HCPC: PYL039129

I started my journey to becoming a Psychologist in 2006 when I graduated with a degree in Psychology from Teesside University. I then worked in the Prison Service as an Assistant Psychologist, facilitating programmes around substance misuse and anger management. I secured a role as a Higher Assistant Psychologist in the NHS, working in a female prison as a Higher Assistant Psychologist before moving on to work in an adult forensic mental health inpatient and community team. During this time, I completed a Masters degree in Forensic Psychology.

During my doctorate training, I worked across various teams including CAMHS, adult mental health, older adult services, and a learning disability service. During my elective placement, I specialised in working with Looked After Children. This work involved assessment, formulation, and therapeutic approaches with service users and families, working alongside external agencies. The placement bolstered my interest in working with those who have experienced significant and complex trauma and attachment related difficulties; specifically, working with the systems around young people to implement trauma-informed approaches and encouraging cultural shifts in the way services think about trauma. A significant part of my training was research and evaluation: my thesis focused on parent/carer and young peoples’ experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD during the adolescent period.

After qualifying as a Clinical Psychologist, I worked in a specialist psychological consultation service with the Probation Service. This work largely involved supporting Probation staff to understand offending behaviour whilst using a trauma-informed lens to support their work with people on probation. I offered regular training to Probation staff and external agencies, and offered formulation-based interventions with service users. In 2021 I moved on to work with Forensic CAMHS, leading the Trauma Informed Care Pathway across six Youth Offending Service teams. Here, I worked with young people and staff offering consultation, formulation, training, and support and supervision regarding trauma, attachment, mental health, and risk. My work involved building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including commissioners, healthcare, Police, and the Local Authority, often supporting and challenging thinking around trauma and attachment. Prior to joining Aspire in 2025, I was employed as a Clinical Psychologist in a specialist education provision.

I use an integrative and creative approach to my work as a Clinical Psychologist and particularly enjoy working with the systems around a young person to identify and understand their needs. I have a special interest in health (e.g., sleep, nutrition, physical health and hormones) and how imbalances may impact on a young person’s difficulties. During my career, I have gathered experience of using a multitude of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Analytic Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I have received formal training in Compassion Focused Therapy (foundation) DDP (level one), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills, and Behavioural Family Therapy. I am also trained in the ADOS-2/ADI-R, personality and risk assessments, and cognitive assessments.

Interests
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, going on holiday, and reading. I also have a keen interest in fitness and wellbeing and love going to the gym.