About Me
Training and experience
I hold a doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) from Canterbury Christ Church University and a BSc (Hons) in Human Psychology, which integrated a clinical placement in neuropsychology. I’m also a qualified yoga teacher and a somatic therapist, with various trainings in therapeutic yoga and somatic and embodied approaches. I specialise in the marriage of cutting-edge evidence-based clinical psychology and neuroscience approaches, with the timeless Eastern wisdom and sciences of yoga and meditation. There is so much to be gained from this powerful combination that addresses the person as a whole and maps how we can improve our emotional and physical health. And I am keen to share this with others!
I worked in the NHS for more than 12 years in a range of different mental and physical health services across all age groups in the West Midlands and London; from secondary care adult and older adult community mental health services, to acquired brain injury rehabilitation and long-term health conditions (particularly persistent pain and fatigue). During this time, based on my clinical experience and the latest research evidence, I’ve increasingly incorporated the body into how I work. I founded my independent practice, Heart Mind Body Psychology, based on this passion for a holistic approach to supporting others to nurture and improve their psychological and physical wellbeing, whether they struggle with their mental or physical health.
How did I end up here?
I first became interested in psychology after watching ‘Child of Our Time’, a BBC documentary series that first aired in 2000. It followed the development of a select group of children from their birth at the turn of the new millennium and featured psychologists talking about their studies and observations of human behaviour. I was fascinated! Having always been intrigued by human behaviour, and wanting to work in some kind of helping role, I went on to study psychology at college and then university. It wasn’t long before I realised clinical psychology was the path for me.
Yoga was a discovery made a little later in life while studying for my doctorate. Initially introduced from a more academic perspective, once I began practising yoga at home I became hooked as I experienced the benefits to both my body and mind. This led to me deciding to train as a yoga teacher, both for my own personal development as well as a professional aspiration to integrate yoga and psychology; I realised how well they complement each other and within this, the potential power for healing and transformation.
Outside of work, I enjoy all kinds of music and dancing (either throwing my own shapes around the living room, or attempting to learn swing and salsa!), reading, trying new recipes, exploring new places, and going on countryside walks and bike rides. I’m also interested in environmental issues, and animal welfare and the relationship between all of these and our wellbeing in the world.