Professional qualifications, accreditations and memberships

  • Bsc Occupational Therapy (Honors) (University of Cape Town)
  • TRE Practitioner Qualification (One Vision Africa)
  • Post Graduate Degree in Business Administration (Graduate School of Business, Cape Town, South Africa)
  • HCPC registered, OT 086044
  • Member of the Society for Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mmber ID 3116
  • Member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapy (RCOT) BT00863436

Professional experience

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.

Personal statement

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.

Additional information about research, publications and interests

Special interests

Jacqui Russon has particular expertise and a special interest in working with adults and adolescents experiencing addiction difficulties, eating disorders, and personality disorders.

and/or
and/or
and/or