About me...
As a person
Perhaps unusually, it was my love of reading literature that made me want to become a psychologist. What are books if not stories about people – how they are both unique and similar, how they interact, make decisions and encounter life and its challenges. I have always loved stories, and later learned that this is a key part of being a psychologist – compassionately hearing someone’s story in full, helping them see its intricacies and impact, and change unhelpful patterns in order to write a better ending for themselves.
My naturally inquisitive nature loves my work, and I draw on a very healthy work-life balance in my approach to being a therapist. Gratitude and pleasure are key themes in my everyday life, where I use my joys of the outdoors, my beloved dog and my garden to offer balance to my work. Those who know me would describe me as someone both practical and calm yet also fun and willing to speak my mind.
As a therapist
Therapy is unique with each client I work with, and truly collaborative. I am strongly driven by my values in my work, and feel it is vital that you feel you can trust me. That is an honour hundreds of people have now bestowed on me over my career. This, and what I have in turn learned from working with clients, makes me love the work that I do.
My work has taught me that the most important part of therapy is the humanity of it – how you engage as people and build trust. I understand what it can involve for many clients when they consider opening up to someone they don’t know. Many of my clients have told me it is my authentic approach that has enabled them to truly engage with therapy and allowed them to ultimately overcome the challenges that they have faced.
As a professional
My training, skills and experience provide you the assurance that you are in good hands. I completed my initial Psychology degree at the University of Sheffield before undertaking first my Masters degree in Applied Psychology, and later my Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology both from The University of Edinburgh.
I am trained and experienced in a wide range of evidence-based therapies and treatments for psychological and mental health conditions for children, adolescents and adults. This enables me to select the right approach for each person. Specialist training includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), EMDR or Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, Schema Focused Therapy and parenting and family therapies and interventions.
Being a Clinical Psychologist means I am regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC, register number PLY29132) and a member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) registered as a Chartered Psychologist. I am regularly supervised in my clinical practice, engage in continual professional development and adhere to the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct.
Why choose to work with me?
As in any other area of your life, ensuring you receive services from someone with the right level of training and expertise is essential. For therapy, it is also vital that you feel comfortable with that person.
In searching for someone to help with emotional, psychological and mental health issues it is likely you will come across a wide range of job titles – the terms Counsellor, Psychologist, Therapist and Life Coach can be used with little explanation. Clinical Psychologist is a legally protected title in reflection of my level of training and expertise.
Clinical Psychologists are uniquely trained to bring about change, and as such, therapy with me offers an investment that lasts a lifetime.
