About me
I want to enable individuals living with acute or long-term physical health conditions, pain or trauma to manage the impact of these challenges on their mental health, and build fulfilling lives based on the things that matter to them. I have a specific interest in supporting younger children to process traumatic experiences.
Our physical health and mental health are closely linked. Living with a visible or invisible long-term illness can have physical and practical demands, and a negative impact on psychological and social wellbeing. Persistent pain following injury or surgery, or in the absence of any underlying damage can feel hopeless if it doesn't respond to medical interventions. Past traumatic events can be triggered and re-experienced in vivid ways as if you are re-living them in the here and now. Psychological support can help to manage these challenges, whether you are a child, adolescent, young adult, or a family member supporting a loved one.
Navigating different life stages can be more challenging for individuals living with a chronic illness or disability, pain and trauma. Treatments, procedures and appointments can feel like a burden, or be painful and upsetting. There may be barriers to education, training and employment, and a sense that others are moving on more easily. It might get in the way of relationships, disrupt plans and require family members to adopt carer roles that feel out of place. It's normal to have thoughts like 'It's not fair', 'Why me?', 'I wish it would go away', and to feel different to others, which can cause extra suffering.
As an experienced Clinical Psychologist, I have seen many successes with individuals facing upsetting and difficult situations, using a range of evidence based psychological therapies. I offer clinical supervision to other professionals, and am available for training and guest speaking on mind-body topics, attachment, trauma and the developing brain. I am able to deliver these professional, personalised services online or in person in Exeter, Devon.
Training, qualifications & experience
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, University of Edinburgh
I have worked in the National Probation and HM Prison services, and since 2005 in NHS community, inpatient, outpatient and rehabilitation settings. I have worked with children and adults with a range of problems including offending behaviours, depression, anxiety, OCD, phobias, PTSD, acquired brain injury, eating disorders and self injurious behaviours. I have worked at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh, St John's Hospital Livingston and currently work part time at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital alongside a private caseload.
I am trained to work with individuals across the lifespan using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy.
For more information about my training and research https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7849-9599
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The HCPC are an independent, UK-wide health regulator. They set standards of professional training, performance and conduct for 16 professions.
They keep a register of health professionals who meet their standards, and they take action if registered health professionals fall below those standards. They were created by a piece of legislation called the Health Professions Order 2001.
Registration means that a health professional meets national standards for their professional training, performance and conduct.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
- Adjusting to a medical diagnosis
- Trauma (medical, sport injury, other)
- Health-related low mood
- Anxiety about medical procedures
- Fear of needles, dentists, surgery
- Pain management
- Managing treatment burdens, including insulin pumps, stomas etc.
- Preparation for surgery
Living with visible difference
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
Additional information
£120 for a 50 minute session. Please check fees for other services on my website.
When I work
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Further information
Please contact me through Counselling Directory or my website to arrange a chat to see if I offer the support you are looking for online or in person. Enquiries for under 16s must be made by a parent/carer. Enquiries for over 16s can be made by a young person or their parent/carer.
