Adoption & Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF)

Prior to my clinical psychology training, I worked as a residential support worker for a group of childrens homes. The main homes I worked in specialised in caring for children who were at high risk of sexual exploitation, and children with severe mental health difficulties following discharge from secure mental health units.

Post-qualification as a clinical psychologist I worked in a CAMHS mental health unit which had a strong emphasis on an attachment-based model of understanding behaviour and mental health difficulties. I provided assessment, formulation and therapeutic intervention for the young people, their families, and carers. I also provided attachment-based training to the staff team and broader staff teams in the NHS Trust.

I have also worked for a company which provided therapy to young people and their families who were in the military. Often this included work around trauma and attachment difficulties due to generational trauma and the difficulties in a parent working away frequently and moving cities many times.

I have worked for two other private companies where I provided psychological assessment, formulation and therapeutic interventions to young people and their families, which often included trauma and attachment-focused work. I have a specialist interest in assessing and supporting young people who have experienced trauma, including providing EMDR and other recommended trauma therapies.

I currently have my own small private practice whereby I work with Secondary School age children and older, and utilise a trauma-focused, shame-avoidant approach to difficulties. I also currently work for the NHS in an Early Intervention in Psychosis Service as the Lead Psychologist, and support people aged 14 years and older.