How I work

You can find out more here about my toolkit of evidence-based techniques for achieving powerful change.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)

I have been using EMDR for a over a decade to help transform the troublesome beliefs, imagery or memories that are holding my clients back from progress. EMDR is a well-established, safe approach that enables people to see past events, or imagined futures very differently, often very quickly.

This approach has been developed to treat a range of psychological difficulties, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, low mood or relationship difficulties, that can usually can be traced back to a trauma (a car accident for example) or series of traumatic events (such as childhood neglect). I use EMDR in coaching in a range of ways, for example, to help clients to overcome anxiety about a career move, improve confidence ahead of performance or competition and accelerate recovery from a setback.

The aim of EMDR is to utilise the brain’s natural healing mechanism to help process traumatic memories so that the here-and-now impact can be reduced. Francine Shapiro developed the approach in 1987 and studied how, when a person recalls a distressing event while receiving bilateral sensory input, such as side-to-side eye movements, they seem to process traumatic material and view it more adaptively. It is thought that this process is similar to the natural mechanisms which occur during sleep. It is important to highlight that EMDR is not a form of hypnosis and the person remains fully conscious  and in control of what is happening throughout therapy.

 

Compassionate Mind Approaches

The compassion-focussed therapy (CFT) model looks at the nature of the human brain in relation to various challenges we experience when negotiating the modern world.  The everyday pressures we experience to work, behave or look a particular way can often lead to the neglect of our basic needs.  Have you ever noticed an internal voice telling you you’re not good enough or that you must try harder? This can leave us feeling tense, low or anxious. Using CFT, we can develop the skills to identify and intervene when our responses to stress knock us off balance, developing a more supportive, helpful relationship with ourselves.  

Acceptance and Commitment Coaching (ACT Therapy)

This approach draws on mindfulness principles and helps us to become more aware of the thoughts and feelings that cause us difficulty. It aims to shift how we respond to them, enabling us to engage more fully with what is important in our lives.  There is good evidence that ACT can help with many issues, from common mental health difficulties to quitting smoking, losing weight, managing stress and much more. 

I use ACT to help my clients improve how agile they are in the face of life’s challenges, to respond with flexibility and in line with their values, which are factors that improve wellbeing.

I completed my own doctoral research into the approach for emotion regulation difficulties and I have presented at various conferences and teaching seminars. I have also trained other professionals in how to deliver ACT, developed treatment protocols for use in the NHS and I offer supervision to others in the approach.  

 

Psychological Therapy

I continue to offer psychological therapy as part of my practice and you can contact me by email or telephone to discuss this further. I am an approved provider for all major health insurers (although I do not currently accept AXA).

Clinical Supervision

I completed my Supervisors Training at the University of Surrey and have supervised a number of clinical and counselling psychologists both in the NHS and in private practice. Please contact me further if you would like to set up an initial conversation to discuss your supervison needs.