John Ridley
@johnridley
Integrative counsellor and coach with extensive mental health experience.
What I'm looking for
I am a highly effective integrative counsellor and coach, with core training in Person-Centred Therapy. My qualifications as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, combined with extensive assessment and LI-CBT treatment experience in both NHS and private settings, allow me to provide exceptional support to my clients. I am a registered member of the MBACP and am working towards accreditation, showcasing my commitment to professional development and ethical practice.
Throughout my career, I have built a credible reputation with clients, drawing on a wealth of life experience and academic training. My roles have included providing counselling services in various settings, where I have consistently exceeded clinical KPIs and received recognition for my contributions. I am passionate about mental health and dedicated to helping individuals navigate their challenges through effective therapeutic practices.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Counsellor
John Ridley Therapy
Aug 2024 - Present (10 months)
Managed a private counselling practice in central London, ensuring compliance with insurance and ICO regulations. Engaged in regular private supervision and personal therapy to maintain high professional standards.
Counsellor
Positive East
Aug 2023 - Present (1 year 10 months)
Provided over 200 hours of counselling services to clients, supporting their mental health and wellbeing. Participated in fortnightly group supervision to enhance clinical practice and ensure ethical standards.
Database Administrator
Marks & Spencer
Sep 1989 - Present (35 years 9 months)
Administered and maintained databases, ensuring data integrity, security, and system availability for critical business operations. Performed routine maintenance, backups, and troubleshooting tasks.
IT Performance & Capacity Analyst
Safeway Stores
Jan 1991 - Present (34 years 5 months)
Analyzed IT system performance and capacity, ensuring optimal operation and resource allocation for retail systems. Identified bottlenecks and proposed solutions for efficiency improvements.
Manager
Andersen Consulting (Accenture)
Mar 1993 - Present (32 years 3 months)
Managed consulting projects, leading teams and delivering complex solutions for diverse clients. Responsible for the entire project lifecycle, from planning and analysis to execution and post-implementation review.
Management Consultant
Impact Plus
Oct 1997 - Present (27 years 8 months)
Provided management consulting services to various clients, identifying operational improvements and strategic solutions. Developed and implemented business strategies to enhance organizational performance.
Senior Manager, Global IT & Change Audit
Royal Bank of Scotland
Jan 1999 - Present (26 years 5 months)
Managed global IT and change audits within the banking sector, ensuring compliance and efficiency of IT systems and change processes. Led international audit teams and reported findings to senior management.
Director and General Manager
Chateau Le Mas de Monet
Jun 2002 - Present (23 years)
Directed and managed all operations for a chateau, overseeing business aspects from strategic planning to daily management. Successfully managed a diverse team and ensured high standards of service.
SEN Teaching Assistant
Sudbourne Primary School
Sep 2008 - Present (16 years 9 months)
Provided support to students with Special Educational Needs, assisting with learning activities and classroom integration. Collaborated with teachers to implement individualized support strategies.
Trainee Teacher
Sudbourne Primary School
Jan 2009 - Present (16 years 5 months)
Completed teacher training, gaining practical classroom experience and developing pedagogical skills under supervision. Assisted lead teachers in lesson delivery and provided direct student support.
EYFS-Y6 Teacher
Various Schools
Jan 2010 - Present (15 years 5 months)
Worked on supply and short-term contracts across various primary year groups (EYFS-Y6). Adapted quickly to new school environments, teaching requirements, and classroom dynamics.
Y5 Class Teacher
Langbourne Primary School
Oct 2010 - Present (14 years 8 months)
Taught Year 5 class, managing classroom dynamics and student engagement to optimize learning outcomes. Prepared students for key stage assessments and transitions to secondary education.
Y4 Class Teacher
Heber Primary School
Sep 2011 - Present (13 years 9 months)
Taught Year 4 class, responsible for comprehensive lesson planning, delivery, and monitoring student progress. Implemented effective teaching strategies to meet diverse learning objectives and student needs.
Y1 & Y2 Class Teacher
Sudbourne Primary School
Oct 2012 - Present (12 years 8 months)
Taught Year 1 and Year 2 classes, developing and delivering age-appropriate curriculum to foster foundational learning. Fostered a positive and productive learning environment for young students.
EYFS-Y6 Teacher
Career Teachers
Sep 2013 - Present (11 years 9 months)
Taught across Early Years Foundation Stage to Year 6, adapting to various school environments and curriculum requirements. Delivered engaging lessons and managed diverse classroom settings effectively.
SEN Teacher / Trainee SENCo
Brackenbury Primary School
Sep 2015 - Present (9 years 9 months)
Taught students with special educational needs and simultaneously trained as a SENCo, gaining practical experience in both roles. Supported student learning and development in an inclusive classroom environment.
SENCo
Goose Green Primary and Nursery School
Jun 2016 - Present (9 years)
Coordinated Special Educational Needs provision for students, ensuring compliance with educational policies and best practices. Developed and implemented individualized education plans (IEPs) to support student progress.
Deputy Headteacher
Sudbourne Primary School
Sep 2017 - Present (7 years 9 months)
Assisted the Headteacher in managing school operations, academic programs, and staff development. Played a key role in school improvement initiatives and fostering a positive learning environment.
Head of Primary
Atam Academy
Jan 2020 - Present (5 years 5 months)
Led the primary section of the academy, overseeing curriculum development, staff performance, and student welfare. Contributed to the overall educational strategy and school improvement initiatives.
COVID Vaccinator
Chelsea and Westminster NHS Hospitals Trust
Jan 2021 - Present (4 years 5 months)
Administered up to 150 COVID-19 vaccinations daily, adhering strictly to treatment protocols and safety guidelines. Ensured accurate and timely completion of all associated administration and record-keeping.
Interim SENCo
Various Schools
Jun 2021 - Present (4 years)
Held multiple interim Special Educational Needs Coordinator roles across different schools. Managed SEN provision and support for students, ensuring compliance with educational policies.
Interim Head of School
Leopold Primary School
Mar 2022 - Present (3 years 3 months)
Served as Interim Head of School, overseeing daily school operations and staff management during a transitional period. Successfully maintained educational standards and school community engagement.
Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
Aug 2022 - Present (2 years 10 months)
Delivered over 100 hours each of triage/assessment and LI-CBT clinical treatment hours. Exceeded targets for patient completion and recovery rates within the NHS framework.
Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner
Vita Health Group
Feb 2024 - Present (1 year 4 months)
Conducted initial assessments and delivered Low-Intensity CBT treatment to corporate, EAP, private healthcare, and NHS clients. Managed a caseload of 24 patients, consistently exceeding clinical KPIs and receiving performance bonuses.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
Elect Training
CPCAB Level 4 Therapeutic Counselling, Therapeutic Counselling
Completed advanced training in therapeutic counselling, focusing on practical skills and theoretical knowledge essential for effective client support.
University of Exeter
Grad Cert (L6) Psychological Wellbeing Practice, Psychological Wellbeing Practice (LI-CBT)
Undertook specialized training in psychological wellbeing practice, gaining expertise in low-intensity cognitive-behavioral therapy (LI-CBT) for various mental health conditions.
Ocean Training
CPCAB Level 3 Counselling Studies, Counselling Studies
Studied foundational concepts and techniques in counselling, developing essential skills for supporting individuals in various contexts.
Learn Direct
NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills, Counselling Skills
Acquired fundamental counselling skills, including active listening, empathy, and communication techniques, to provide initial support.
UCL Institute of Education
National Professional Qualification for Headship, Educational Leadership
Completed a professional qualification focused on leadership and management in educational settings, preparing for headship roles.
UCL Institute of Education
PGCert National Award for Special Educational Needs Co-ordination, Special Educational Needs Co-ordination
Obtained a postgraduate certificate specializing in the coordination of special educational needs, focusing on inclusive practices and support strategies.
UCL Institute of Education
M-level module in Social, Emotional and Behavioural Development, Social, Emotional and Behavioural Development
Undertook advanced study in social, emotional, and behavioural development, exploring theories and interventions to support young people.
UCL Institute of Education
QTS, Education
Achieved Qualified Teacher Status, demonstrating proficiency in teaching practices and classroom management.
Clare College, University of Cambridge
MA Law and History, Law and History
Pursued a Master of Arts degree combining legal studies with historical analysis, developing strong research and analytical skills.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Job categories
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