I graduated from Reading University with a Psychology degree in 1996, and then pursued my ambition to be a clinical psychologist by working as an assistant psychologist in a variety of different clinical services for a couple of years. I then went on to complete my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Southampton University in 2001. After graduating I worked as a clinical psychologist in adult mental health and substance misuse NHS services for 4 years before moving back to Staffordshire to work with children and families.
Working with children and families in the NHS since 2005 I have focused mainly on early intervention and prevention services with young children and families, although more latterly my role was as team leader for a local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. Since joining Staffordshire University in September 2012 as clinical tutor on the Clinical Psychology Doctorate my role is now to support and train new clinical psychologists. I also provide training and consultancy/supervision input for the Department of Health’s Family Nurse Partnership programme. I completed the Post Graduate Certificate in Higher and Professional Education with the University.
Professional memberships and activities
Member of:
Health Professions Council
British Psychological Society
Division of Clinical Psychology
British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies
Academic qualifications
DClinPsy (Southampton University)
BA (Hons) Psychology (Reading University)
Expertise
I have special interest and expertise in the behaviour of and parenting approaches with young children; also with early intervention programmes and supporting the development of early attachment relationships. I also have expertise in clinical supervision.
I primarily take a Cognitive Behavioural approach when working clinically.
Research interests
My areas of interest for research are early attachment relationships, parenting programmes and early childhood behaviour difficulties. I also have an interest in perinatal mental health and in the supervisory relationship.
Enterprise and commercial interests
I have been involved with the Department of Health Family Nurse Partnership as a psychology consultant since 2008 and provide training for them on understanding toddler development and behaviour.
Teaching
I currently teach on the first year AFIE1 module, focusing on core therapeutic and clinical skills. I also provide the placement preparation teaching for all year groups. I teach sessions on attachment, child therapies, models of supervision and looking for work as a clinical psychologist. I provide the following sessions on the MSc in Foundations of Clinical Psychology: An introduction to therapeutic practice, and Assessment, Formulation and Intervention (core clinical skills). I also occasionally provide sessions on the Undergraduate psychology developmental psychopathology modules.