About me
I have gained extensive experience over 27 years working in mental health as a counsellor and clinical psychologist, and I worked for 21 years in the NHS. I first began my private practice in 2006 and now I exclusively work privately in central London, as well as providing online therapy across the UK.
I work with individuals and couples, using a range of evidence based approaches such as cognitive behaviour therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness and systemic approaches.
I have a special clinical interest in anxiety and depression, as well as employment issues such as workplace stress, the development of effective teamworking, and supporting employees experiencing workplace difficulties.
I am passionate about helping people through difficult times in their lives
Experience
NHS
I have significant experience spanning nearly three decades. After training and working as a counsellor from 1994 I then trained as a Clinical Psychologist. Through my early career after qualifying in 2003 I worked in inner city London and Essex as a Clinical Psychologist in NHS community mental health teams and mental health inpatient services.
I became a Consultant Clinical Psychologist six years after qualifying, and became an Associate Director at the most senior level on the NHS payscale (AFC band 9) thirteen years after qualifying.
During my time working at a senior level in the NHS as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and as an Associate Director I led large mental health and community services for adults and children. I was responsible for some of the largest mental health services in the country, leading services across Hertfordshire, North Essex and Cambridgeshire. At any one time time I was responsible for NHS services with up to 500 staff and budgets up to £25 million.
Expert Advisor
I worked as a specialist advisor for the Strategic Health Authority, leading psychological workforce developments aimed at improving access to psychological therapies across the East of England. As part of this role I was a member of the Department of Health IAPT workforce education and training committee.
I have been a member of expert reference groups in psychological therapies and mental health nationally including for University College London working with the Department of Health, and for the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
This involved working as an expert advisor in the development of national guidance for the treatment of mental health problems, and psychological workforce training curriculums.
Specialist Trainer
I am an experienced supervisor, trainer and lecturer, having regularly lectured at various universities including Hertfordshire University and the University of London, on clinical psychology, cognitive behaviour therapy and mental health.
I was a visiting fellow at the University of Essex for many years, responsible for organising first year teaching within the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology training program. I also worked for a number of years as a seminar leader training therapists in cognitive behaviour therapy at the Westminster Pastoral Foundation.
I have a further specialist qualification in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and have been trained and supervised by many of the leading international experts in CBT.
Media
I have made various BBC radio appearances as a mental health expert on subjects relating to mental health, including depression, veterans mental health, self harm and child and adolescent mental heath.
Qualifications & Education
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DClinPsych - Doctorate in Clinical Psychology - Salomons, Canterbury Christchurch
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PGDipCBT in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy - Kings College University of London
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MSc with Distinction in Experimental Psychology - University of Sussex
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BA (Hons) - Sociology with Psychological Studies - University of Exeter
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PGCert in Leadership & Service Improvement - University of Manchester
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CPsychol - Chartered Clinical Psychologist - British Psychological Society
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AFBPsS - Associate Fellow - British Psychological Society
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Practitioner Psychologist - HCPC