Professional background
Before becoming a psychotherapist, I trained as a chemist and initially worked in academia both in the US and the UK. I subsequently became a representative for health, safety and environmental issues for the chemical industry and travelled extensively in Europe, Africa and Australia, promoting the chemical industry’s Responsible Care programme, of which I was a co-founder. I therefore have extensive experience of the pressures encountered in both academic and corporate life.
When I opted to re-train as a psychotherapist, I entered into personal therapy as part of that process. I have since worked within the NHS – in general practice and at a centre for people with severe and enduring mental health issues – and as a university lecturer. I now work as a private practitioner in North West and Central London.
Beliefs and Values
I well understand how daunting it can feel to enter into therapy. However, I also know from experience that despite the difficulties that may be encountered along the way, it is possible to emerge from therapy feeling stronger, more complete and better able to cope with life.
I believe passionately in human creativity and our capacity for continuous personal development and growth. I am committed to helping my clients access and optimise their potential for feeling more secure and at ease, with themselves and in their relationships with others.
What is most important to me is that psychotherapy should lead to lasting benefits in everyday life beyond the therapy room.
Specialisations
I am trained to work across a broad range of issues including fear, anxiety and the depression that is often associated with these feelings; panic attacks; suicidal ideation and self-harm; eating disorders; addictions; dissociation and relationship difficulties. I work with these issues in both their milder and more severe manifestations.
I specialise in working with people who suffer from anxiety and depression, whether arising from specific events, such as bereavement and loss, or more generally. I am especially interested in life’s transitions, in coming to terms with changed circumstances such as bereavement, the formation or dissolution of relationships, changed or lost employment and what has become known as ‘empty nest syndrome’ – the perfectly natural feelings of grief and loneliness parents or guardians may experience when their children first leave home.
I also have a particular interest in working with older people, individually and in groups, and am founder and facilitator of Silver Circle, a therapeutic support group for those who, in the later stages of their lives, may be particularly affected by increasing mental or physical frailty, reduced mobility and social isolation.
I offer sessions by telephone or Skype for clients who are working abroad or who are, for whatever reason, unable to travel to see me.
Other interests
A published writer and an avid reader of fiction and non-fiction, I co-founded the e-journal Contemporary Psychotherapy and have been Production Editor since its inception in 2008. When not working, I enjoy crafting, listening to classical music and relaxing in the company of my cats.
