I think it’s helpful to have a bit of an idea of what your clinical psychologist is like before you meet them. So here is a bit about me and the way that I view my work.
We all want to be our best self
As a clinical psychologist (and a human more generally!) I find development and resilience through adversity to be fascinating and inspiring. Growth and adaptation occurs at all ages and stages of life. We are each unique individuals who are trying to do our best to grow and become our truest selves… but sometimes this is incredibly hard to do!
We can struggle to grow
Our life circumstances, personal history, and our own patterns of protecting ourselves can end up thwarting our process of growth in many different ways. Perhaps we have anxiety that stops us from trying something new or taking risks. Maybe we are stuck on intrusive thoughts that urge us to over-think and be overly careful in day-to-day life so that we find it hard to enjoy ourselves. We may have strong beliefs about our inadequacy or lack of worth as a person. Or we might try so hard to please other people or try to do things to such a high standard that we forget what we really want for ourselves. Perhaps we are still hurt and wounded from the past and finding it hard to trust.
I get it
I understand that it may be daunting to take the plunge to see a psychologist. It not only takes time and money, but a level of courage to open up and get the support you are hoping for.
You need a safe place and person
In our work together we can explore your mind and your reasons for acting and thinking as you do. We can discover this together in a curious, open and compassionate way. My aim in our work is to help you figure out how to best get your emotional needs met. That way, you can get back on track to being you to your fullest. I believe when you are truly being “you”, you will have the strength you need to outgrow your problems.
You need to play too!
I also hope that our work together can be a bit of fun, that you can enjoy being yourself, and that you can discover yourself in a playful spirit. Play is an important way that we process who we are and I think we need to do it at all ages! (It just might look different at different points in our life).
Our work will be guided by science
How will you know that you’re getting where you want to be? Scientific thinking and process underpins my work as a psychologist and this will guide you on your way. You will experience this through us:
- formulating collaboratively about what we think is going on for you or your child
- developing hypotheses together to test
- setting goals you wish to work towards
- measuring outcomes of your progress towards your goals.
I keep myself up to date in understanding the state of research in psychological theories and treatments that are available. The process of attending clinical psychologist professional development activities to continue my learning and skill building is really enjoyable for me.
You will receive evidence based therapy
I adopt a range of evidence based therapies in my practice. These approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Metacognitive Therapy, and Schema Therapy. Additionally, psychodynamic theory and attachment theory are incorporated into my work, through the way we process and understand any interpersonal issues that you experience.
Curious? Questions? Please get in touch!
A bit more about me…