I obtained my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Royal Holloway, University of London and qualified as a Clinical Psychologist in 2002. I have predominantly worked in the NHS since qualifying. From 2009-2018, I was Head of Adult Clinical Health Psychology at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital. I am registered with the HCPC, the regulating body for psychologists. I am also a BABCP accredited CBT therapist and a member of the British Psychological Society. 

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After obtaining my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology I went on to complete further training in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). I decided to specialise in this approach because I have found it to be the most effective way of helping people to understand and develop strategies to manage their difficulties. Cognitive behavioural therapy is an empowering approach as it helps people to develop knowledge, insight and skills that they take away from therapy.   In addition to traditional CBT approaches, I also incorporate ideas and strategies based on compassion focused therapy. This can be a particularly useful approach for people who are highly self-critical or who experience shame and stigma.

 

In term of my clinical expertise, I have worked with different client groups and mainly use cognitive behavioural therapy. I have specialist interests in bariatric surgery, weight management and eating issues as well as coping with long term physical health conditions.   I am skilled in working with individuals with mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety, health anxiety and low self-esteem. I am particularly interested in working with individuals who feel stigmatised because of their health (physical or mental), their size or appearance.  

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I have written a self-help book for people having bariatric surgery (Living with Bariatric Surgery: Managing your Mind and your Weight)  which was published in Spring 2018 by Routledge. I have also written a number of research papers and chapters on bariatric surgery, cardiology and HIV. 

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