I have worked in the NHS for over 10 years & qualified as a clinical psychologist in 2010. I have undertaken private work for a number of years, both in therapeutic & legal capacities. I currently specialise in working with children, young people & their families as well as adults. I have experience of working with severe mental health problems in, including anxiety & panic, OCD, PTSD, health anxiety, social phobia & depression, behavioural difficulties, risk (in particular self-harm) & Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). I am trained in the Autistic Diagnostic Observation Schedule & have experience of assessing & diagnosing ASD in young people and adults. I primarily use a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach but also have experience in family therapy & approaches such as mindfulness & Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) one of the ‘Third Wave’ therapies of CBT. I also have experience of working with young people and adults in forensic services.

As a parent it is often daunting to think about bringing your child to see a psychologist and the young person themselves can be very anxious, not knowing exactly what it will be like. Likewise it can be difficult for adults to make the first step in engaging in therapy. I have an honest approach and am always clear about what I think the difficulties are and what is needed to help people recover from them. I try to be flexible and creative in my approach, with a focus on making people feel at ease, particularly when I meet them for the first time. If young people don’t feel they can come into sessions on their own at first I am happy for parents to accompany them and also for parents to help explain what their difficulties are if they are unsure about how to do this. Where confidentiality will allow I include parents in the therapy by providing summaries of sessions and asking for their help in supporting their child with out of session tasks. I am happy to see parents on their own to offer advice about how to support a young person if they are not keen to attend therapy themselves.

I have experience of doing group sessions with families, helping discuss difficult relationship issues or difficulties that are having an impact on various family members. This can often make a huge difference as it is a different environment and the session provides a boundary so everyone’s views can be respected and people are reminded of the need to listen to each other. Each young person and families needs are different and the type of approach you would like to take (whether that is individual or group sessions) can be thought through in the first session and altered if required as the therapy moves along.

• Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
• BSc (Hons) Psychology
• HCPC registered
• Member of British Psychological Society
• GDPR Compliant