Since qualifying as a counselling psychologist in 2010, I have spent most of my career working with people who are experiencing disordered eating. I am passionate about helping people who are struggling with food, eating, body image and related issues. I aim to help people who are experiencing these difficulties to make positive changes regarding their relationships with food and their bodies and, where appropriate, in their lives more generally.

I believe that every person is unique and has different contributing factors for their difficulties around eating, although there are often some factors in common. For this reason, I work in an integrative way and aim to tailor my work to each individual client. I do this in collaboration with each client, by discussing with them their concerns and what I can offer that may be of use, and by agreeing together how we will move forwards. My aim is that this ensures that my client is always at the centre of their therapy and has plenty of opportunity to shape it.

I have received training in various models of psychological therapy, which means I can draw on different approaches in my work. I feel it is important to state that I do not offer the same type of therapy that someone would likely be offered through statutory services. Although I respect what can be offered for free via statutory services, my experience has shown me that a “gap” is often left, where some people cannot get treatment that suits them, and in some cases can’t get any treatment at all. I hope to go some way towards filling this gap. I feel privileged to be in a position where I can be more flexible in terms of how I work, and to be able to offer this flexibility to clients who feel it may benefit them.

Regardless of whether someone has an eating disorder, or which specific eating behaviours they are experiencing at any given point in time, I believe that there are certain pre-requisites in any therapeutic relationship, if positive change is to be possible. For example, I believe it is essential for clients to feel safe, respected and understood. It is a top priority of mine to develop a genuine, supportive, and confidential therapeutic relationship in which clients can feel this way.

If you think I might be the right person to help you with your food, eating and/or body image related concerns, please get in touch and we can arrange a free exploratory Zoom meeting.

Qualifications

Counselling Psychology MSc* and PgDip in the Practice of Counselling Psychology, leading to Chartered status with the British Psychological Society: Roehampton University, London, 2006-2010. *I received a Distinction for my MSc research project, which focussed on the experience of body image dissatisfaction and attempted dietary restriction.

MSc Health Psychology* (Distinction): University of Derby, 2002-2004. *My MSc research project was published and presented at conference.

BSc Psychology* (First Class Honours): University of Derby, 1999-2002. *My research project was published and presented at conference, and I received a Palgrave Prize for my work.

Ongoing Professional Development

I regularly engage in training events, and read literature, that supports and enhances my work. For example:

• I attended the 2021 and 2022 Eating Disorders International Conferences, run by Beat.
• I have nearly completed an “Understanding Your Eating” course, delivered by Professor Julia Buckroyd.
• In 2021, I completed the “Advanced Certificate in Eating Disorders” course, also delivered by Professor Julia Buckroyd.
• I recently trained as a supervisor via the “Advanced Practitioner – Supervision” course, run by Training by Liberty.
• During the Pandemic, I trained as a “Certified Cyber Therapist”, via the Online Therapy Institute.
• I have attended various CPD events over recent years, covering topics such as Body and Self Esteem, Existential Therapy, Pluralistic Therapy, Socratic Questioning for Eating Disorders and Obesity, Trauma, Shame, and more.

Professional Memberships

I am a chartered member of the British Psychology Society (BPS), a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).