About me and my approach
What is Clinical Psychology?
Clinical Psychologists are highly qualified mental health professionals who are trained within the NHS to assess, make sense of and treat a wide range of emotional, psychological and relational difficulties. We are trained to use evidence-based psychological therapies, meaning approaches that are supported by a significant body of research and shown to be effective for particular difficulties or client groups. In practice, this allows a Clinical Psychologist to develop an individualised formulation (way to make sense of the difficulties or distress) and treatment plan, drawing on a range of therapeutic models to meet you or your family's specific needs. We are also trained to work with teams and organisations, for example, offering consultation.
To qualify, Clinical Psychologists complete a minimum of six years of graduate-level training, including an undergraduate degree in Psychology (or post-graduate conversion course) and a three-year Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, alongside substantial supervised clinical experience. We are also required to conduct a piece of clinical research in the field of mental health. After qualification, Clinical Psychology is a highly regulated profession. Our governing body is the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and we are required to meet strict standards relating to professional conduct, skills and ongoing training.
My Approach
I work flexibly, collaborating with my clients to really understand the current difficulties and hopes together and work out what might be the most helpful kind of therapeutic support. Sometimes I might suggest an 'integrative' therapeutic approach, which means I will draw on ideas from a variety of models, trainings and experience. Sometimes, I might suggest a specific therapy or programme - for example Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, the ABC Programme, or Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (see more on these in the 'Specialist Training' section below). In this case, I will explain to you more about the specific therapy and the usual structure of that work. In all the therapeutic work I offer, I will be working with compassion at the heart of what I do, and always with attachment in mind. If a child or teenager is referred, I like to work closely with parents (e.g. having parent-only sessions or whole family sessions, alongside 1:1 sessions with the young person). This is because often parents are the ones doing the day-to-day supporting and parenting and can make a huge difference to creating positive changes, much more than just one hour a week with a therapist.
My Experience
I have experience working as Clinical Psychologist in various mental health settings, including working with foster / special guardianship families and parent-infant services. I trained in the NHS and worked in NHS services for over 8 years, most recently as a Senior Clinical Psychologist for a specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). I also have over six years' experience working in a charity offering parent-infant psychological therapy. I have several specialist therapeutic trainings (see the 'Specialist Training' section). I contribute to teaching on the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the Salomon's Institute.
Prior to undertaking my clinical psychology doctorate, I worked in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions for over 10 years. I worked at King's College London as a Research Assistant on clinical trials of parent-mediated early autism interventions and held posts for the National Autistic Society and a local autism charity offering family support and parent coaching. Since qulaifying, I have maintained a speciliasm in working with families affected my neurodevelopmental differences, be that parents, children or both.
My specialist training
Click here if you are interested to read more about about my specialist training, experience and research.