Meet our Patrons

Brian Thorne

Brian is an international figure in the world of Person-Centred Psychotherapy and scholarship. He is also a prominent layman in the Church of England and a lay canon of Norwich Cathedral. His prolific writings seek to show the integration of his theological, psychological and spiritual understanding of the human person.

He is Emeritus Professor of Counselling at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, Professor of Education in the College of Teachers and Co-founder of the Norwich Centre. He is a prominent figure in the international community of person-centred practitioners and scholars and has contributed substantially to the professional literature. He is a Fellow of the British Association for Counselling and holds honorary appointments in both France and Austria. He is also a Professor of Education in the College of Teachers.

Professor Thorne led plenaries at the annual CTA/BPF conferences in 2009 and 1990.

Janet Lake

Janet has been working in the area of Pastoral Care, Counselling and Spiritual Accompaniment for many years as tutor, supervisor and practitioner, and was a consultant for the Clinical Theology Association (the former name of BPF). Her main interest is exploring how the respective insights and resources from the spiritual and psychotherapeutic traditions can be used together creatively in our search for wholeness.

Currently she runs a small sanctuary house of prayer in Dorset.

Janet has spoken at CTA and BPF conferences in 2009 and 1999.

Paul Goodliff

Paul Goodliff is a trained Baptist Minister who now heads the ministry department at Baptist Union and is a key contact for ministers and their spouses. He tutors in Liturgy and Christian Doctrine at the University of Gloucestershire’s Open Theological College and has a wealth of experience in ministry and counselling.

Paul has written many books including ‘With Unveiled Face’ an exploration of the concept of shame in today’s culture and how its negative effects can be countered both pastorally and spiritually.

Paul spoke on Shame at the annual BPF conference in 2007.