Gemma is passionate about sharing the therapeutic benefits of being with horses. Growing up, Gemma took any opportunity to be in the presence of horses and knew that as an adult, horses would have to be part of her life. 

Gemma is a Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and runs Heard Therapies, a practice which combines Equine Assisted Therapies with Integrative Counselling. Working with children, young people and adults, Gemma offers a bespoke therapeutic experience where her horses are integrated into her practice. Gemma also offers clinical supervision for Counsellors and professionals working in the Equine Assisted Services space. 

Gemma also worked for years as a Counsellor at Mind, primarily with children and young people. Prior to this, Gemma worked as a secondary school teacher, where she saw the great need for mental health support for young people. 

As well as running Heard Therapies, Gemma is course lead for Counselling at the University of Derby – Buxton, where she runs the Counselling courses, as well as teaching on the level 3 and 4 programmes. Gemma is impassioned about providing trainees with a high quality learning experience, and loves working with students as they grow and develop.