Harriet Hopkins
Nottingham,Nottinghamshire
Summary
I am a deeply reflective and self-aware Transactional Analysis psychotherapist in training, currently completing a MSc in Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy at The Sherwood Psychotherapy Institute. I am highly motivated to expand my clinical toolkit, I actively draw upon TA's inherently integrative qualities to adapt my approach to the unique needs of each client. I have a rich professional background spanning business ownership, clinical coordination, and high-pressure hospitality to bring a mature, highly developed capacity for emotional regulation, boundary management, and rapid rapport-building into the therapeutic space.
I am a proven communicator expert at holding a calm, containing presence in high-stress or emotionally dysregulated environments. I possess a thorough understanding of ethical frameworks, safeguarding, clinical confidentiality, and GDPR protocols I am committed to offering a warm, non-judgmental, and relationally safe environment to support a diverse demographic of clients.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Business Owner/Dog Groomer
Harriet's Dog Spa
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
2020.01 - Current
- Cultivates a reputation for warmth and deep relational safety, frequently providing a supportive, confidential space for human clients to voice personal stressors during appointments.
- Utilises non-verbal attunement and calming techniques to safely manage highly distressed, anxious, or reactive dogs, maintaining a grounded and safe environment during high-stress procedures.
- Conducts thorough initial assessments and consultations to establish client history, identify specific vulnerabilities or risk factors, and collaboratively contract realistic outcomes.
- Manage confidential client databases in strict compliance with GDPR guidelines, maintaining detailed, precise, and organised records.
- Devises budget plans, ensured financial stability of the business.
- Coordinates staff training for improved productivity and customer service.
- Manages daily operations to ensure smooth running of the business.
- Fosters a positive work environment, increased employee morale and job satisfaction.
Locum Administrator
Boots Opticians
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
2018.08 - 2020.04
- Directly managed the recruitment and booking of locum Optometrists across multiple branches, ensuring clinics remained safely staffed and patient pathways were uninterrupted.
- Acted as the primary point of contact for emergency staffing crises; utilised calm, decisive communication to resolve last-minute cancellations and mitigate organisational stress.
- Cultivated and maintained a reliable network of external clinical professionals through clear, empathetic, and persuasive communication.
- Ensured meticulous adherence to regulatory requirements by verifying professional bodies' credentials, insurance, and compliance data before authorising bookings.
- Sorted incoming mail promptly, reducing clutter and improving organisation in the workplace.
- Prepared detailed reports for streamlined decision-making processes using various software applications proficiently.
Waitress
TGI Fridays
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
2013.04 - 2018.08
- Effectively read non-verbal behavioural cues to anticipate client needs, adapting communication styles dynamically to build rapid rapport with a diverse demographic.
- Maintained a calm, grounded, and containing presence during high-volume periods, ensuring that internal operational stress did not impact the customer experience.
- De-escalated customer complaints and tension using active listening, empathy, and non-defensive communication to restore a sense of safety and satisfaction.
- Balanced complex logistical demands (managing multiple tables, orders, and timings) while maintaining full interpersonal presence and warmth with each individual.
Education
MSc Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy - Psychotherapy
Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute
Nottingham 2025.09 -
BA Hons - Criminology
Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield 2015.09 - 2018.06
Skills
- Ethical Framework Application: Thorough, practical understanding of Ethical Frameworks, with a strong focus on maintaining strict boundaries, client autonomy, and safe practice
- Clinical Confidentiality & GDPR: Experienced in handling sensitive personal data and client records in strict alignment with legal standards
- Liaison & Coordination: Proven ability to communicate professionally with external stakeholders, clinical professionals, and management teams to ensure smooth service delivery
- Reflective Practice: Deeply self-aware and committed to continuous personal development; actively ready to bring clinical material to supervision and personal therapy for ethical scrutiny
- Emotional Regulation & Containment: A proven capacity to maintain a calm, grounded, and non-anxious presence when exposed to high-stress, emotionally charged, or dysregulated situations
- Relational Attunement: Highly developed interpersonal perception; able to read subtle non-verbal cues, body language, and shifts in energy to adapt communication dynamically
- De-escalation & Conflict Management: Experienced in navigating difficult situations using non-confrontational, validating, and collaborative communication
Additional Training
- ADHD in the Therapy Room (CPD)
- Safeguarding and TA: Beyond Escape Hatches (CPD)
- Healing Trauma: Essential Strategies for Shame, Self-Loathing & Working with the Body(CPD)
Affiliations
- Musical Theatre
- Fashion
- Dance
- Weight Training
Timeline
MSc Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy - Psychotherapy
Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute
2025.09 -
Business Owner/Dog Groomer
Harriet's Dog Spa
2020.01 - Current
Locum Administrator
Boots Opticians
2018.08 - 2020.04
BA Hons - Criminology
Sheffield Hallam University
2015.09 - 2018.06
Waitress
TGI Fridays
2013.04 - 2018.08