Overview
Ceri has worked as a Psychologist for over 35 years at universities and research centres and is currently an Associate Professor at Bucks New University (BNU) and Coaching Hub lead for BNU’s Centre for Positive Psychology as well as being a Chartered Coaching Psychology Practitioner.
She has worked in a full-time role previously at Durham University, Middlesex University, Northumbria University, Medical Research Council and Fazakerley Hospital. Ceri’s coaching psychology work involves a package of coaching individual clients and groups, peer-reviewed coaching research and the creation, delivery and examination of coaching psychology courses and she has continued developing her coaching expertise since 2011. Her emphasis is on bringing the science of positive psychology and a strengths-based approach to coaching practice.
Her unique Appreciative Coaching approach has successfully helped and empowered many clients to create innovative changes in their professional lives. Client feedback and testimonials emphasise Ceri’s very supportive, understanding and encouraging manner along with her expertise in giving people the space and challenge to find their uniqueness in creating meaningful change in their lives and for those of others.
Ceri is based in Hertfordshire.
Qualifications and professional memberships
Ceri has a PhD in psychology, is Chartered with the British Psychological Society as a Coaching Psychologist as well as chartered as researcher and academic in higher education, a Fellow of the International Society for Coaching Psychology and a Senior Coach Practitioner with the EMCC. Ceri is also a member and co-leader of the BPS Central London Peer Practice group.
Ceri is trained to advanced diploma level in coaching and has a range of coaching training qualifications. Ceri is also a ‘Strengthscope’ Master Practitioner, a Myers-Briggs (MBTI) Practitioner, a Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) practitioner and a Mental Toughness Coach (MTQ48). Her own coach training and CPD mean that she has skills in humanistic approaches, systemic approaches, embodied coaching, presence-based coaching and cognitive-behavioural approaches. She has developed her own model of Appreciative Inquiry coaching that integrates Appreciative Coaching with Positive Psychology and Strengths identification and development models.
A selection of journal articles
- Duffy, R & Sims, C (in preparation – aim to submit end 2023) Self-Compassion Training for Primary School Children in Ireland and its effects on their Wellbeing and Awareness of Self-Compassion. European Journal of Applied Positive Psychology (submitted)
- Dunn, H., & Sims, C. (2022) An exploration of the awareness, use and impact of self-compassion practices amongst UK teachers of adolescent students. European Journal of Applied Positive Psychology, 6, 13,1-14.
- Sims, C. M., & Thompson, P. (2020). The effect of student leadership roles and behaviours on motivation and well-being. Journal of the Institute of Teaching and Learning, 42-43.
- Sims, C. M., & Thompson, P. (2021). Pupils as leaders – It is not all about wearing a badge. Independent Schools Magazine, The professional Journal for Management and Staff, 33-33.
- Moss G A, Sims C, McDuff N, Tatam J (2018) The impact of academic leadership behaviours on BME student attainment. Leadership Insights: Leadership Foundation for Higher Education.
