Leadership Development Programme, British Psychological Society (2016)

Associate Fellow, British Psychological Society (2015)

HCPC Registered Counselling Psychologist (2009)

British Isles DBT Intensive Training (2004)

Chartered Psychologist, British Psychological Society (2004)

Post-MSc Counselling Psychology, City University London (2004)

MSc Counselling Psychology, City University London (2003)

BSc. (Hons) Psychology, University of Edinburgh (1995)

For you:

This means you know I am a qualified, experienced psychologist who is legally required to uphold the highest standards of knowledge and ethical practice. This is checked by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) every two years. My BPS Chartership represents the ‘gold standard’ of training in the UK.

Counselling psychology is an applied psychology that embraces diversity and plurality - ‘one size’ of therapy does not fit all! Based on Humanistic and social justice values, empathic understanding of an individual or group’s unique experience of themselves and the world is central to what we do. Counselling Psychologists work in health and social care settings, schools, communities and independently, and with all kinds of psychological problems and concerns. Like all psychologists, our work is informed by scientific research and evidence based practice. However, the therapeutic relationship is seen as the most important aspect of any intervention.

For you:

Your views and preferences about your therapy will be respected, and together we will ‘sign up’ to the most effective therapeutic plan for you. You won’t be pathologised, or judged. We will build a real relationship which will provide the basis for you to change what you want to change, explore what you want to explore.

As a lesbian woman, and psychologist, I am open about my queer identity and active in the promotion of inclusivity and positive health and well-being for LGBTQIA+ people. This includes sharing information and chellenging misconceptions in everyday conversations, as well as conducting social justice research projects, and much in-between. I actively work at being queer affirmative, anti-racist, and holding a balance of knowledge and awareness with curiosity and humility in my relationships with others. I hold myself accountable for my actions and beliefs, recognising that self-awareness, reflection and continual learning are ongoing processes I need to be engaged in.

For you:

If you are LGBTQIA+ yourself or exploring this possibility, and/or any other minoritised identity, knowing this about me might be particularly important to you. Whatever your identities and experiences, our working relationship will be based on acceptance, genuiness and empathic understanding.