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I am an accredited Clinical Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK. I completed my training in 2009 in London (at University College London) and I have have worked in both private and NHS settings.
Before moving to Oxford in 2020 I was lucky to work in Hong Kong for 6 years where I worked with adults and teens in private practice. Prior to this I had over 10 years’ experience working for the NHS in the UK across a range of settings including community, outpatient, inpatient and specialist mental health centres and schools. I have worked with a wide range of client groups including children, adolescents, adults, older adults couples and families. I have a particular interest in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) which have a strong evidence base in being effective with a range of life and mental health challenges. I like these approaches as they are transparent and involve developing understanding and practical tools for living a more fulfilling life. I also like to use ideas from Systemic Therapy in my work to add another perspective on a difficulty. |
Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy
Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for a number of presenting difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, depression and interpersonal difficulties (amongst others). ‘Evidence-based’ means that it has undergone clinical trials to investigate its efficacy in alleviating psychological difficulties. This usually involves randomised-control trials whereby the efficacy of CBT is compared with medication and with no treatment. This type of study is seen as the ‘gold standard’ of research evidence.
Cognitive-behaviour therapy has been found to be very effective in reducing psychological distress. CBT focuses on the link between our thought processes and our emotions and behaviour. At times of psychological distress, we may find ourselves thinking in unhelpful ways and behaving in ways which may maintain the problem. In therapy, the first stage is to identify these thinking, feeling and behaviour patterns. Following this, a plan is made to develop more helpful thought processes and adapt our behaviour so that the psychological distress is reduced. Every individual is different but a typical course of therapy is around 6-20 sessions. It can also be as brief as 1 session or in some cases ongoing.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is an evidence-based approach which has been shown in research to help with a range of challenges including anxiety, low mood and stress. It encourages people to acknowledge their difficult feelings and thoughts and develop skills so that these internal experiences do not stop them from working towards their values. Clients are encouraged to think about the behavioural choices they make each day and supported to move in the direction that will enhance their connections with others and lead a more fulfilling life.
The first stage is for the therapist and client to identify and understand the challenges before moving on to create a plan together on how to develop skills to overcome these challenges. Every individual is different but a typical course of therapy is around 6-20 sessions. It can also be as brief as 1 session or in some cases ongoing.
The first stage is for the therapist and client to identify and understand the challenges before moving on to create a plan together on how to develop skills to overcome these challenges. Every individual is different but a typical course of therapy is around 6-20 sessions. It can also be as brief as 1 session or in some cases ongoing.