MY BACKGROUND
After finishing my Masters in Rehabilitation Psychology, I completed a PhD at the University of Cambridge in Cognitive Psychology. I then went on to obtain my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of East Anglia in Norwich, UK. During and following my training, I have gained experience in a wide range of settings, including mental health services for children and young people, adults of working age and older adults, as well as supporting individuals with learning disabilities. I also have a special interest and expertise in supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders, and individuals adjusting to physical health conditions or diagnoses, such as stroke, brain injury, diabetes or cancer.
Having lived abroad and now moved with my husband and two young children, I also have personal experience of the challenges of settling into a new country and supporting children through this adjustment.
WHAT HAPPENS IN THERAPY
My main priority is to help you feel heard and understood as you make sense of your mind and any experiences you are finding difficult at the moment. As social beings, so much of our healing and growth occurs through trusting relationships, and my aim is therefore to help create a safe space where you will feel able to engage in both the vulnerability and risk-taking that true change requires.
My practice is deeply rooted in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), an integrative model that draws on the latest scientific findings in neuroscience, attachment theory and evolutionary psychology to support us in better understanding and tolerating feelings of distress, reducing suffering and helping us thrive. This model also incorporates skills-building in emotion regulation and compassion that will support your long-term capacity to care for yourself and tend to your own needs. In 2020 I completed a year-long Post Graduate Diploma in CFT at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom. I am also trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and can therefore tailor my approach to your individual needs.
Therapy usually involves at least one session dedicated to assessment where we will explore your reasons for seeking therapy and clarify your aims for our work. Early sessions will typically include psycho-education, where I share information and findings from psychological research that may help you make sense of your own responses and experiences. I will also guide and support you in developing specific skills, such as in emotion regulation, and in expanding your comfort zone by experimenting with behaviour changes. As therapy progresses, the dynamic usually shifts towards you taking greater ownership over our agenda and themes of our sessions. As we approach the end of therapy, we would spend some time considering relapse prevention if appropriate.
Please get in touch if you are interested in finding out more about my approach and how I may be able to support you, and together we can explore if the fit feels right.
CONTACT
You are welcome to contact me via the contact form if you have further questions or want to make a first appointment.
