Qualifications and Experience
Clinical Psychologists aim to reduce psychological distress and promote emotional well being through the understanding of how people think, feel and behave. The assessment and treatment strategies are based on well founded research and clinical experience. Clinical Psychologists do not prescribe medication.
I completed a British Psychological Society accredited undergraduate degree course at the University of York and then a three-year, full time, professional training course leading to a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Leeds. The training comprised of academic training and practical experience.
I have completed further specific training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused and Systemic Therapy. I am a member of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (www.babcp.org.uk), the Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (www.acamh.org.uk), and the Association of Child Psychologists in Private Practice (www.achippp.org.uk). I am a recognised and fully trained user of the Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO) as recommended by the National Autistic Society (www.nas.org.uk). I regularly receive supervision to ensure that my practice meets professional standards and is well thought through.
I am a Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society and on their Register of Chartered Psychologists. This means that I have undertaken Society accredited post graduate qualification and training, and have agreed to follow the Society's Member Conduct Rules and be guided by the Society's Code of Ethics and Conduct. Chartered Psychologists, in accordance with their code of conduct, have agreed to: maintain and develop their professional competence; work within their competence; obtain proper consent before carrying out any investigations or treatments; maintain confidences; and conduct themselves in a way that does not damage the interests of their clients, or bring the profession into disrepute. Please feel free to contact them or check their website for further details (www.bps.org.uk).
I am also a Registered Psychologist on the Health Professional Council (HPC). The HPC is a regulator set up by the government to protect the public. They achieve this by keeping a register of health professionals who meet their standards for training, professional skills, behaviour and health. For further details please see their website (www.hpc-uk.org)