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 national clinical manager with AXAPPP. I have been in private practice for over a decade and have enjoyed working both face to face and online, and I intend to continue for some time to come!

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 been a massive benefit to my own understanding of life and in my work. Raised in Birmingham, I started out by studying Biology at Warwick University, then to UEA in Norwich to do a PGCE to became a secondary school teacher. I soon migrated into a pastoral role, taking care of large groups of adolescents, a very rewarding time. Later, in my thirties, I felt compelled to learn more about people and so took a degree in psychology, then a master’s in Counselling psychology, a postmaster’s diploma in Counselling Psychology and qualified as a chartered psychologist in 2007.

I started my psychological career in the NHS and simultaneously commenced a doctorate at City University. Leaving the NHS, I worked as a national clinical manager with AXAPPP Healthcare, managing clinical issues over a nationwide network of therapists. I then took a role as a part time clinical assessor with AXAPPP to allow me to develop a private practice, which has been my focus for the last decade. 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 changes are and then for client and therapist to work together collaboratively, with commitment, towards the agreed goal.

Cognitive behaviour therapy is the mainstay of my approach, a treatment method that is recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence for many primary care level psychological presentations. 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, including all psychologists, 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 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