About me

I have worked as a Psychologist and University Lecturer for many years. I have a PhD in Psychology and have studied in great depth, the psychological processes involved in successful self-regulation and behaviour change. I registered as a Health Psychologist in 2007 and trained as an integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist in 2015, working in a range of settings including the NHS and charity settings. I use psychological evidence to inform the therapy I provide, and this is part of what makes my practice unique and effective. I employ the following evidence-based modalities, approaches and theories in my work:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Person Centred Approach
• Attachment theory
• Transtheoretical model of change
• Schema therapy
• Mindfulness
• Compassion-focused therapy
• Multi-modal therapy
• Health psychology, social psychology, positive psychology and neuroscience

My approach I always approach my work from the perspective of the client, which means that your therapy will be directed by your needs and preferences: I will work hard to ensure that you achieve what you set out to do on your therapy journey, however challenging it may be. The most important ingredient of successful therapy is the quality of the relationship you have with your therapist and therefore, forming and nurturing this relationship is a key aspect of my practice. Altogether, your time in therapy will help you understand your difficulties and teach you practical strategies to overcome them, so that you can bring about changes in your life (for example, in your thinking and behaviour patterns) to improve your emotional and psychological well-being. Sometimes, just having the opportunity to tell your story without being interrupted or judged and with a feeling of being listened to can help you to shift your perspective and make the changes you need to get back on track. I believe everyone has the potential to be the best that they can be and we all strive to work towards this, even in the face of adversity. I will provide you with a safe and confidential space to achieve this with warmth, integrity and empathy. My practice promotes self-compassion, self-care and self-acceptance for the management of mental and physical health difficulties. Throughout the course of your therapy, you can expect to experience some of the following activities:

• Talking, discussion, questioning, explanation and interpretation
• Assessment of your current and past physical and mental health
• Completing tasks to carry out between sessions that directly address your issues
• Keeping a daily diary of emotions, behaviours or thoughts
• Self-care practice
• Exploration of your childhood and family relationships
• Practical/experiential exercises in therapy sessions, including role play and meditation
• Exploring and challenging your perspective and generating alternative viewpoints
• Teaching about theoretical and practical aspects of your issues
• Monitoring and measuring moods and progress in therapy

  Professional information I operate to the highest ethical standards and good practice guidelines. I am a HCPC registered Health Psychologist (Reg No. PYL17717) and a registered member of the BACP (Member No. 368294). I have a strict confidentiality policy and will always protect your identity. I hold personal indemnity insurance for my practice and engage in professional supervision, according to the BACP requirements. Qualifications 2017 PGDip Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy, University of Derby 2012 Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Coaching Centre for Coaching, accredited by Middlesex University 2009 PhD Psychology, University of Sheffield 2002 MSc Health Psychology, University College London 2000 BSc Hons Psychology, University of Liverpool