Professional background
I am an HCPC-registered Counselling Psychologist and Occupational Psychologist, Chartered Psychologist, Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society and EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner.
Across more than 25 years of professional practice, I have worked with people’s emotional wellbeing, relationships, work and development. My current practice focuses particularly on trauma and its lasting effects, complex relational difficulties, emotional overwhelm, burnout, responsibility and adaptation.
Why my two areas of psychology matter
Counselling Psychology
Helps us understand emotional distress, relationships, identity, trauma and how people change.
Occupational Psychology
Considers how people function at work and how roles, teams, leadership and organisational systems shape their experience.
Bringing these areas together allows me to consider more of the real context of a person’s life—whether that means connecting emotional recovery with relationships and work, rehabilitation goals or the demands placed on staff by an organisation.
How I understand trauma and adaptation
Trauma is not only about what happened. It can also involve what a person had to do to cope with what happened.
People may learn to stay alert, keep control, minimise their own needs, avoid conflict or take responsibility for other people. These responses can be protective and intelligent in difficult circumstances. Later, they may become exhausting or restrict a person’s choices.
Not every difficulty is caused by trauma, and I do not begin with that assumption. I work collaboratively to understand the person, their history, current circumstances, strengths and aims.
What working with me is like
My approach is thoughtful, active and collaborative. I will listen carefully and take time to understand, but therapy is not intended to remain only at the level of discussion or insight.
- Clear explanations rather than unexplained psychological terminology
- Honesty about what falls within my expertise
- Agreed priorities and regular review of progress
- Space for questions, uncertainty and disagreement
- Clear ethical and professional boundaries
Research informing my work
My doctoral research examined vicarious trauma, burnout and secondary traumatic stress among staff in UK domestic-abuse services during the COVID-19 pandemic. It continues to inform how I think about repeated exposure to distress, the importance of the right support and the responsibilities organisations hold alongside individual workers.
Qualifications and professional standing
- Doctorate in Counselling Psychology
- MSc Occupational Psychology
- HCPC registration PYL02664
- Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society
- EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner
Professional registration and membership indicate that I meet the relevant requirements of those organisations. They do not constitute endorsement of every service described on this website.
Considering working with me?
This is my independent practice. Every enquiry is read and answered by me.