My background and training
I really enjoy working with clients in as collaborative a way as possible to try to find solutions to their challenges in a way that feels comfortable, but goal-focused.
After a career in teaching, I completed an MSc in Theoretical Psychoanalytic Studies from University College London, before deciding to focus on the clinical side of psychotherapy by doing an MSc in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy at Goldsmiths, University of London.
To extend my standard CBT training, I have trained in a framework developed by Dr David Burns, a key early developer of CBT, called TEAM-CBT and I am a founder member of the TEAM-CBT UK group. It is a very versatile and comprehensive form of CBT, which allows me to work in a empathetic and dynamic way with clients to find the best approach for them.
I have a particular interest in helping people with anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety, health anxiety and panic disorder, as well as specific phobias (such as emetophobia and claustrophobia). I also have a lot of experience in working with the distressing symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and have trained in specialist strategies for OCD. These include Rumination-Focused ERP, developed by Dr Michael J. Greenberg, and Inference-Based CBT. These can either enhance more common OCD strategies or be effective when those strategies have not been fully successful.
I am accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and based in Oxford.