When choosing a clinical psychologist it can be helpful to get a sense of who they are and their specialisms they are trained in. Below I outline my training, specialism and what is important to me as a clinical psychologist. When considering whether I would be a suitable fit for your needs, should you have any further questions please contact me through my consultation request form. I offer 15 minute free consultations to ascertain if I will be able to support you in addressing your concerns.
My training
I started pursing a career in clinical psychology when I decided to undergo a undergraduate degree BSc (Hons) in psychology at Portsmouth university. Shortly after graduating (2006) I attained a post within a Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) as an assistant psychologist in Dorset.
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I then went on to complete a doctorate in clinical psychology at Nottingham University, qualifying me as a Clinical Psychologist in 2014. During my training, whilst undergoing a specialist placement within an adult renal unit, I started to develop my interest in the interaction between our mental health and physical health.
I started to recognise how interconnected our body and mind are; how our health related behaviors affect long term conditions, and the significant psychological impact of living with long term, and life changing conditions can have on how we understand ourselves, others, and the world we navigate.
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My first post was based in North Lincolnshire, developing a clinical psychology service across local oncology and palliative care services. I also spent time within this department working across a variety of other health conditions, namely into cardiology, respiratory, diabetes, stroke and pain services.
My specialism
My role in North Lincolnshire established my specialism within the field of clinical psychology applied to long term health conditions as I went onto take on a senior role leading the clinical psychology service for a well established adult Cystic Fibrosis service in Liverpool.
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Following this role I moved on to work as the psychology lead in Blackpool's Adult Cystic Fibrosis Service, the UK first newly established in 30 years, and working into a new psychology supporting patients with their rehabilitation following critical care admissions.
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My work into these unique fields has meant I have developed specialist clinical skills working with health related trauma, psychological adjustment to major health events and supporting individuals and teams (e.g. health care professionals) working into areas that are emotionally intense.
Therapy Models
Over the course of my career I have found that I have been drawn on a number of different models of therapy, which I detail .
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My work across unique, and complex areas of clinical specialism has meant that I have developed expertise integrating different psychological models to an individuals needs and goals within therapy. Underlying my work is an attachment and trauma informed approach.
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This has been a point of professional pride as I am aware that individual therapeutic models at times can lack real life clinical application. Essentially life is rarely as neat and tidy as the theories underlying these models would suggest. I strive to tailor and integrate the models I am trained in to develop a eclectic approaches for my patients that take into account the messiness of real life to help you understand, adapt and move towards what is important to you in your life.
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