Senior Teaching Associate

E-mail Address

ore22@cam.ac.uk

Phone

(+44) 01223 767600

Qualifications

• MA Integrative Child Psychotherapy (UKCP)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Therapeutic and Educational Application of the Arts
• Fellowship of Higher Teaching Academy

Membership of Professional Bodies/Associations

• Chair - Universities Psychotherapy and Counselling Association (UPCA)
• Registered member - United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
• Postgraduate member - Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education (IATE)
• Fellow - Higher Education Academy (HEA)
• External Examiner – Birmingham Newman University
• External Examiner – University of South Wales

Profile

Oktober is a UKCP-registered Integrative Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist.

Professionally, she is passionate about advocating for children and supporting families. Oktober’s career incorporated working in several settings, including adoption services, primary and secondary schools, secure education settings, and the NHS. She currently runs a small private practice alongside proudly educating the next generation of Child Psychotherapeutic Counsellors.

With a genuine commitment to advancing the field of psychotherapeutic education, Oktober continues to develop as a Senior Teaching Associate at the University of Cambridge. Leading two prominent programs: the Introduction to Child and Adolescent Psychotherapeutic Counselling and a Professional Postgraduate Diploma. Her approach is centred on creating an inclusive learning environment that encourages all participants to thrive. Oktober is dedicated to experiential learning, believing that hands-on experience is crucial for the development of effective practitioners. She utilises a spiral curriculum approach to engage students at cognitive, practical, and emotional levels, promoting collaboration and peer interaction. This method not only enhances individual learning experiences but also aims to foster a relational, supportive community.

Research Topics

• Oktober is committed to her professional growth, regularly participating in courses, workshops and conferences focused on the latest developments in psychotherapeutic practice and education. This dedication to lifelong learning continuously informs Oktober’s teaching and leadership.

Current Research Project(s)

• Senior Fellowship of the Higher Teaching Academy
• Probationary PhD in Education researching ‘meaning making in the lived experience of trauma for neurodivergent children and young people, and its implications for child psychotherapy’. (Academic Supervisor Prof. Jenny Gibson)

Teaching

• Postgraduate
  • Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapeutic Counselling, Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge
  • Professional Postgraduate Certificate in Introduction to Counselling, Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge