About me.

As a therapist and a person living with a chronic health condition, I have a unique understanding of what you are are going through. I have a condition called Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, which causes daily pain and fatigue and other health issues. I haven’t just learnt how to ‘do’ or ‘teach’ therapy, I use these techniques in my life to make it fulfilling and enjoyable despite the pain.

I have first hand experience of the frustration of years of feeling unwell without a diagnosis. I understand the adaptations that are needed for daily activities and the disappointment of flare ups. I am aware of the hope for a 'cure' when there is none. Yet most importantly, I also know that things can and will get better. I know that you can be in pain and still have a great life and I want to help you know this too. After years of feeling trapped by my own body and mind, I now enjoy a valued life filled with dancing, Pilates, craftwork and cuddling with our dog!

My experience.

I have been working in mental health since 2012. I have worked in a variety of NHS roles from London to the East and West Midlands. My career began as a support worker and assistant psychologist, before studying to become a psychological wellbeing practitioner. I decided to study further and graduated as a cognitive behavioural therapist, a role that I love. Through my various job roles I have specialised in working with clients with a long term health condition. This has included one to one therapy, developing and delivering groups and creating specialist resources for services.

I have worked with clients with a variety of mental health problems. These are not limited to but include depression, anxiety, trauma, insomnia, health anxiety, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety, low self-esteem, stress, panic and perfectionism.

I have worked for many years with clients with a wide range of physical health conditions. This includes pain conditions such as unexplained chronic pain, arthritis or fibromyalgia. And health conditions such as endometriosis, diabetes and asthma. I have also worked with clients with rare illnesses or with several long term health conditions.

My qualifications.

I knew from a young age that I wanted to help people with their emotional distress. I chose to undertake a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Psychology from Warwick University. A few years later I completed a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) in Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Interventions from University College London. After working as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner for a few years, I completed a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy from The University of Nottingham.

Since working as a CBT Therapist I have completed two courses on how to adapt therapy for people with long term health conditions. I have also had additional training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. If you are interested in understanding more about what therapies I offer, I have summarised them here.

I am an accredited member of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies and a member of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science.

I am also a professional member of the British Pain Society and the Hypermobility Syndromes Association.