The Author

I trained at Edinburgh University Medical School and qualified as a doctor in 1962.For the last 35 yrs -until my retirement, I worked as a psychiatrist. However, I did not work, other than the odd session when my husband was available, until the youngest started school. Then I negotiated work hours to fit in with the needs and school days of my children.

I became a Consultant and specialised in psychotherapy. In particular I concentrated on the treatment of unresolved traumas - both recent and past of the patients referred into my care, and gained much understanding that those traumas, resulted in both negative memories and negative beliefs. These were stored in the mind, causing many of the emotional problems that I saw in my patients.These memories also affected their interpersonal relationships.

Many traumas dated back to childhood - deliberate, accidental or unfortunate. Life is eventful.Traums and grief cannot be avoided and successfully overcoming these events, big or small, is an essential part of emotional growth.

But I believe that, as much as is possible, prevention is the best option.

I am very concerned about the level of drinking and drug taking in teenagers and the long term damaging effects that could result.

My strong belief, as a mother and grandmother and therapist, is that the safe and loving care of their own children is the greatest responsibility anyone can undertake. I believe that there is no adequate substitute for a child in the first few years for a mother, father or close loving family member eg grandmother and that belief has been strengthened by the knowledge gained from my years of work.That care is for the 'present' of the child but also for his/her future.

Time that is missed cannot be regained.Long lasting love, understanding, happiness, a feeling of belonging and selfworth can never be bought.The early years are short for both child and parent - but of immense importance.

It is from these basic understandings and experience, that I decided to use my ability to write poetry to continue my life long work - through this different medium.

My children's poetry books are 'Growing up',and 'Coping with Illness and Grief ' and the poetry book for teenagers is - 'Choice for teenagers'. A new addition in 2011 is 'Poems for 3-7 years'.

The adult poetry books are are 'Daily Life', 'From Darkness to Light' and 'A Spiritual Journey'.
 
I hope that adults and children enjoy reading these poems as much as I enjoyed writing them.

My book - BEYOND MERCY - is different!

It tells of a family devastated by tragegy in the 15th Century, but also of love and devotion. There are links between the past lives and the present day. Read this book if you are prepared to meet a challenge to beliefs and have an open mind. I believe the past story ( the book within the book) is accurate and that proof will be found. But, how do I know? Visit my website to read the first chapter+ and an article which I have written which tells why and how I wrote this book.