I have a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (three years full-time teaching, placements and research) following an MSc in Psychology. (My background is in literature and the arts.) Below is a regularly updated list of additional training I have undertaken since qualifying as a clinical psychologist.

-Introduction to Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT; 2 days)

-Foundation in Systemic Theory and Practice (2 years)

-Mentalization-Based Treatment for Adolescence (MBT-A; 2 days)

-Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors (Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment; 2 days)

-The Mindsight Approach to Wellbeing: A Comprehensive Course in Interpersonal Neurobiology (36 hours)

-Parts 1, 2 and 3 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR; 7 days total)

-Part 1 (Core) Child and Adolescent EMDR Training (2 days)

-The Integrated EMDR and IFS Model (EMDR and Internal Family Systems; 3 days)

-ADHD and Neurodiversity Interventions for Women (1 day)

-Flash Technique for Trauma (1 day)

-Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) for Trauma and Attachment Wounds (1 day)

-Supporting Young People who Self-Harm: Effective Interventions for Safety and Recovery (Therapeutic Assessment; 3 hours)

-Working with Demand Avoidant Children: The Art and Science of Low Demand Therapy (1 hour)

-Using Flash Approaches to More Safely and Effectively Treat Complex Trauma (1 day)

-Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Data Protection and Data Security

-Level 3 Safeguarding Children (last updated November 2024)

This is in addition to ongoing engagement with research and clinical literature and multiple sources of supervision.

I am qualified to work with people of any age; however, my specialism is in working with adolescents and young adults between the ages of 13 and 25. This reflects the ages at which most young people have developed enough autonomy for individual psychological therapy to be appropriate and are engaged in a gradual process of separation that can give rise to various challenges. Although our society designates 18 as the age of legal adulthood, neuroscience has shown that the brain continues to develop rapidly until around the age of 25, and this is reflected in the continued gradual development of adult identity.

Therapy lasts for as long as you and I both agree it is useful. This can be as little as six to ten weeks, or it may take place over a number of years. It all depends on the purpose of the work and the nature and complexity of the problems being addressed. At the start of any psychological intervention I will agree with young people and parents how long to work together before reviewing our progress. I encourage clients to make me aware of any financial constraints to our work at the outset, so that I can do my best to work within them.

I gained experience of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), compassion-focused therapy (CFT) and narrative exposure therapy (NET) in the course of my clinical doctorate. I have additional training or qualifications in mentalization-based treatment for adolescents (MBT-A), cognitive analytic therapy (CAT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), internal family systems (IFS) and systemic family therapy. I have also undertaken further training in interpersonal neurobiology.

The benefit of being a clinical psychologist is that I can develop an approach specific to the person I'm working with based on evidence, theory and my clinical experience. Usually I integrate therapies in order to address my client’s specific needs and preferences, both in terms of the overall problem they are struggling with and what seems most pressing on a particular day.

Yes. Although I prefer to see clients in person whenever possible, I am happy to consider working online with families not local to Tunbridge Wells, or with those who might struggle to access the clinic room for other reasons.

£140 per session lasting up to 60 minutes. This is in keeping with other clinical psychologists and reflects a doctoral-level training and ability to offer a range of evidence-based therapies in an appropriately professional and confidential location. It also includes additional time needed for clinical formulation, keeping appropriate notes, and updating other healthcare professionals or school as needed. Other tasks such as letters of support or attending meetings are charged pro rata.

I ask that clients let me know if they need to postpone or cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the session time, so that the slot can be offered to someone else if needed. Any sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours notice are invoiced in full (either directly or to the insurance provider). Unfortunately no exceptions can be made in cases of illness.