I am pleased to introduce myself as one of the co-directors of Beyond Psychology. I am one of the specialist Clinical Psychologists within the team and am passionate about helping others understand how or why they are feeling, thinking and behaving in ways that might appear problematic. I recognise that increasing psychological understanding for young people, parents, families and other groups is key to helping empower people to make sustained changes in their personal wellbeing and that of others. I use reflective practice and multiple psychological models to help me understand the challenges that others face, always aspiring to work collaboratively to meet individual need.
We are at an exciting time of watching Beyond Psychology grow and develop with the help of the many people and organisations we are working alongside.
My professional journey has been within a variety of mental health settings within the NHS and now within a social enterprise here in Rochdale. After gaining my BSc in Psychology & Mathematics from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, I worked as an Assistant Psychologist within the area of substance misuse and eating disorders. Prior to completing my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 2008, I worked in Eritrea, North East Africa for 2 years with Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) as a teacher.
After qualification I worked within a Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), with a wide range of generic mental health difficulties, including anxiety-based problems (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, phobias, Health Anxiety, panic attacks, Separation Anxiety), and depression following adverse life events, such as bereavement and loss.
Having specialised within child and family psychology over the last 10 years, I have developed a special interest in the role of Attachment Theory and developmental trauma within different mental health presentations. I have experience working with looked after and adopted children, working within a multi-agency model to support the network around the child to ensure the best outcomes for children in the care of Rochdale Borough Council. I am passionate about helping others to understand how early life events can impact on the neuroscience of the brain development through consultation and training, with a particular focus on how children and young people respond to the world around them as a result of this.
