Jacqui Russon

Jacqui Russon graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2007 from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. She began her career at a state mental health hospital, where she focused on developing a dual diagnosis unit for adults. She later transitioned into private mental health care in South Africa, specialising in addictions, eating disorders, general psychiatry, and personality disorders.

In 2011, Jacqui completed her certification in Trauma/Tension Release Exercises (TRE), followed by her advanced certification in 2016. In 2014, while working at a private addiction treatment centre in Cape Town, she completed her Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (PDBA) at the Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, graduating with distinction. Throughout her career, Jacqui has undertaken additional certified training, including Group Analysis through the Institute of Group Analysis (UK), and became a Mandala Assessment Research Instrument (MARI) Trainer through MARI Creative Resources.

Since 2008, Jacqui has worked in both Cape Town and Johannesburg within mental health settings for adults and adolescents, supporting individuals with a range of difficulties including mood disorders, addiction, eating disorders, personality disorders, trauma, and autism spectrum disorder. She has provided one-to-one therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and formalised assessments.

Jacqui moved to the United Kingdom in 2022, working in an NHS-sponsored hospital across both the Eating Disorder and Personality Disorder Units, before joining Nightingale Hospital as an Occupational therapist. She is also currently completing her Post Graduate Diploma in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) through Bangor University, due to graduate December 2025.

Jacqui adopts a compassion-based approach, focusing on empowering patients to develop the skills and autonomy needed to function independently and engage in meaningful activities and occupations. She works in transparent and honest collaboration with each patient, supporting them in achieving their unique goals while providing a safe and supportive space that encourages change. Her practice is rooted in a comprehensive, client-centred approach to care, enabling patients to take ownership of their journey and personal growth. Jacqui is committed to delivering evidence-based assessments and holistic care, fostering self-belief and equipping individuals with the tools to function optimally and independently across all areas of daily life.

Jacqui completed her PgDip in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy from Bangor University in 2025. She is an accredited DBT therapist with the Society For DBT- UK & Ireland, and combines her knowledge and experience in Occupational Therapy and DBT to support clients develop effective coping strategies and skill sets to lead their most meaningful lives.