A little about me...

A chartered psychologist, associate fellow of the British Psychological Society, and a registered Counselling Psychologist with the HCPC since its inception, I have experience within the NHS and as a clinical assessor and as national clinical manager with AXAPPP. I have been in private practice for over 15 years and have enjoyed working both face to face and online.

The most important aspect of psychological treatment is a genuine regard for, and liking of, people. Indeed, all people are welcomed here. Building a respectful, open and easy therapeutic alliance is the most crucial factor in any psychological treatment, and a bit of humour also sometimes helps. Please do read through the rest of the site which I hope will answer most of your questions.

My Background

I have plenty of real-world experience, outside the role of the psychologist, experience that has contributed to my own understanding of life and has greatly enhanced my clinical work. Raised in Birmingham, I started out by studying Biological Science at Warwick University, then moved to UEA in Norwich, to do a PGCE to become a secondary school teacher. I soon migrated into a pastoral role, taking care of large groups of adolescents, a very rewarding time indeed. Later, in my thirties, I felt compelled to learn more about people and so took a degree in psychology, followed by a master’s in counselling psychology and then a postmaster’s diploma in Counselling Psychology, qualifying as a chartered psychologist in 2007.

After teaching, I spent a few years using psychometric testing in industry for a multi-national company and, as an independent, completed 30 projects assessing senior management teams as part of the due diligence process for venture capital organisations.

I started my clinical career in the NHS, both in GP surgeries and in a hospital setting, and simultaneously commenced a doctorate at City University. Leaving the NHS, I worked as a national clinical manager with AXAPPP Healthcare, managing all clinical and quality issues over a nationwide network of therapists. I then took a part-time role as a clinical assessor with AXAPPP to allow me to develop a private practice, which has been my focus since.
The journey so far has been a stimulating one and to continue my journey, I am currently writing a book to condense some of the things I have learnt along the way.

My Approach

Although academic rigour is important, it means very little if there is an absence of genuine interest in people and their problems. Personal connection, a shared understanding, and humour, are key ingredients in developing a strong working relationship. Psychological treatment is about seeking and actioning beneficial change, so it is important to establish what the desired goals may be, and then to work towards those agreed goals in a collaboratively way.

I apply a range of treatment methodologies, including cognitive behaviour therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Regular training is undertaken to both comply with the requirements of the Health and Care Professions Council, the government’s regulatory body for health care professionals, and for my own desire to learn and be as up to date as possible.

Funding

My clients have a range of funding routes. Many utilize their private medical insurance cover, often provided as a workplace benefit, BUPA, AXAPPP, CIGNA, AVIVA, etc., and many find their way to me via third party agencies working on behalf of the insurance companies. However, many clients also pay directly, preferring a private and confidential arrangement.

Compliance

In addition to being a registered psychologist (hcpc), I am fully insured, I hold an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate and am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office.

For more information about psychology please visit www.bps.org.uk.
In 2009, the government created the hcpc, the Health and Care Professions Council, which holds a register of all professional, properly qualified, healthcare providers.
www.hcpc-uk.co.uk