Areas of expertise
Neurocognitive Assessments
I’m trained to deliver neurocognitive assessments for both adults and children. These assessments measure brain function and give a clear picture of your competencies, strengths and weaknesses. They can identify conditions like ADHD, dementia, or learning disabilities.
A neurocognitive assessment can be helpful for many people, no matter where you are on your treatment journey. If you're just beginning, this test can quickly diagnose or eliminate specific conditions right from the start. And if you've been in therapy but feel like you're stuck, it can help too. The results can guide whether your treatment needs tweaking so it can work better for you.
The test itself is a series of about 10-12 games and challenges - and are quite fun! These might involve doing things with your hands - like rearranging blocks to match a pattern on the screen or exercises in mental arithmetic and language. The assessments measure things like the way you interpret visual information as well as short and long-term memory.
You don’t need to prepare anything before an assessment. Just show up on the day, and you’ll be taken care of.
After the assessment, we’ll write a full report comparing your results to the general population. These results will indicate two things: 1) how you’re doing in comparison to the average, and 2) what is causing that result (is it dementia or just anxiety?) With this new information, we can work on an appropriate treatment plan for you.
You’ll come out of the process feeling empowered with knowledge, understanding and a clear way forward.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of talking therapy that helps you challenge and change unhelpful thought patterns. I’ve used CBT to help many people with a range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and PTSD.
According to CBT, how we think has a strong influence on our feelings and behaviours. CBT teaches you how to catch those thoughts, question them, and transform them. By adopting a healthier way of thinking about your issues, you’ll soon see a difference in how you feel and behave. In therapy, I’ll offer simple techniques that you can start putting into practice immediately. Fortunately, CBT can bring quick relief and results.
Whatever symptom or condition you might be dealing with, CBT gives you an arsenal of tools and techniques that help you manage it, moment to moment. It's empowering to feel more capable of handling your emotions and the challenges life throws at you. Over time, I’ll help you build these healthy management strategies into the way you think and respond so that it becomes second nature. With practice, commitment and an openness to change, most people see positive results within a few weeks.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a talking therapy that combines some of the principles of CBT with mindfulness and other strategies. It’s especially good for people who feel emotions or stress very intensely. It’s a holistic approach to help you understand and manage your emotions better. Using DBT, we'll take a broad look at your thoughts, behaviours, and relationships. We'll then put strategies in place to manage and improve how you are functioning in all areas.
In one sense, DBT works with mindfulness. This helps you observe your thoughts, sensations, and feelings without judging them. It also offers a set of strategies to handle your emotions when they arise, including de-escalating harmful thoughts and behaviours. Finally, DBT helps you develop healthy relationship skills with yourself and others.
DBT can treat many conditions, including complex trauma and personality disorders like borderline personality disorder (BPD). Instead of focusing on labels, we’ll look at your situation through a wide lens. This includes your personality, behaviours, and life conditioning and experience.
DBT can feel intense at times, especially at the start. I begin every session with a process of de-escalation and grounding. I’ll ensure you have a foundation of safety and support so that you can deal with challenging emotions if they come up.
I look forward to carefully walking you through this process. With consistency, curiosity, and the willingness to take action, DBT can help you work through some of your biggest challenges.
My approach to treatment
While you might be nervous about seeking help, know that it’s the first brave step towards feeling better. As an Assistant Psychologist, working with me can be a great stepping stone to later work with a Psychologist. I provide a welcoming and compassionate space for you.
My approach is all about active listening, empathy and understanding. Moreover, I teach skills that make a real difference. Together, we'll start to understand where your difficulties begin and develop a treatment plan that works for you. I’ll make sure we stay in line with your goals and values so that you feel informed and empowered throughout the process.
Your first consultation
Our first consultation is all about making you feel at ease and laying the groundwork for the journey ahead. I hold a warm, welcoming and judgement-free space for you to begin exploring your issues. We’ll also set your goals and a roadmap for future sessions so you know what is coming next.
If you’re doing a neurocognitive assessment, we’ll look at your medical history and any particular symptoms or concerns. I’ll give you an overview of the process and what you can expect. We'll address any questions or concerns you might have in advance.
Personalised treatment plans
Research shows that therapy works best when it’s personalised. We all have very different circumstances, habits and preferences. So, we start by getting a clear understanding of how your brain works and what patterns may be causing you trouble.
I'll begin by conducting a thorough assessment so we can both get to know you better. This will highlight your needs, strengths, challenges and goals. I'll then start to suggest interventions that are appropriate to you. Then we begin a process of discussion and ongoing feedback, making changes when we need to.
Good physical health, mental health and quality of life go hand in hand. So, along with therapeutic techniques, I will suggest lifestyle interventions to help support you. These may include exercise and movement, diet changes, and sleep hygiene, amongst others.
Medication
As an Assistant Psychologist, my focus is on therapy and assessments. While I don't prescribe medication, I support my patients in their decision whether to take it or not. Many people get great results without medication. They work solely on building awareness, therapeutic techniques, and making practical changes. For others, medication can unlock the potential of other therapies. It gives them an initial boost until they gain the skills to self-manage their condition.
If you would like to include medication in your treatment plan, I’d work with a registered partner psychiatrist. We'd start by assessing your condition together. They would then prescribe the right form of medication to work hand-in-hand with the rest of your therapy. Together, we'll monitor your progress, ensuring you receive integrated care.
Education & Training
I’m a Senior Assistant Psychologist accredited by the British Psychological Society, with over five years of clinical experience. I have gained varied clinical experience working in the NHS and private mental health clinics, and I am nearing the completion of my MSc in Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London.
My professional experience is versatile, and in my previous position at Psymplicity Healthcare, I provided individual therapy for a wide range of conditions, including for complex, high-risk cases. I also conducted neuropsychology assessments, supervised junior psychologists, and led professional development training. Additionally, I was very proud to have developed and implemented a therapeutic programme for ADHD. Before that, I gained experience at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, and The Priory Group.
Regarding my education, I hold a BSc in Psychology from Canterbury Christ Church University and am currently finishing an MSc in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health at King’s College London.
I have completed extensive supplementary training including:
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (British Isles accredited, 5 years)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (APT accredited)
- Neurocognitive assessments including WAIS-IV, WMS-IV, WISC-V, TOMAL-2, Hayling & Brixton, TOMM & TOPF
- Neurofeedback
- Suicide Prevention
- ADOS (autism spectrum diagnosis)
- Gender Diversity
- ADHD in Girls
Personal interests
I’m an avid football fan. I also love travelling, and experiencing a wide range of cultures and foods!
