About Me

Qualifications 

Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology with Specialization in Child Clinical Psychology received in 1998 from State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA

Statement of Equivalence in Clinical Psychology and Chartered Status received from the British Psychological Society in 2002 (to formalise my American doctorate as meeting an English standard)

Master of Arts in Psychology received in 1995 from the State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA

Bachelor of Arts, with Honours (Cum Laude) in Psychology and Spanish obtained in 1989 from Clark University, Massachusetts, USA

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Experience

I had multiple jobs and placements while completing my doctorate. More specifically, these were paediatric and adult neuropsychology; specialist psychometric assessment; paediatric and adult psychiatric inpatient; outpatient with bilingual children and adolescents; as well as assessment and therapy with children under age 7 including a therapeutic preschool.

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After qualification, I immediately moved to the United Kingdom and worked in the NHS for 23 years. In total, since I qualified I have spent 22 years working in CAMHS services in the NHS with an additional 2 years in an adult psychological therapy service.  I decided to switch to private practice entirely in May 2022.

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I am trained to work across all ages and enjoy working with both young people and adults, however I have focused on adolescents and children.  I have trained in multiple therapeutic models including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, insight oriented/psychodynamic approaches, play based techniques, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.  I am able to see young people and adults with most presenting problems.  However, I have more extensive expertise in trauma, anxiety disorders and panic attacks, low mood, Autism Spectrum Conditions, self-harm, emotional dysregulation, oppositional and disruptive behaviour, as well as eating disorders.  I have worked regularly with the LGBT+ community and have had the privilege of working intensely with many transgender or questioning young people as well as individuals with issues surrounding sexuality.

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I am also highly experienced in assessment including IQ testing as well as assessment for Specific Learning Difficulties and other neuropsychological issues. I conduct assessments for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder but I am not able to provide medication.  I am able to assess for Autism Spectrum Conditions, having trained in gold standard assessment measures for both the young person and the carer.  However, NICE guidelines suggest two different professionals should complete these assessments, therefore I conduct these assessments through my involvement with gamut-practice.com.  Please contact gamut-practice.com if you are interested in ASC assessment.  

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I began supervising in 1999 and I have regularly provided supervision since this time.  I have supervised professionals from multiple disciplines and with different levels of experience, from qualified clinical psychologists to undergraduate placement students.  Please contact me to discuss if you are a professional who is interested in receiving supervision.

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Post-Doctoral Trainings 

Dialectical Behaviour Training (2018), a recommended treatment for Emotional Intensity, although I have been using these strategies for the last 23 years. 

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Parts 1-3 (2017-2018), a NICE recommended treatment for trauma and other disorders.

Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (2016), a gold standard detailed parent/carer interview used as one part of an assessment for Autism Spectrum Condition.

Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (2014), a gold standard young person/adult assessment tool used as one part of an assessment for Autism Spectrum Condition.

Paediatric Neuropsychology- (2004 & 2005), a British Psychological Society approved training in assessing a wide variety of neuropsychological and neurodevelopmental disorders.

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Multiple Trainings in:

Mindfulness

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (including trauma and with individuals with ASC and eating disorders)

Trauma

Psychodynamic Therapy 

Systemic Therapy

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Other Interests ​

I love spending time with my 2 amazing daughters aged 28 and 20. I also have two lovely stepdaughters aged 24 and 26.  My older stepdaughter works for me as a Personal Assistant one day a week.  

I believe it is important to find things to do that you enjoy. I love gardening and believe in getting my hands in the dirt, which I have loved since I was young.

I love animals and volunteer at a local zoo.  I have three somewhat well-behaved little dogs.   

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How and where therapy takes place

I have built an office extension onto my home in a residential area.  It has its own separate entrance and includes a small waiting area, office and bathroom.  As mentioned, I do have three dogs although they can be shut in my house during sessions.  One of them has been used to successfully treat a dog phobia, but two of them are not therapy dogs.  The puppy, Lola, a miniature dachshund, is used as a therapy dog and comes into the majority of sessions.  However, she can also be excluded from sessions if you would prefer. 

There is plenty of street parking available outside.

Alternately, therapy can also be delivered online using any of the formats below: 

Doxy.me

Microsoft Teams

Zoom

Whatsapp video 

Telephone 

Facetime

Skype

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Membership/Registration

I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.

I have been a member of the British Psychological Society since 1998.  I am a member of the EMDR Association UK.

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