Biography: The Lady Mayoress
Reverend Councillor Chris Cullwick is the Lord Mayor of York for the civic year of 2023 to 2024; his wife, Mrs Joy Cullwick, is the Lady Mayoress.
The Lord Mayor of York and the Lady Mayoress, 2023 to 2024
Photo credit: Furmoto Photography
Joy read Psychology at Hull University and obtained a PGCE from Bristol University. She taught in primary education before taking time out to provide childcare for her two sons. Subsequently she taught children with special educational needs.
In 1994 Joy obtained an Advanced Diploma in Counselling with the College of Ripon and York St John followed by an MA in Gestalt Psychotherapy with Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute. She was a senior accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and a registered psychotherapist with the UK Council for Psychotherapy. Joy has worked in GP surgeries, York NHS Psychological Services, Relate and private practice.
Alongside her therapy practice Joy taught counselling and psychotherapy in various settings including York College. She worked as a Senior Lecturer in Counselling and Psychotherapy with Leeds Metropolitan University (now Leeds Beckett) for many years, retiring in 2012 but continuing in private practice until 2019.
Joy previously served as Lady Mayoress in 2021-22. She is a member of the Company of Cordwainers and an honorary member of the Gild of Freemen. She serves on the advisory board of the York St John Communities Centre.