Title
Child and Educational Psychologist
Who am I?
I completed my Doctorate in Professional Child, Educational and Adolescent Psychology at the Institute of Education in 2011 and have been practising as a Child and Educational Psychologist ever since, for which I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). I have worked as a psychologist in a number of Local Authorities, as well as directly with individual schools and groups of schools. My main area of interest is in the social, emotional and mental health needs of children and young people, and I have worked to support schools to set up Nurture Groups within their settings for some of their most vulnerable children.
I have undertaken further training in understanding the parent-child relationship dynamic, and this has led me to working more closely with parents and families, guiding them to experience more connected and stronger relationships overall.
You might want to see me if:
You’re a parent who is finding your child’s behaviour difficult to understand or respond to. This might include (but not be limited to):
- Difficulties with emotional regulation – this might look like ‘toddler tantrums’ or expressions of emotions in older children that you would like to think about how best to respond to such as anger, fear or worry
- Separation anxiety
- Sibling relationships
- Adolescence – and all that this can bring!
I can also work with you if you are generally feeling a sense of ‘disconnection’ between yourself and your child. You may want to have some space to discuss what your experiences as a parent bring up for you, how you can make sense of these and how they influence your relationship with your child.
My style:
I draw on a range of evidence-based theories and models, including Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Non-Violent Communication, Narrative Therapy, Attachment Theory and approaches to parenting that are gentle and conscious, and responsive to both a parent and a child’s needs. My work is also increasingly being influenced by Internal Family Systems. My main aim when working with you is to respond to whatever you bring to a session to ensure that you feel heard and seen, and at ease with me.
I offer support mostly on a short-term basis (up to four sessions), and for longer if necessary, in agreement with you. If on working with you I feel that yours or your family’s needs would best be met by another practitioner, I will of course discuss this with you.