My Background, Experience and Qualifications

I hold a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a Masters in Developmental Psychopathology, and am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Alongside my Doctoral training in Clinical Psychology I have also completed additional training related to a number of evidence based therapeutic approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Densensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT).

I offer an individualised approach to psychological therapy drawing on a number of different therapeutic approaches depending on a person’s needs, and have experience working with clients of all ages.

Many of the clients I work with are either neurodivergent themselves or have children who are neurodivergent so I also have experience supporting people in a neuro-affirming way. I understand the importance of neuro-affirming support on a personal level as well, being a parent of a neurodivergent child myself.

I have a particular specialism in supporting clients with the psychological impact of long term physical health problems, including as ME/CFS, Long COVID, chronic pain, and other chronic illnesses. I am skilled at helping people understand their physical health problems more clearly, and lessening the impact of poor physical health on their mental health and wellbeing.

I also have a vast wealth of experience in many other areas of psychology from my long and varied NHS career:

  • Mental health difficulties, including depression/low mood, anxiety, relationship problems, work stress

  • Supporting adults with adjustment to major changes in their lives

  • Trauma and PTSD

  • Couples therapy and relationship support

  • Adapting therapy for clients with cognitive impairment

  • Adapting therapy for neurodivergent clients

  • Memory assessment and dementia

  • Older Adults with complex mental health difficulties

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for older adults

  • Supporting older adults with transition to retirement or change of life roles

  • Significant personal experience of neurodivergence, including autism, ADHD and PDA due to parenting a child with these differences.

Experience of Neurodivergence

Supporting all clients in a neuro-affirming way is really important to me. Throughout my life I have developed a specialist interest in neurodivergence and the impact this can have on people’s lives as they live in a neurotypical world.

My masters in 2005/6 focused on neurodivergence, how the brain develops differently from birth, and how this impacts people’s perspectives on the world and their executive functioning. I went on to work in a specialist children’s neurodivergence service at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, which furthered my interest and understanding. Throughout my NHS career I have worked with many neurodivergent clients and have developed my experience and understanding over time.

In addition to my professional background, I have significant lived experience of neurodivergence. My sister has autism and ADHD, late diagnosed as a adult, and my husband has undiagnosed ADHD, so I have lived experience of supporting and understanding neurodivergent adults. One of my daughters is autistic with a PDA profile so I live day to day with the joys and challenges that parenting a neurodivergent child can bring.

I understand neurodivergence on a personal and professional level and this always informs my work with clients from a range of backgrounds.