My wife, Les Garry, who has died aged 70, was a counsellor and psychotherapist. Recognised as an outstanding practitioner by her peers, she was a senior accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and a supervisor for many other therapists. She helped a great number of people in profound ways, as well as supporting colleagues with her depth of care and experience.
Les had a strong commitment to a person-centred approach and was convinced of people’s ability to know what is right for themselves and to find their own answers if the right conditions are made available to them. In her counselling room overlooking her beloved garden at home, with its magnolia and copper beech trees, she offered a haven in which people received her full and loving attention. She worked with many women who had experienced domestic violence or sexual abuse.
Despite a number of severe health conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus, Les showed tremendous courage and resilience. For the duration of the sessions with her clients, she said, her own physical pain was suppressed.
Born in Birmingham to Bettine (nee Watkins), a nurse, and John Harrison, a headteacher, Les was brought up in Yorkshire, where she attended Bridlington high school for girls.
On leaving school she got married to Jason Garry in 1967, moved to Harlow in Essex, and cared for their two children, Mark and Emma, full-time until 1972, when she also became a part-time youth worker for Essex county council. By 1976 her marriage was over, and she set about studying for an English degree (1979) at the University of Hull, where I was teaching. Afterwards she became coordinator of Pam Dellar’s Outreach Community Arts in Hull, where she was at first a community arts worker (1979-81) and then the facilitator and administrator of the project (1981-83).
In 1983 she moved into working with Hull’s Community Action youth training scheme, running training courses (1983-85) and becoming the scheme’s development officer (1985-87). From that point onwards she went freelance as a training consultant and facilitator, working with Hull’s centre for young people, The Warren, where she ran workshops and training courses, and at Hull Women’s Centre, among other organisations. She was one of Hull’s many Greenham Women, and was involved in local feminist politics.
From 1990 she took up full-time counselling and supervision, and increasingly had to work from home as her illnesses became more restrictive. Eventually she was forced into semi-retirement in 2016, though she continued offering informal advice sessions for one or two close supervisees.
Her unbowed cheerfulness, lovely smile, outgoing nature and zest for living made her a magnet for others. Whether it was her infectiously stylish dancing to reggae or entertaining friends around the kitchen table (£1 from Bateson Antiques in Hull in 1978), she radiated a love of life. She was devoted to her garden and house, which continue to express her vibrant character.
Her first marriage ended in divorce in 1980; we were married in 2006. She is survived by me, her children and three grandchildren, Molly, Martha and Zac.
