We're small but mighty
Jodie Cariss
Founder
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Dan Burman
Managing Director
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As Managing Director of Self Space, Dan leads with a clear mission: to scale and evolve purpose-driven organisations that put people and mental health at the centre of their strategy. Drawing on his extensive background as a Chief Operating Officer and Strategic Consultant, Dan specialises in building business frameworks that enable creative, mission-led businesses to grow with impact, integrity and innovation.
At Self Space, Dan brings together commercial rigour and empathetic leadership to support the expansion of accessible, forward-thinking mental health services. He thrives at the intersection of vision and execution—translating bold ideas into practical, scalable systems that enhance delivery, culture and long-term sustainability.
One truth you wish more people knew about mental health:
That mental health isn’t something you fix only when it’s broken—it’s something you actively care for every day, just like physical health. Being proactive about your mental wellbeing isn’t a luxury; it’s essential to being a fully functioning, fulfilled human being. It should be normalised, prioritised and integrated into how we live, work and lead.
What self-care means to you:
Self-care, for me, is about creating space to slow down and reconnect—with myself, with others and with what truly matters. It’s not about perfection or indulgence; it’s about being honest with where I’m at, setting boundaries and making consistent, intentional choices that support my wellbeing. As a leader, it also means modelling that care is not weakness—it’s strength, and it’s vital.
Sue Mariner
Finance Manager
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As the teams Finance Manager my role involves supporting the Finance Director across all areas of Self Spaces – Which includes payroll, accounting, financial reporting and data analysis
One truth you wish more people knew about mental health
It needs as much looking after as your physical health
What self-care means to you
Investing in your physical and mental wellbeing in whatever way feels right to you.
Chilli Bernstein
Senior Client Success Manager
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I lead our Client Success team. Working collaboratively with our partners to ensure that them and their teams are getting the most out of Self Space. CS at Self Space is about being a fierce advocate, a trusted advisor and a good human.
One truth you wish more people knew about mental health
The biggest myth about mental health is that you can always tell when someone is struggling. Which is why giving people the autonomy and means to access therapy – barrier free – is so important. Leave the door open and encourage people take care of themselves in a proactive way.
What self-care means to you
Not being everything to everyone. Taking the back seat in things I’m not able to change. Stroking my dog’s silky soft armpits.
Anna Davies
Psychoeducation Manager
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I head up a deliriously wonderful team of therapists, delivering workshops, talks, panels and training sessions to businesses and the public. It’s a joy!
One truth you wish people knew about mental health:
We are complicated by nature us people, but as humans, what we need is simple. To talk, to share, to process, to acknowledge, to self care. If we’re doing that, we’re half way there
What self care means to me:
Self Care to me is about seeing enough worth in yourself to be considerate to you. To consider your emotional world, the point of each feeling and resting your body. It’s not a bit of equipment that works well without rest. Holding yourself in mind, meaningfully
Nibarna Kannathasan
Clinical People Lead
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I am the Clinical People Lead and also a practicing integrative and transcultural psychotherapist. I look after the therapists’ journeys and building a therapist community within Self Space. Between this is also making sure all our clinical governance is up to scratch and that all our therapists feel held in their roles however complex it may feel.
One truth you wish more people knew about mental health
Hmm so many! But most importantly, that our cultural context shapes and defines how we see mental health – so it’s okay if not all mainstream mental health talk quite fits your experience, it most likely means your cultural reference point is different and there’s another rich lens to look at it from.
What self-care means to you
At this point in my life, self care means routine and weekly resets to slow down. This includes walks, journalling, hair oiling, catching up with good friends, food and laughter (& lots of doses of Percy the cat!).
Alice Humphreys
Growth Director
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My role is all about increasing the relevance and impact of Self Space, and our mission. We’re trying to make everyday mental maintenance the norm within businesses, to increase wellbeing and happiness at work, and change the way we talk about mental health. On a day to day basis I meet new partners, build out our business growth strategy, and work with the sales team to unlock and perfect new projects.
One truth you wish more people knew about mental health
It’s a journey – not a sprint. We can all make a huge difference with small, everyday commitments to ourselves.
What Self Care means to you
Silence! A hot bath in a room with a beautiful window, and an ice cold drink.
Maria Balogun
Director of People & Culture
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I look after the very heart of our business — our people. I lead all aspects of our People & Culture strategy, ensuring that everything we do not only enhances organisational performance but also prioritises the wellbeing, growth, and experience of every individual in the business.
I work to create a progressive environment where people feel seen, heard, and valued where psychological safety, clarity, and accountability are non-negotiable. I love that this work requires thought, depth, and heart in equal measure.
A core part of my responsibility is acting as a strategic partner to our founders, our MD and the senior leadership, embedding a values-led, human-first approach to every people decision.
One truth you wish people knew about mental health?
Its ok to not be ok and prioritising YOU is not selfish its self care!
What Self Care means to you.
Self-care for me is working my hardest to live the softest version that this life has to offer.
Olivia Muir
Clinical Operations Lead
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I look after the clinical operations side of Self Space — making sure we’re offering the best possible therapy, supporting our therapists, and getting stuck into everything from site expansion to safeguarding and service development. I also see clients myself, which I love and reminds me of why we do this.
One truth you wish more people knew about mental health
So many people feel the same as you, even if they never say it out loud
What self-care means to you
Self-care is paying attention to what you really need and making decisions based on that.
Rachel Clelland
Finance Director
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As Finance Director at Self Space, I ensure our growth is both sustainable and strategic. I lead financial planning, guide key decisions with data, and work across teams to keep us commercially focused as we scale. My role is all about balancing priorities and keeping an eye on revenue—so we can keep doing the work we love with impact and intention.
One truth you wish more people knew about mental health
We are all a bit messy and that is ok!
What Self Care means to you
A walk on the beach with my family.
Sam Chandler
Brand & Marketing Director
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I lead the brand and marketing team – learning from the people we serve, shaping how we show up in the world and making sure our message hits where it matters, to whom it matters. I’m all about building a brand that’s cultural, not clinical, and breaking down the old school bollocks to make sure as many people as possible look after their mental health in the same way they do their physical.
One truth you wish more people knew about mental health
Knowing yourself, properly – your flaws, your triggers, your patterns – is not just one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself, but to those around you and to the world at large. It’s not just self-work, it’s self-respect. And the better you get at it, the better everything around you gets too. There’s a ripple effect that helps others and sends shockwaves (good ones) around the world. That’s how you lead, without even trying.
What self-care means to you
Taking care of the basics so you don’t burn out. Remembering that life should be enjoyed. Sleep. Decent food. Sweating. Laughing. Saying f!*# it when you need to. Talking when it matters. It’s not a luxury, it’s everyday maintenance for the person that should matter most to you.
