I am a chartered psychologist specialising in all aspects of health. My aim is always to support the client and their family in developing their value-led way of living alongside their physical health conditions, whether managing symptoms, accepting loss of independence, or changing lifestyles. I do this through evidence-based therapeutic interventions that promote greater psychological flexibility. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy can all contribute to increasing helpful coping skills, whilst learning mindfulness skills can foster better acceptance and willingness to being open to better health behaviours. Improving confidence in self-management when faced with health challenges can lift the mood disorders that often accompany poor physical changes, and better mental health will in turn contribute to better overall health.

This approach has been helpful when I have worked with clients who have health anxiety, depression (including post-natal), who are facing the menopause, perhaps struggling with insomnia, or coping with extreme work stress that has led to burn out.

Recently my client base has included people with neurological diagnoses such as Parkinson’s, people undergoing cancer treatments, clients diagnosed with functional disorders, and people learning to live with long-term conditions including Long-Covid. Supporting this last group includes working together on self-regulation and improving interoception with a view to achieving a sustainable pace of life. I maintain contact with the client’s other healthcare providers, including referring consultants, so that our therapies are coherent.

I started working life as a commodities and currency trader in the City of London – before “retiring” to motherhood. I then began my career in psychology over 15 years ago, working in brain injury rehabilitation as a member of a multidisciplinary team whilst training for my doctoral qualifications in Health Psychology. Six years ago, I joined an NHS neuro-rehab team and gained experience in all aspects of neurology, and I continue to spend one day a week on an acute stroke unit. My private practice has led me to working with a broader range of health conditions, and I continue to enjoy helping people living with challenging health problems face life with more confidence and feeling more able to find joy.