Our People - Network Counselling & Training

in the office | our tutors | the trustees | VOLUNTEER COUNSELLORS & ASSESORS

In the Office

Mat Ray

Hi I’m Mat, I’m the Chief Executive here at Network.

I’ve been in the charity sector for most of my career: working on issues like disability, community development and mental health. My professional background includes communications, training and campaigning. I love working with church leaders and community groups on social justice issues.

Anne Duke

I’m Anne Duke, Head of Counselling and Training at Network.

I have worked with Network since 2016 although worked as a volunteer counsellor and supervisor for many years before. Being a graduate of Network Counselling courses myself, I know the training we deliver is of the highest quality and certainly proved to be life changing for me. I also deliver training on our introductory and CPD workshops. Outside of Network, I work in private practice as a counsellor and supervisor and have worked in the field of education for over 25 years as a counsellor and mentor, as well as in the field of careers advice and guidance.

Elaine Knight-Roberts

I’m Elaine Knight-Roberts, Network’s Counselling Manager and I oversee the delivery of our counselling services and support both clients and counsellors within the organisation.

My own journey with counselling began here at Network on the A Way of Being course, so it feels very special to now be in this role. I’m also a person-centred counsellor with a particular interest in grief, anxiety, and the impact of emotional abuse. I’m passionate about creating a safe, supportive environment where people feel heard, valued, and able to explore their experiences at their own pace.

June Heath

I’m June, the Operations Manager at Network.

I’m on our reception desk three days a week. I’m supporting Network in our current redevelopment of better administrative systems.

My background is in theatre and events, and for the last five years I’ve been in training as a Gestalt Psychotherapist.

Sophie Atkinson-Smith

I’m Sophie Atkinson-Smith, Network’s Training Coordinator.

I’m in the office on Mondays and Tuesdays.

My role is to undertake the admin for all our training courses – including being a first point of contact, producing publicity and related materials, and managing the application and booking processes.

Our Tutors

Erika Teucher

I’m Erika Teucher. I am Course Leader and Course Tutor on the Advanced Certificate course.

I came into counselling after a long career of more than 20 years as a Primary School Teacher. I have been involved with Network since 2016, as a student, a skills facilitator, a tutor on the Introductory courses and now a member of the Advanced Certificate team. Having benefitted so hugely as a student with Network, it is a privilege to work alongside students as they step into their training journey.

In addition to my training role, I also have a small private practice.

Louise Mill

I’m Louise Mill, recently retired as Course Leader for the Advanced Diploma in Counselling. Currently working as tutor supporting students in year 3 of the Diploma course.

I have been part of the training team at Network for over 13 years, having done my own counselling training here. The person-centred approach resonates strongly with me, both as a way of being and as a means of growth and healing. I have a passion for sharing this with others and it is a joy and privilege to see students grow and develop as they experience the life changing power of the person-centred approach for themselves.

Outside of Network I run a small private counselling and supervision practice.

Sara Couzens

I’m Sarah Couzens, Tutor on the Advanced Certificate course, and one of the Tutor on our Introductory Courses.

I completed my training at Network in 2019 after a long career in teaching, lecturing and advisory work for children with special educational needs and disabilities. Having received such life-changing training as a Network student myself, I am keen to support other students on their journey so am delighted to be part of the team.

I also run a small private practice and work as a counsellor in a large secondary school in Oxfordshire.

Seán Carroll

I’m Seán Carroll, Senior Tutor and PD & Skills Tutor, working alongside Rhianan and Effie on the Advanced Diploma team.

“Prior to training as a Psychotherapist, I worked as a journalist and social policy researcher in Ireland. I have also been working in education, predominantly at third level, for over a decade. I qualified as an Integrative and Humanistic Psychotherapist in 2022 and have worked in charity and NHS settings. In addition to my new role at Network, I teach Psychology at Foundation level and have a private Psychotherapy practice in Bristol in which I work with counselling and psychotherapy trainees.

Therapy is very rewarding and stimulating work. I enjoy being able to combine client work with teaching and engaging with theory. Outside of my work I am a keen runner and enjoy competing in events around the region.”

Rhianan Lowes

I’m Rhianan Lowes, Course Leader and Senior Tutor on the Advanced Diploma team.

My previous experience includes working in several charity roles in the homeless sector and deprived areas of economic need across Bristol. I also worked as a volunteer presenter on community radio for several years. I have been a qualified counsellor since 2016 and later trained in relationship counselling as well as counselling supervision. I taught level 5 Psychotherapeutic Counselling for 4 years prior to joining Network and have had the privilege of seeing several cohorts complete their qualification to become fully qualified counsellors.

Outside Network, I have my own private practice seeing clients as well as supervisees, both qualified and student counsellors.

Effie Lunn

I’m Effie Lunn, Tutor on the Advanced Diploma course, working alongside Seán, and one of the introductory course tutors.

I completed my training in Integrative Counselling in 2015 following a career teaching Religion and Philosophy. I have worked in a range of settings since Including Higher Education and young peoples’ services where I’ve developed and facilitated workshops on a variety of issues.

Alongside Network I work for a charity for people affected by cancer, and have a small private practice. It’s a real joy to be part of a rich learning environment at Network and to play a role in encouraging a deep understanding of the Person-Centred approach.

Diana Lee

I’m Diana Lee, one of the Introductory Course Tutors.

I started my counselling training on the A Way of Being introductory course in 2018 before moving onto the Advanced Certificate and Advanced Diploma courses, all at Network. Returning to study later in life has been a profoundly enriching and life-changing experience and has opened up new pathways, insights and self-awareness I never knew existed.

Before training at Network, I worked for many years as a teacher of Music and PSHE in secondary schools. More recently, I worked as a student wellbeing adviser and volunteered with Home-Start and Bristol Churches’ Shelter.

I now have a private counselling practice based at Network and am a student mentor with First Class Support. I am still active as a freelance musician and teacher.

The Trustees

Eileen Cahill

Eileen is a retired psychiatrist with a career in the NHS. She is a member of her local Baptist church and a proud grandma. Eileen has been a Trustee for over ten years: she has led Network through the long process of fundraising for and building our counselling and training centre in Elm Park, and more recently guiding us through the challenges of Covid.

Simon Taylor

Simon is Chair of Trustees and brings a wealth of experience from his work within the Church of England. Early in his career he led St Mary Redcliffe, in Bristol city centre. He now works as the Director of Mission and Ministry Support at the Diocese of Bristol.

Jill Britten

Jill is a qualified counsellor with over 15 years’ experience. She has worked with another local counselling provider for many years. She brings experience of counselling, as well as volunteer recruitment and management.

Anna Vigars

Anna Vigars is a barrister with over 25 years’ experience in criminal law. Her work often puts her alongside people with poor mental health or who have lived through significant trauma. Anna is a member of her local Baptist church, where she is involved in youth work.

Our Volunteer Counsellors & Assessors

Abby Akinyemi

Hi I’m Abby, a Volunteer Counsellor here at Network.

I am Abby Akinyemi, a skilled Counsellor with strong background helping clients overcome personal challenges and cope with triggering situations. A mental health champion at my local church as well as having vast experience in maternal mental health support.

Alicia Green

I’m Alicia, a Volunteer Counsellor and Assessor at Network.

Hello, I’m Alicia, I’m an assessor and volunteer counsellor at Network. I offer non-judgmental individual counselling to adults of all ages, from all backgrounds.?I will be alongside you, offering you the space to talk about whatever’s on your mind, meeting you wherever you are. I trained with Network and am delighted to be continuing as a volunteer counsellor with them too. Prior to my training I worked with the charities Samaritans and Self Injury Support. I also run my own private practice.?

Giulia Carpiceci

I’m Giulia, a Volunteer Counsellor at Network

Bio coming soon.

Hannah Fionda

I’m Hannah, a Volunteer Counsellor at Network.

I’m Hannah and I’m a qualified, volunteer counsellor at Network. I started my counselling training at Network in 2019 on the Being There introductory course, before completing the Advanced Certificate and Advanced Diploma courses. Having recently qualified as a person-centred, integrative counsellor I am delighted that my connection with Network continues and I’m able to work with them in providing counselling to people who may not otherwise be able to access talking therapy. I am passionate about offering a warm, non-judgemental space where clients feel safe to speak openly about what’s going on for them. Prior to counselling, I worked in the public sector for over 13 years. I was also an unpaid carer for a parent. Outside of Network, I have a small private practice.

Sarah Coetzee

I’m Sarah, the a Volunteer Assessor at Network.

I’m Sarah, an assessor at Network Counselling.?

My role is as a first point of contact for clients wishing to have therapy at Network, collecting information that helps us to best match clients to one of our counsellors.

I studied for my Diploma with Network after more than 25 years in the Education sector. I graduated in 2024 and now have my own private practice. I find it such a privilege to help people work through issues that are holding them back, and seeing them travel towards being the person that they want to be. I really enjoy being part of the Network team and helping clients take their first step towards reaching this goal.

Amy Pearl

I’m Amy, a Volunteer Assessor at Network.

I’m Amy, and I qualified as an Integrative Counsellor after training with Network myself. I am privileged to now enjoy a variety of counselling work across my week including conducting Initial Assessments for Network clients both in daytimes and evenings. I recognise how daunting it can feel reaching out for the first time and I hope therefore to make this first step in your counselling journey as comfortable as possible.