About me
I am a Clinical Psychologist who has worked in the NHS for over fifteen years. I have experience working with a range of problems including, depression, anxiety, complex trauma, psychosis, stress and bipolar disorder. I have worked with children, adults, older people and people with learning disabilities both individually and in groups. I have a special interest in group work, the body mind connection and men’s mental health.
As a Clinical Psychologist I am trained to integrate and apply different therapeutic models to meet the needs of the individual. That might include elements from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Psychodynamic and Narrative approaches amongst others. Five years ago, I trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitation Reprogramming) which is a trauma focused therapy and that has now become my main practice. I have since done further specialised courses including Attachment Informed EMDR. I enjoy bringing my knowledge of evolutionary psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology and neuroscience to help clients think about their issues. One of my key concerns is to help people develop the ability to self soothe and feel safeness.
As Eleanor Longden says: 'The important question isn’t “what’s wrong with you?” but “what happened to you?” I often say to clients that I am a cross between a student and a detective. I am a student because you are going to be teaching me about your life and I will ask lots of questions! I am a detective in that I am trying to piece together the reasons for why things happened the way they did. Through developing such an understanding I can create a psychological intervention which is best tailored to your needs.
One thing I always do is to take a comprehensive history of a client. In effect we will be writing your autobiography. Just the act of telling your story can be very therapeutic. Evidence shows that the therapy is most effective therapy when client feedback is asked for and I may do this verbally or through simple feedback sheets.
I often refer clients to books or concepts that might help them understand their situation better. Recently I have recommended 'Troubled' by Rob Henderson to a client who had a very traumatic childhood and 'King, Warrior, Magician, Lover (Moore & Gillette) to a client who wanted to explore his masculinity.
Training, qualifications & experience
- Accredited EMDR Therapist (2021) Attachment Informed EMDR training parts 1 and 2
- Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (2016)
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Psychological Counselling (2009)
- Foundation in Core Process Psychotherapy (2000)
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
Fees
£120.00 - £140.00
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
Before we meet for the first time we will have a telephone conversation when I can find out a little about you and this is a chance for both of us to decide whether we are the right fit. We would then arrange a regular day and time to meet. Normally I work once a week with people but it might also be possible to meet more often. In our first session we would go over important practicalities such confidentiality and how I keep my notes secure. I do not offer fortnightly sessions to starting clients.
When I work
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early morning | |||||||
| Morning | |||||||
| Early afternoon | |||||||
| Late afternoon | |||||||
| Evening |
Further information
The first few sessions are a chance for me to take a full history and develop a 'formulation' - this is a framework that psychologists use to understand the client and make connections as to when, why and how things have happened. Through doing so I can then tailor an intervention to which is focused and effective.
