About me

I am trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprogramming (EMDR). I tend to use techniques from all these different therapies to help my clients in the way that I think will help them towards healthy and lasting change, in as short a time as possible.

Perhaps more importantly than all these qualifications, I am a really good listener and I genuinely want to help people to reach a place where they feel happier and more at peace with themselves.

I have worked for the NHS for 30 years and for the last 20 years of my career, I have worked in acute hospitals in Leeds and York with people suffering from physical health problems, including cancer, chronic pain and gastro-intestinal disorders. My physical health clients often became depressed or anxious as a result of having to live with their health condition and the uncertainty that it  produced. They often inspired me with their resilience in the face of adversity, and it was great to see how much they benefitted from psychological sessions.

This extensive experience gives me confidence and expertise in helping people with ongoing physical health problems.

I have also worked in “staff support” in healthcare organisations, as well as in primary mental health care in GP surgeries, so I am also skilled at assessing and treating general mental health issues such as panic attacks, relationship difficulties and low self-confidence.

For organisations, I am trained in delivering Schwartz Rounds face to face or via zoom, and I have delivered many Reflective Practice Groups to staff working in healthcare.

I am an experienced clinical supervisor for clinical psychologists, counsellors or mental health professionals.