My Qualifications and Experience
I am a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and have acquired extensive experience in direct clinical work in both the NHS and in private practice, for over 35 years. I have been a qualified Clinical Psychologist since 1986, having trained at the University of Edinburgh. I also have a Ph.D. on ‘Family Based Rehabilitation Following Severe Closed Head Injury’ from the Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Edinburgh.
In addition to my clinical work, I provide specialist supervision to clinical psychologists and other mental health professionals.
In my clinical work, I deal with a range of mental health problems. I also have expertise in assessment and therapy for neuropsychological disorders, including Functional Neurological Disorder, PTSD, and Post-Concussion Syndrome. A key treatment consideration is the relationship between an individual's emotional state and the physical, behavioural, and interpersonal consequences that they experience.. I am particularly interested in mind-body connections, and the role that emotional stress plays in physical symptoms.
In addition to my clinical and supervision roles, I am a freelance writer on psychological and health issues, and enjoy translating complex brain-behaviour issues into everyday, accessible language, to help people understand and make sense of their difficulties. I am particularly interested in the way that mental health issues affect families, and how we can work to communicate and support each other more effectively.
Professional Standards
I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the regulatory body for health and care professions in the UK. I am DBS compliant, and have an up to date DBS check (2023). I am registered with the ICO, and am fully compliant with their guidance on data protection.
I am formally trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i), Compassion Focused Therapy for PTSD and Trauma, Anxiety and Depression Disorders, and Substance Related and Addictive Disorders, as well as other core training to augment my continuing professional development.
I have also undergone Bond Solon Training for Expert Witnesses, and have extensive experience in medico-legal practice. I am a member of the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies. I abide by the ethical and professional codes of conduct of these professional bodies.
