ABOUT
About my work
In my experience we seek help when a problem, whatever that might be, is stopping us from feeling how we want to feel, doing what we want to do or being who we want to be. With each person I meet so a new journey begins, working together with respect, care and importantly, without judgment. It is a job I love and feel entirely privileged to do. Ethical, professional practice is foundational to how I work.
Qualifications
I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years experience. I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Kent and my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at Salomons Centre with The Open University in 2000. I have since completed a postgraduate diploma in Systemic Work with Individuals & Couples at The Institute of Family Therapy and an international postgraduate diploma in Narrative Therapy at the Dulwich Centre Australia. In addition I have completed further training in Mindfulness at the Soul Centre in Singapore, Positive Behaviour Support with BILD, ACT with Russ Harris and EMDR with the EMDR Academy. I have also completed further training in trauma and in autism. I am registered with the Health & Care Professions Council UK (HCPC).
Background & Experience
As a Clinical Psychologist I am trained to work across the age range and with a number of therapeutic models. The work I do brings together aspects of different therapies including Systemic Family Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Positive Behavioural Support, EMDR, Mindfulness & attachment based approaches in ways which best meet each individual person’s differences & needs. My work however is most influenced by Narrative Therapy which places a particular emphasis on what we value and how we have come to understand and speak about our experiences in ways which are helpful or less helpful to us.
I have worked with adults, young people, children and families. I have worked in a number of NHS services and extensively in private practice. I have worked with schools and other organisations both in the UK and overseas.
Why a Clinical Psychologist?
All Clinical Psychologists in the UK are trained within the NHS. Training is focused on the alleviation of distress associated with psychological and mental health problems. They are highly qualified having completed a 3 year undergraduate degree and 3 year postgraduate doctorate (including practical and research training). Most will have then sought further postgraduate training in areas of particular interest. The length of training and the ability in practice to draw on a range of therapies and use them in ways which meet what an individual person needs, and particularly where problems are more serious, is why you will pay more to see a psychologist than a counsellor or other types of therapist. Psychologists are not medical doctors and do not prescribe medication. However, a psychologist will work closely with psychiatrists and other health professionals as needed to support you..
Emergency support:
Life In Mind is not an emergency service. If urgent out of hours mental health support is needed or you are not sure what help is needed then call 111 to speak to the out of hours NHS service or 999 if it is an emergency or you are concerned about any kind of immediate safety. Likewise if you or a family member feel unable to stay safe at home you can also attend A&E.
If you need to talk to someone the Samaritans can be contacted free 24hrs a day on 116 123 and so can Childline counsellors on 0800 1111.
