Heather Ward

Qualified in social work; trained with & counselled for Clinical Theology Association; BA in English Lit; PhD English & Theology; MEd in RE & Catechesis (Maryvale) dissertation on contribution of Carmelite spirituality to spiritual education in schools. Tutor (short term) in English at Nottm University; course book author & tutor for BTh (Applied theology), MA (Pastoral ministry) ITT for Maryvale Institute. Taught English & RE at secondary level. Pastoral assistant in university chaplaincy & linked parish. OCDS in vows, involved with initial formation 20 years+; CIBI – academic board member, responsible for editing initial modules for distance-learning , tutor for modules at adult diploma & BTh levels.

Married with one married daughter & grand-daughter – experience of infertility & dealing with ethical issues (ie maintaining opposition to IVF in a hospital pioneering it.) Experience of living with my daughter’s ME from age of 17 to present & dealing with the associated problems – eg ME denial, the welfare system. I was for some time an Anglican Benedictine oblate & increasingly interested in the relationship between the 2 ways. Also keenly interested in the relationship between Carmelite & Salesian spirituality.

My experience of therapy & training with the Clinical Theology Assoc means I am particularly oriented towards the interface between spiritual & psychological experience, especially of darkness & PTSD (of which I have personal experience.)