Janet went on to the London Central School of Drama to graduate, after qualifying in English and Psychology in Newcastle. From there she went to New York where, working with adolescents in a co-ed residential school, she realised the serious purpose of drama as a learning tool in which what the students express can be fed back into life, promoting a questioning attitude to themselves and their behaviour which, in turn, broadens and deepens their understanding and tolerance of others. This work not only fired her enthusiasm but led her away from the performing aspect of drama toward its therapeutic benefits and drew her into studying Psychodrama and Counselling.

All this fascinating stuff was put on hold when she married and had three children of her own. However, the seeds had been sown and there was no going back! Some years later she studied for her Diploma in Counselling in Plymouth where she first met Trevor, who shared many of her views on young people. Together with him, having left a formal teaching setting, she developed a training programme for parents which would respond to current needs, but in a new way trying to address parents’ problems by focusing on their long term relationship with their family. Her aim is for parents to feel good about themselves and confident about their parenting skills.

“Janet Cotter is a highly qualified and experienced teacher and counsellor with a warm personality and wide range of skills, which makes her very successful in helping parents cope with their children in all situations. Her strategies, both for parents and children, are carefully and thoughtfully constructed. She is never judgemental and always thoroughly practical.”

- John Hunkin; B.Phil; F. Coll. P;  F.R.S.A;  M.C.F.M.
Practising Family and Court Mediator
Member of Mediation