Areas of Expertise
I specialise in the assessment and treatment of a range of adult mental health problems including ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD and schizophrenia. I have particular experience in women’s mental health, including but not limited to psychological difficulties with fertility, pregnancy, pre and postnatal issues, trauma, phobias and ADHD.
Women’s mental health brings with it many layers of complexity, I strive to create a safe and comfortable environment for my patients where I can make a rigorous, thorough appraisal of their symptoms. With a clear idea of my patients’ overall health, I am able to make an assessment that provides the basis for a diagnosis. Receiving a diagnosis, of any nature, can be an anxiety-provoking experience, but for others it can bring relief. It is important that my patients feel comfortable enough to ask questions about their assessment and diagnosis. Once we have completed assessment and diagnosis, I will usually begin to consider treatment options. Treatment options will usually include psychotherapy suggestions, psychoeducation and medications, if necessary. At each appointment I am able to revisit my previous assessments and update my treatment plan.
Before I choose a treatment plan for my patients, I carry out a thorough assessment that includes a comprehensive history of symptoms, previous diagnoses and any medications that are being prescribed previously or currently. It is important that my patients feel comfortable and supported, for this reason I encourage them to be as open as they feel willing to be with me about their difficulties. The more information that I have about my patients, the better equipped I am to make solid diagnoses and create effective treatment plans. I take the view that we are collaborating as a team to counter their struggles, and I always engage my patients in their own treatment plan so that they are fully involved in their recovery.
My approach to mental health
I have a holistic approach to mental health. I believe that both biological and psychological/emotional factors contribute to mental health conditions, so any treatment should promote a healthy style of living and provide psychoeducation as a way to help the person understand and better deal with their psychological, emotional or mental health difficulties.
My aim is to create a non-judgemental and compassionate environment for my patients to discuss anything, so I can understand any issues from their perspective, while integrating my clinical expertise and professional experience. When designing a personalised treatment plan, I take into account lifestyle habits and hobbies to make sure you get the most out of your free time and find a therapeutic approach that works with your schedule. This could also involve strategies to improve sleep, nutrition, exercise or exposure to nature, as well as improving relationships and psychological wellbeing.
By looking at a wide range of factors as part of a therapeutic approach we will be able to provide you with meaning and inspiration for life.
Training and education
I am a Consultant psychiatrist specialised in General Adult Psychiatry. I’m currently working as a psychiatrist at my private clinic in Harley Street.
I completed my medical studies at Paris-Diderot University in France, at the Autonomous University of Barcelona in Spain and Miguel Hernandez University, also in Spain. I then completed my training in general adult Psychiatry in Parc Tauli Hospital in Barcelona in Spain. After a clinical attachment at ORYGEN Youth Centre in Melbourne in Australia where I received training in early intervention in mental health, I obtained a substantive post as a Consultant psychiatrist at Parc Tauli Hospital in Barcelona in Spain. During my years of clinical practice in Spain, I was a co-founder and consultant psychiatrist at a private Psychiatry practice that specialised in English-speaking clients living in Barcelona.
Since moving to London, I’ve worked in a substantive capacity for several years at one of the leading mental health NHS organisations, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.
I have always been very interested in keeping up-to-date about the latest advances and treatments in Psychiatry. To that aim, I obtained a European Certificate in Mood and Anxiety Disorders by the University of Maastricht (The Netherlands) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Neuroimaging by the University of Edinburgh. As part of my continuing professional development, I attend courses on up-to-date psychiatric prescribing and psychotherapy.
My personal interests
Outside of work, I’m very interested in art (I am fascinated by Expressionist Art and sculpture like Barbara Hepworth’s and Brancusi’s), poetry (Mary Oliver is one of my favourite poets), yoga and spending time in nature.
Practicing yoga and mindfulness has made me aware of the overlap between mental and physical wellbeing. In both yoga and psychiatry, one of the key principles is recognising the importance of creating space in your mind and body, accessing that space of inner peace, calm and trust. You can use the skills you learn in yoga and psychiatry to build your resilience and understand that you can cope with difficult situations by focusing on your inner strength.
I’ve also volunteered in Bolivia, Peru and Somalia, which informs my psychiatry practice. I was responsible for providing education and training in mental health for women and children, as well as medical students. I realised that no matter what country I’m in, people all over the world struggle with similar issues and themes, despite different cultures, backgrounds and languages. This made me appreciate psychiatry as a universal branch of medicine that can help anyone, no matter who they are or where they come from.
