Barbara practises as a learning development consultant and coaching supervisor, using mindfulness-based approaches, experiential learning and reflective practice to underpin this work.

With a background of over 25 years in the university sector in vocational education, applied research and staff development, she is originally a geographer, and particularly interested in the spaces we navigate in our lives and how we make and trace the paths between them. She aims in her work to develop a geography for growth, by crafting spaces that enable deep inner listening, relational trust, and meaningful mutual reflection.

Barbara has belonged to the facilitator community of the Center for Courage & Renewal since 2012 and has designed and hosted ‘circles of trust’ retreats in the U.K. and beyond since then. Circle of Trust retreats offer participants an immersive experience of the Courage & Renewal approach and a trustworthy setting where we can do our own inner work in community with others: listening to the wisdom of our inner teacher, honouring each person’s identity and integrity, and renewing our whole spirit.

In addition to this approach, Barbara works with people who are walking the path of grief and loss. Informed by the training and writings of David Kessler, Francis Weller, Parker Palmer, Michael Lerner and others, she offers grief-tending circles and retreat spaces where participants can gather to speak to and have their grief and loss witnessed.