Absolutely. Many former boarders aren't certain about the impact of their experience. This course is designed for exploration rather than presuming negative effects. You'll have space to discover your own truth without judgment.

No. Whether you boarded for one or many years, the experience of separation can have lasting effects. Some participants find that even brief periods had significant impact.

It's never too late to gain understanding. Many participants find that exploring these experiences later in life brings clarity to patterns they've observed throughout adulthood. I have worked with several adults in their 80s.  It is not too late. 

You control what you share. While participation enriches the experience, you're welcome to observe in group discussions if you prefer. Many find that hearing others' experiences helps them recognize their own patterns.

Not at all. Many former boarders had positive aspects to their experience while still being shaped by the separation and institutional living. This course welcomes all perspectives.

This course is designed as an introduction. If you find you'd benefit from deeper exploration, my  6-month course offers more comprehensive support. I can also provide referrals to therapists experienced with boarding school issues.

The course focuses on understanding rather than blame. Many participants find that greater awareness actually improves family relationships by helping them understand family patterns with compassion.

Yes. Many participants find this course complementary to individual therapy. However, I recommend mentioning your participation to your therapist.

Yes, this course is designed to be accessible and welcoming for neurodivergent participants. I recognize that different people process information and engage in different ways. Course materials are provided in multiple formats, breakout rooms are structured with clear guidelines, and you're welcome to participate in ways that work best for you. If you have specific accommodations that would help you engage more fully, please let me know when registering, and I'll do my best to support your needs.

Absolutely. While boarding traditions may vary across countries, many of the core experiences and impacts are universal. The course welcomes participants who attended boarding schools anywhere in the world. As the sessions are online, you can join from any country, though you'll want to check if the timing works with your local time zone. The community we create benefits from diverse perspectives and experiences from different boarding traditions around the world.  I have worked with those who have attended boarding schools in Australia, America, India, South Africa, Switzerland and Nigeria.

I strongly encourage keeping your video on during our calls. Seeing each other helps build the trust and connection that is central to this work, especially since many ex-boarders struggle with trust and authentic connection. Being visible to one another creates a more engaged community and replicates the in-person experience of being truly seen and acknowledged. That said, I understand there may be moments when you need to temporarily turn off your camera, and that's completely fine. The most important thing is your participation in a way that feels manageable while still encouraging growth and connection.

This is a common and understandable concern. While it's possible that participants may have attended the same school, it is very rare and if so it may become a surprisingly positive aspect of the experience. Many participants find that sharing this journey with someone from a similar background creates deeper understanding and healing. Everyone in the course agrees to strict confidentiality, and the structured nature of our discussions helps maintain appropriate boundaries. If you're particularly concerned, you can let me know privately before the course begins, and I can confirm whether anyone from your specific school is registered without revealing your identity to them. Remember that everyone is attending with the same goal: to better understand their experience in a supportive environment.

You'll have several options: continue with the more comprehensive 6-month program (with a £100 discount), remain connected through our community group, or take time to integrate what you've learned before deciding on next steps.

All participants agree to confidentiality as part of registration. Personal stories shared in the course stay within the group. The community space is private and moderated.

Just a computer with internet connection, webcam, and microphone. All course materials will be provided digitally. You might want a journal for personal reflections between sessions.

While live participation is valuable for the interactive elements, recordings of the presentation portions will be available if you miss a session. However, breakout discussions are not recorded to protect participant privacy.

Due to the highly sensitive nature and risk of re traumatisation online, I will not be covering sexual abuse in this 6 week course. If this is your personal experience I suggest you seek some individual therapy to process this and I can recommend therapists who would be able to support you.