About Me
The therapeutic relationship has been demonstrated to be one of the most influential aspects of successful therapy and it’s important that when you are experiencing difficulties, you access the right person to support you. With this in mind, I would like to tell you a little bit about me so you can make an informed decision about whether or not you would like to contact me. As well as the information you have about me here, do make use of the 15 minute free consultation I offer where we can discuss your difficulties, I can let you know whether or not I can help you and you can ask any questions you may have.
Professional
I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and you can find my details here. I am also registered with the British Psychological Society (BPS) and you can find my details here. I think it’s important for you to know that the person you work with is registered with a professional body who can set and monitor professional standards and can take action if professionals don’t meet those standards.
Experience
I have worked (and volunteered) in mental health settings for 11 years now and in that time I have developed experience and expertise with a range of mental health difficulties and have worked with children, adolescents and adults.
I have worked in the NHS, for charitable organisations and for independent providers of mental health services focusing predominantly on issues affecting mental health, relationship difficulties, stressful life events, adjustment to change (including physical health changes) and traumatic events.
I have also worked as a Senior Lecturer on a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology course where I taught trainee Counselling Psychologists, supervised academic research at Doctoral level and conducted my own research which you can read here and here.
Post qualification, I have undertaken a range of additional training in Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), specific training on working with those who experience physical pain, those clients diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder/Unstable Personality Disorder using a trauma informed approach, have attended conferences specifically focused on current interventions for trauma and have undertaken training in supporting those with sleep issues.
Other things you might want to know...
I’m really proud of the fact that I am from Teesside, have received all my education locally and was the first person in my family to attend University. I haven’t always been a Psychologist. I was a Secondary School teacher for 15 years and remember the young people I met with great affection. I have two rescue dogs and have learnt a lot from them about patience, never giving up and adapting to suit their need! I think it’s important to tell you that I have experienced mental health difficulties and have benefited from psychological therapy in my own life.