The Open Book | Adrienne Bradbury

Parents and students are always curious about the individual experience and personality of our teaching staff. We are happy to launch the “Open Book”column, introducing the passionate and professional teachers and sharing their individual “behind-the-scene” lives with you.  

First up in the line, let’s get to know:

Adrienne Bradbury

Social, Emotional and Mental Health Counsellor

Adrienne Bradbury is a qualified counsellor BA (Hons) with 10 years’ experience, and additional qualifications to work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in a variety of settings. She is a registered member of the professional body, the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, and therefore her therapeutic practice meets the ethical standards set by BACP. She joined Dulwich College Zhuhai in 2020 following working as a counsellor for the Scottish Government and Mind UK. Previously Adrienne has set up counselling services and provided social and emotional counselling in schools in Shanghai, China, and the UK.

What was your favorite subject when you were in high school?

My favorite subject in high school was biology, particularly the physiology part of biology. I loved to find out how the body's organs work and function, especially the heart, muscles and brain.

What did you do to decrease your stress when you were a student?

To decrease my stress when I was a student I used to do two things; exercise and sing. I loved PE at school and was on the team for hockey, netball, tennis, swimming and gymnastics. I loved track and field too. I learned judo outside of school, and this helped me feel calm in mind and body. I used to sing a lot, which helped me to stay calm. I actually failed the test to sing at Durham Cathedral, but I don't let that stop me singing.

What was your favorite subject when you were in high school?

My favorite subject in high school was biology, particularly the physiology part of biology. I loved to find out how the body's organs work and function, especially the heart, muscles and brain.

Which celebrity do you like best?

I don't really like the term celebrity because it implies somebody that craves fame, and some 'celebrities' that do that are not always good role models. I do admire a lot of famous people though including Prince William and Kate Middleton, especially for all the important work they are doing in the field of mental health awareness.

What was the naughtiest thing you ever did in school?

I daren't tell you… Oh ok, I said a swear word to another student, just as a teacher was walking past, (I didn't know that at the time) the teacher heard me and sent straight to the head teachers office. I was in big trouble.

Why do you choose to stay in China?

I love China, I'm fascinated by it's culture, history, people, and architecture. I lived in Shanghai for 4 years and I travelled around China a lot already, but I think there is still a lot more to see, do and learn from. And as a lifelong learner, I’m very grateful to have different opportunities here with DHZH to push myself forward personally and professionally.

What research are you currently pursuing regarding teaching pedagogy?

Two areas of research I am currently pursuing are the effects of 'transition' and how 'uncertainty' affects mental health. I think it is helpful in raising awareness of how we as individuals are affected by these two very relevant life experiences, especially living in a pandemic.

Which new strategies have you implemented as a result of online learning?

I encourage drawing diagrams to help students to understand models of therapy. I also use acronyms for coping mechanisms and techniques to help with understanding, to be able to reflect on, to increase and embed new knowledge, and to encourage practice in the use of.

What advice would you give to students to succeed in your subject?

To continue to keep learning about themselves and how they respond to different people and situations.

What do you find most rewarding about being a teacher?

What I find most rewarding about being a counsellor is seeing students empowered and more confident in their decision making. Self-awareness is much improved following counselling and helps students self-esteem to improve. I also feel rewarded knowing students have healthy coping mechanisms in place for when life gets tough.

Above is the information shared by Ms. Adrienne Bradbury, our school counsellor who is dedicated to support the well-being of our students in becoming global citizens and in graduating Worldwise.

We look forward to bringing you another teacher profile in the next episode of the Open Book. Stay tuned!