Areas of expertise
Anxiety & OCD
Anxiety can feel overwhelming, but it’s something we can work through together. It often shows up in different ways—some people experience constant worry, while others struggle with physical symptoms like tension, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping. For children and teenagers, anxiety might lead to school avoidance or challenges with friendships.
Anxiety can be a bit like a “dimmer switch” on a light. For some people, it’s turned up too high, making everything feel stressful. Our goal is to turn it down to a more manageable level so that it no longer controls your life.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be especially distressing. It’s not just about liking things neat or being particular—it often involves intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours that feel impossible to control. Many people with OCD worry that something bad will happen if they don’t perform certain rituals. Others experience distressing, unwanted thoughts that they try to push away.
How I Treat Anxiety & OCD.
I use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is clinically proven to be highly effective for both anxiety and OCD. Together, we will explore how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are connected. For OCD, I might also use a method called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). This involves gradually facing fears in a safe way while learning to reduce compulsive behaviours.
I always emphasise that therapy is a partnership. I work closely with my patients, and if parents are involved, I guide them on how to best support their child at home. Over time, we build a toolkit of strategies to manage anxiety or OCD more effectively, helping you regain confidence and feel more in control of your life.
ADHD & Autism: Educational Support & Advocacy
School can be challenging for young people with ADHD and autism, and it’s not always easy to get the right support. It’s not that a child isn’t trying hard enough; their brain just works differently. Many young people and families I work with feel misunderstood or unsure where to turn. I help make things clearer by guiding families through the education system and teaching practical skills to help manage symptoms and daily life. I also help young people see their strengths and build confidence in their abilities.
As a qualified teacher and former Learning Support Coordinator, I understand how schools work. I help families make sure their child gets the right support, whether that’s a learning plan, extra time in exams, or adjustments at university. Parents often tell me they feel lost when trying to get help. I work with them to understand their rights and feel more confident when speaking to schools or universities.
In therapy, I help young people with academic stress and confidence. Many young people with neurodivergence feel like they are always "behind" or need to work harder than others. Using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), I teach simple, effective strategies to help them stay on track, reduce stress, and feel more in control. I help break tasks into small, manageable steps and find study techniques that suit their interests and way of thinking.
Depression & Mood Difficulties
Depression can make everyday life feel heavy. It can drain your energy, make it hard to focus, and take away enjoyment from things you used to love. Many people I work with feel stuck, unmotivated, or disconnected. My goal is to help you break this cycle and regain a sense of hope and joy again.
One of the most effective ways to treat depression is Behavioural Activation. When you feel low, it’s natural to withdraw from your interests and relationships, but this often makes things worse. Behavioural Activation helps by reintroducing small, meaningful activities that gradually lift your mood. For young people, this could mean getting back into a hobby, meeting a friend, or taking short walks. For adults, it might involve finding ways to balance responsibilities, reduce stress, and create time for things that bring fulfilment. I work with each person to identify what’s missing and help them take manageable steps toward feeling better.
Therapy is a space to explore what works for you. We take things step by step, testing out small changes and building on what helps. Even small actions can have a big impact on how you feel. Over time, these moments of progress add up, helping you rebuild confidence and creating a routine that supports your emotional well-being.
My approach to treatment
Reaching out for help takes courage. I know that starting therapy can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure what to expect. My first goal is to give you hope—to help you see that change is possible and that you don’t have to face things alone.
I believe therapy should feel like a partnership. We will work together to understand your challenges and find practical, evidence-based strategies that suit you. No two people are the same, so I tailor my approach to fit your needs, making sure you feel heard, supported, and in control of the process.
For young people and parents
When working with children and teenagers, I take a family-focused approach. I guide parents on how to support their child without adding additional stress. This might look like adjusting routines, reinforcing strategies, or advocating for school support. The goal is to ensure progress continues beyond therapy sessions.
I usually meet with parents first to understand their concerns. After that, sessions focus on the young person, but parents may be involved at key points, like at the start or end of sessions to learn about the strategies we’re using. This helps families collaborate on therapy goals without overwhelming the young person.
With older adolescents, I respect their need for independence and confidentiality while ensuring therapy remains a safe and supportive space. I find the right balance by keeping parents informed while allowing teens to take ownership of their progress.
Your first consultation
Your first session is about getting to know each other, building trust, and making sure therapy is the right fit for you or your child. I will explain how therapy works and help you understand what to expect. You don’t need to have all the answers, just taking this first step is enough. We will move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Most importantly, the first session is about giving you hope and reassurance that things can and will get better.
Together, we will identify your main challenges and goals for therapy. I carry out a detailed assessment, sometimes using psychometric tools, to get a full picture of what’s going on. I don’t rush to conclusions or jump straight into a diagnosis—it’s important to take the time to fully understand your experience. If therapy with me isn’t the right fit for you or your child, that’s okay. I will guide you towards the right support or make a referral to another specialist.
Personalised treatment plans
Mental health isn’t just about what’s going on in your head. Your daily routine plays an important role too. Sleep, exercise, routine, and social connections all impact how we feel.
In therapy, look at how to balance self-care with responsibilities, ensuring changes feel realistic and achievable. Some people might benefit from improving their sleep routine or getting outside more, while others might need ways to manage stress or build structure into their day. I often encourage people to explore physical activity, creative hobbies, or mindfulness. If needed, I’ll recommend seeking extra support, whether that’s from a nutritionist, personal trainer, or another specialist.
Medication
Deciding whether to take medication is a personal choice, and I support patients in making informed decisions. I do not prescribe medication, but if it could be beneficial, I will refer or recommend further consultation with a GP or psychiatrist. If medication is suggested, I encourage open discussions about the potential benefits and any concerns so that you feel confident in your decision.
Education & Training
I’m a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience, accredited by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP). I am also a qualified teacher and a doctoral researcher. I currently work in private clinical practice, providing therapy in various clinics across London and the UK.
I completed my Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy at the University of the West of Scotland, an intensive BABCP-accredited training programme focused on delivering structured, evidence-based therapy for anxiety, OCD, and depression. Before that, I earned an Advanced Diploma in Professional Development – Inclusive Education, which gave me specialised skills in supporting neurodivergent young people and helping families navigate the education system.
I originally trained as a teacher, earning a First-Class Honours degree in Education at Queen’s University Belfast. My background in education has shaped my approach as a therapist, especially when working with young people, parents, and schools.
In addition to my clinical work, I am currently in the final stages of completing a PhD research doctorate at Queen’s University Belfast, in partnership with Marie Curie. My research has involved a clinical trial and extensive data collection, and I am now finalising my thesis. This work has deepened my understanding of mental health interventions and strengthened my commitment to bringing research-led, evidence-based care into my practice.
Qualifications:
- PhD Research Doctorate (Current) – Queen’s University Belfast, School of Social Sciences, Education, and Social Work
- Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (2018-2020) – University of the West of Scotland (BABCP-accredited)
- Advanced Diploma in Professional Development – Inclusive Education (2012-2013) – Institute of Child Education and Psychology Europe (in collaboration with Queen’s University Belfast)
- Bachelor of Education – First Class Honours (2007-2011) – Stranmillis University College, Queen’s University Belfast
Personal interests
I’m passionate about travel and conservation, especially in Africa, where I lived for many years. I enjoy staying active and see fitness as an important part of well-being. Art and creativity are also a big part of my life, offering a way to relax and gain fresh perspectives.
