About me

Experience

My aim is to provide the optimal, safe and collaborative environment for clients to explore their experiences and gain insight into their own patterns of thought, emotion and behaviour.  I have extensive clinical experience spanning almost two decades, including psychological assessment for family and criminal court proceedings, therapeutic intervention, risk assessment, and consultation for parents/carers and educators. I offer a variety of individually-tailored, evidence-based treatments for children and teens, families and adults.

My work has involved assessment and intervention of a range of clients from diverse backgrounds, specialising in working with adolescents and adults with chronic and complex mental health challenges, including trauma, attachment, and those presenting with high risk to themselves and others. 

Individually-tailored treatment

When working with adults, the initial session is used to gather information and collaboratively establish priorities, set goals and discuss a treatment plan. With children and adolescents, information from assessment is used to design and deliver bespoke support which matches their individual strengths and needs, and includes close liaison and consultation with families and schools.

Individual sessions focus on addressing symptoms of mental health conditions, such as low mood and anxiety, panic, phobias, bi-polar disorder, risk-taking behaviour, low self-worth, OCD, and eating disorders.  While I utilise a variety of techniques and approaches, this typically involves the development of emotional regulation skills, equipping each client with the skills necessary for changing unhelpful patterns of thought and beliefs, as well as cultivating healthy mental and behavioural habits, in order to manage adversity and challenges.  For me, it is essential to improve social and emotional wellbeing and quality of life, as well as reducing symptoms. 

Early Intervention

Although I’ve worked extensively with complex challenges, I’m a strong advocate for early intervention. Having also worked in early intervention for some time, I’ve witnessed the significant impact of effective, targeted support.  All children need to be equipped with tools and strategies for expressing and managing their emotional and mind health in their formative years, as well as guided to develop confidence, resilience and healthy habits.  

Groupwork Programmes in school/community

Designing, implementing and evaluating creative and engaging social-emotional programmes within schools and mental health services has been a passion for over 13 years.  Promoting social, emotional and behavioural development in children and adolescents, facilitating engagement with education and the wider community, in addition to informed caregiving, invariably improves outcomes for children and adolescents. 

Consultation & Training

Providing support, training, consultation and supervision to teachers and caregivers regarding trauma, mental health, parenting strategies, and wellbeing has been a vital aspect of my role, with expertise in developing informed, cohesive and supportive systems around children and adolescents.