Emily Bowder
Henley-on-Thames
Summary
Experienced Counsellor and Mentor with a strong background in Further and Higher Education, dedicated to assisting young adults in overcoming emotional challenges. Proven ability to create supportive environments that foster personal growth and resilience. Seeking part-time opportunities to contribute to community well-being after a period of full-time parenting.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Counsellor
Counsellor in Private Practice
Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
09.2025 - 01.2026
- Managing a caseload of mainly young people in-person & online.
Specialist Mentor
First Class Support
Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire
09.2025 - 01.2026
- Freelance work as an online Specialist Mentor for disabled students.
Counsellor
University of Reading
Reading, Berkshire
09.2025 - 01.2026
- Weekly counselling sessions for students working to a short-term model (6 sessions).
Tutor
Banbury Counselling Academy
Banbury, Oxfordshire
05.2023 - 01.2026
- Designed and taught three workshops on 'Shame in the Therapy Space' to Level 4, year 2 Diploma students.
Wellbeing Support
Leeds Asylum Seeker Support Network
Leeds, Yorkshire
01.2024 - 09.2024
- Weekly wellbeing support and signposting for Asylum seekers.
Specialist Mentor
Oxford Brookes University
Oxford, Oxfordshire
01.2023 - 06.2023
- Specialist Mentor for Disabled students. Caseload: anxiety, depression, eating issues, ASC, ADHD.
- Improved workflow efficiency with thorough process analysis.
Counsellor
Oxfordshire Therapy Self Development
Oxford, Oxfordshire
09.2022 - 06.2023
- Weekly counselling for adults. Caseload includes self-esteem, anxiety & relationship issues.
Placement Counsellor
EF Academy Oxford
Oxford, Oxfordshire
10.2021 - 01.2023
- Placement counsellor for boarders aged 16+. Caseload: ID issues, family difficulties, anxiety.
Teacher
City of Oxford College
Oxford, Oxfordshire
10.2015 - 12.2022
- Course leader for Access to HE Psychology
- Head of A-Level Philosophy & Ethics.
Senior Teaching Fellow
SOAS University of London
City of London
10.2017 - 08.2019
- Lectured on BA World Philosophy courses; 'Modern Indian Philosophy', 'Comparative Ethics', and 'Comparative Metaphysics'.
- Arranged and accompanied students on Philosophy field-visit to India.
Programme Creator & Teacher
University of Oxford Outreach
Oxford, Oxfordshire
07.2018 - 08.2018
- Created & taught an interdisciplinary Humanities programme for sixth formers.
Lecturer
Oxford University Continuing Education
Oxford, Oxfordshire
10.2016 - 12.2017
- Mentored lectureship and guest lecturer in Buddhism and Indian Philosophy for adult learners.
Volunteer Coach
Restore, Oxford
Oxford, Oxfordshire
12.2015 - 08.2017
- Volunteer coach weekly supporting adults with mental health challenges to enter employment and education.
Tutor
Oxford International Study Centre
Oxford, Oxfordshire
01.2015 - 08.2017
- Taught A-level and IB Philosophy, Sociology, RS, humanistic Psychology, Uni prep, research and speaking skills.
Tutor
Self Employed Tutor
Oxford, Oxfordshire
03.2014 - 06.2017
- Taught Arts, Social science and Humanities students to Degree level.
Tutor
Oxford University Theology and Religious Studies
Oxford, Oxfordshire
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Supervisor and tutor for Oxford University Masters’ students.
Education
DPhil (PhD) - Religious Studies (Indian Philosophy)
University of Oxford
Oxford, Oxfordshire 10.2012 - 10.2016
MSc - Religious Studies (Indian Philosophy)
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh 10.2010 - 09.2011
MA - Philosophy, Anthropology and Religion
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh 10.2005 - 07.2009
A-levels - English Literature, Classics, Sociology
Notre Dame Sixth Form College, Leeds
Leeds 09.2002 - 07.2004
Clinical Training
- BACP approved CPCAB L4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, Banbury Counselling Academy, 09/2020- 07/2022.
Completed 100 supervised client hours and received ongoing personal therapy throughout.
- L3 Certificate in Counselling Skills (Distinction), Ruskin College, 09/2019- 08/2020
- 33hr training in Working with Trauma, Basingstoke Counselling Service, 09/2025- 01/2026
- 60 hr BFA Skills Certificate (embodied listening), British Focusing Association, 03/2025- 11/2025
- Training in Supporting Asylum Seekers, Leeds Asylum Seekers Support Network, 10/ 2023-09/2024
- NADP training- Working with Autistic Students in Higher Education, 05/2023
- Intensive ASC Training, National Autistic Society: Families, Stress & Anxiety, Sensory, Communication, Understanding Autism, Women & Girls- 01/2023
- TA 101, Banbury Therapy Centre, 10/ 2021
- Non-Violent Communication, NVC UK, 03/ 2019
- 12hr Mental Health First Aid Course, Restore, Oxford, 12/ 2016
- 2 day Introduction to Coaching Training, Restore, Oxford, 12/ 2016
Timeline
Counsellor
Counsellor in Private Practice
09.2025 - 01.2026
Specialist Mentor
First Class Support
09.2025 - 01.2026
Counsellor
University of Reading
09.2025 - 01.2026
Wellbeing Support
Leeds Asylum Seeker Support Network
01.2024 - 09.2024
Tutor
Banbury Counselling Academy
05.2023 - 01.2026
Specialist Mentor
Oxford Brookes University
01.2023 - 06.2023
Counsellor
Oxfordshire Therapy Self Development
09.2022 - 06.2023
Placement Counsellor
EF Academy Oxford
10.2021 - 01.2023
Programme Creator & Teacher
University of Oxford Outreach
07.2018 - 08.2018
Senior Teaching Fellow
SOAS University of London
10.2017 - 08.2019
Lecturer
Oxford University Continuing Education
10.2016 - 12.2017
Volunteer Coach
Restore, Oxford
12.2015 - 08.2017
Teacher
City of Oxford College
10.2015 - 12.2022
Tutor
Oxford International Study Centre
01.2015 - 08.2017
Tutor
Self Employed Tutor
03.2014 - 06.2017
Tutor
Oxford University Theology and Religious Studies
01.2014 - 01.2017
DPhil (PhD) - Religious Studies (Indian Philosophy)
University of Oxford
10.2012 - 10.2016
MSc - Religious Studies (Indian Philosophy)
University of Edinburgh
10.2010 - 09.2011
MA - Philosophy, Anthropology and Religion
University of Edinburgh
10.2005 - 07.2009
A-levels - English Literature, Classics, Sociology
Notre Dame Sixth Form College, Leeds
09.2002 - 07.2004