I am a qualified Clinical Psychologist and EMDR therapist, passionate about supporting people to develop greater understanding of themselves and their experiences, and make positive, lasting change. I have over 10 years’ experience working in various settings including the NHS, charities, and the private sector.
I have helped with a wide range of difficulties including but not limited to: anxiety, stress and burnout, trauma/PTSD, grief, loss, low self-esteem, and low mood/depression.
About Me
I have expertise and interest in the relationship between mental health and addiction (particularly alcohol use), with experience helping people in recovery. I feel strongly about increasing support and understanding, and reducing stigma towards those struggling with alcohol/drug use.
Alongside my clinical work, both within the NHS and private practice, I am committed to psychological research, completing my PhD in 2018. I have conducted and published numerous research studies (see here), and presented findings at conferences in the UK and abroad. It is rare for a psychologist to have completed both clinical and research training to doctoral level.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my children, being outdoors, and drinking great coffee. I also love a good board game and getting stuck into a TV series! Based in Dorset, I am most relaxed when walking along the beach or visiting the New Forest.
Qualifications & Registrations
-
BSc Psychology (1st Class Hons, Cardiff University)
-
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Addiction Psychology (University of Southampton)
-
Doctor of Clinical Psychology, DClinPsy (University of Southampton)
-
EMDR Masterclass
-
Ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) - various training courses
My approach
My approach is warm, non-judgemental and open. I understand how difficult it can be to reach out for help and therefore strive to ensure you feel relaxed and safe. It is important we talk about the things you want to, and you will never have to discuss anything you are not comfortable with.
Research has found that one therapy is not better than others; different approaches suit different people, so I am flexible and adapt according to the person I am working with. Importantly, the relationship between client and therapist is one of the most important predictors of therapy outcome. I therefore pay great attention to creating an environment where we can be open and honest with each other. Clients have said I put them at ease so they can be themselves - I am very down-to-earth and 'human'!
I believe therapy should be a genuine team effort where we work on the same page, towards goals that matter to you. My aim is for you to finish sessions equipped with new perspective, skills, and techniques that you can then apply in your daily life. Like learning a new instrument, therapy is most effective when skills are practiced outside of sessions. We can't change the past or what has happened to you, but can work together to help you cope and move forward in more positive ways.
As a fellow human being, I have experienced difficulties and challenges that I have had to work through, accept, and overcome. I "practice what I preach" and use in my own life, many of the skills and techniques that I use with clients in therapy. While we are all unique and different strategies suit different people, I will never suggest anything I wouldn't be prepared to do myself.
What is a Clinical Psychologist?
Different practitioners can provide psychological therapy, including Clinical Psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors. However, the title ‘Clinical Psychologist’ is protected by law which means it is compulsory for the person to have completed rigorous training to doctoral level, and be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). They must continue to receive regular clinical supervision and commit to ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) after qualifying through further training.
Other titles, including ‘psychologist’, ‘psychotherapist’ and ‘counsellor’, are not protected or regulated, which means anyone with any level of training can use them. It is therefore important to check the qualifications and experience of any therapist before committing to therapy.
While many therapists may specialise in one type of therapy, Clinical Psychologists are trained in a range of therapeutic models (e.g., CBT, EMDR, ACT, Systemic Therapy). This means they can adjust their approach to get the best possible outcomes for their clients.
