Sally French - Psychotherapist, Supervisor & Trainer
My Background
Prior to becoming a psychotherapist I was senior lawyer/manager working for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for 25 years. I specialised in sexual offences, prosecuting cases involving both adult and child victims. My last role was as Head of the East Midlands Rape & Serious Sexual Offences Unit. My motivation to become a psychotherapist stemmed from my desire to understand the experience of survivors of sexual abuse and to improve how the legal system supported them. Working in this challenging role I can readily appreciate the stresses and challenges that a pressurised environment can bring.
During my time with CPS I conducted a lot of training - usually for police officers but also for sexual violence agencies including Rape Crisis which is where I first met Lynsey. Since then we have worked together running a survivors group for NAPAC, before eventually deciding to form Inspire CPD. In addition I have regularly run professional development days for the BACP. I have also run ‘Consent Workshops’ for young professional Championship football players for clubs including Chelsea, Arsenal, Leicester, and Stoke.
I am a qualified psychotherapist (Level 7 MSc) and am accredited and registered with the UKCP. I have a UKCP accredited post graduate diploma in supervision and have been a supervisor since 2019.
At present I am no longer taking on any new private therapy clients.
Supervision
I am an Integrative Psychotherapist, as I believe that integrating all aspects of our relational, emotional, psychological and physiological needs and understanding the impact of our environment is essential to our personal growth. I integrate Person Centred theory, predominantly with attachment, relational and developmental theories. I have a special interest in trauma theory. Whilst understanding the importance of being led by the client in the here and now, I fundamentally believe that the 'there and then' i.e. our client's childhood and history have a fundamental impact on current thoughts and feelings. I dislike therapy 'tribalism' and in my own practice seek to incorporate in an ethically pluralistic way theories or practices that assist the client. I may therefore incorporate mindfulness, genograms, time lines, visualisations, Russian dolls, or other creative ways of working with clients. I enjoy theory and am well read in this area, so always hope to bring a new insight into client work.
I am able to bring my past career skills into the supervision relationship by using my lawyer analytical skills and coaching skills from many years as a manager. That said I do absolutely value a rounded holistic approach to supervision - so I see it as a co-enterprise where how you are is as important as how you are working. Supervision shouldn't feel like a tick box exercise.
I offer supervision both in person in Edwinstowe, and online. I am an SPTI approved supervisor for both Degree and Masters courses.
I currently have limited availability for new supervisees, but feel free to email me to check out the position.
Specialist Supervision when working with clients going through the Criminal Justice Process
I am able to offer specialist supervision to assist therapists who are working with clients who have reported sexual abuse (experienced as an adult or child) and are either awaiting a decision as to whether their case will proceed to trial, or who are currently awaiting trial. My experience as a sexual offences specialist prosecutor means that I have an in depth knowledge of the charging and trial process which can prove helpful in putting context to your work. I am able to help and provide guidance about the best way of working with clients to avoid causing issues in court.
Supervision can consist of a one off session, or a series of sessions spread throughout your work with a specific client to provide you with support, knowledge and reassurance.
