My particular areas of expertise and interest are:

• Mood difficulties (which might have led to a diagnosis of depression)
• Anxiety
• Managing physical ill health (cancer, chronic pain and other long-term conditions, including when no specific cause has been found)
• Medical decision-making, particularly regarding surgery to reduce cancer risk
• Palliative care and bereavement
• Relationship difficulties
• Neurodiversity
• Work-related stress and burnout
• Burnout and “moral injury” amongst healthcare professionals, especially doctors
• Difficulties associated with life transitions such as new parenthood, divorce / separation, menopause and retirement
• “Boarding School Survivors” – adults experiencing difficulties associated with having attended boarding school

Whilst many people find personal meaning or practical use in psychiatric diagnoses, I am aware that others find these terms unhelpful and even damaging. I will work with you to find language which describes your individual experiences, and which always takes into account the context in which you live.

Not everyone who comes to see me feels they have a “mental health problem.” Sometimes people just want a neutral space to talk through challenges or difficult decisions. I use my psychological training and experience to help us make sense of what’s going on and to explore what might help, but my style is conversational and collaborative. Therapy isn’t always easy, but my goal is for you to feel supported, respected, and in charge of the pace at all times.

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Risk-reducing surgery consultations

I provide consultations / assessments for people who have been recommended risk-reducing gynaecological surgery, usually due to gene alterations which increase cancer risk. This can involve complex decisions as reducing cancer risk may need to be weighed up against factors such as loss of fertility and surgical menopause. Many people benefit from an opportunity to explore the emotional component of the decision after they have received information about their statistical risk and medical options. I also provide assessments for people undergoing risk-reducing mastectomies, where a psychological assessment is recommended for all patients (NICE, 2013). If these surgeries have been recommended to you, you may be able to access psychological input from the hospital in which you are being treated. If your hospital is not able to provide this, your medical team can refer to me and I will send a report and liaise with them as needed.