Rea Pearson

Rea on Children's Award-winning ITV show "Knightmare" in 1991
I have always been a creative person and grew up wanting to be an illustrator. After A-levels, I completed a one-year Art Foundation course at Exeter College, before graduating with a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design from the University of Plymouth. I began to have health problems while I was at University, and was unable to go straight into a full-time job. For several years, I worked part-time as a musician and songwriter gigging all over the UK. I had some great experiences with my band, getting to perform on TV and radio, and recording songs.

Left: Rea's portrait of Taylor Swift • Right: Rea with Taylor Swift

Left: Rea's portrait of Alex Zane • Right: Rea with tv presenter Alex Zane
In 2011 I started my therapy training at the Iron Mill Institute in Exeter, completing a Certificate in Counselling (90 hours), followed by an Advanced Diploma in Counselling (450 hours). By 2013 I was working as a volunteer therapist for a charity called The Quiet Mind, based in Exmouth. This lead me to setting up my own private practice the following year. I am continually involved in further training and have a Certificate in Marriage and Couples Counselling, and another in The Sexual Relationship from the Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships in London. I also have a certificate in working with LGBT and other diversities, and am a member of Pink Therapy, the UK's largest independent therapy organisation working with gender and sexual diversity issues. I work with a diverse range of clients from all different backgrounds, and am listed as a "kink aware" therapist.

Rea with Bradley Walsh on ITV's quiz show "The Chase" in 2017
In 2017 I was lucky enough to beat 40,000 other applicants who applied for Series 11 of ITV's popular tea-time quiz show, The Chase. My episode was aired in September 2017 and although I didn't walk away with any money, I was proud to score £7,000 in my cash builder and had an amazing time being a contestant. Bradley Walsh and the Dark Destroyer were both absolutely lovely people.