaction — such as shame, imposter feelings, perfectionism or burnout. Often these feelings surface when we have time away from the workplace and we want to manage things differently next time around.

I have developed and led many selection activities during my career including interviews with a range of questioning techniques, presentations and promotion panels. I can help you to manage your preparation and ensure you deliver with confidence and impact.

I have also successfully supported neuro-diverse individuals through additional challenges they may face when applying for roles and returning to work. I currently work as a volunteer Career Coach for the NHS, Smart Works and the University of East London.

Confirming credentials

Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development

My Registration Number is 11161875 to verify my status as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

British Psychological Society

Search under “List of Chartered Members” to confirm my status of Chartership and Associate Fellow at the British Psychological Society.

LinkedIn Profile and Recommendations

You can view my career history and recommendations on LinkedIn.

Work with me

I offer flexible coaching packages tailored to your needs through 'walk and talk' sessions, in-person meetings at agreed locations (West or South-West London) or online discussions.