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My Background
Psychology, the study of the human mind and behaviour has always fascinated me. After completing my undergraduate degree in Psychology, I worked as an Assistant Psychologist for nearly two years in the NHS. It was through this first-hand experience of working under the supervision of Clinical Psychologists that I saw the impact of psychological intervention on one's well-being and quality of life. I trained for my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Edinburgh. Throughout the four years of clinical training, I completed clinical placements with children and adolescents, adults, older adults and adults with learning disabilities. All placements were completed within the NHS. I thereafter worked as a Clinical Psychologist in an adult mental health outpatient clinic. Since 2012 I have been working in private practice in France specialising in children and adolescents who struggle with a wide range of emotional, behavioural and mental health problems. I have special interest in anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and emerging personality difficulties and I am also experienced in helping young people with issues surrounding anger management, eating disorders and family based problems. I am chartered with the British Psychological Society and registered in France with the Agence Regionale de Santé in Versailles. |
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Working in France
I understand from a personal perspective that it can be a daunting experience when you or a family member are faced with a medical problem in a foreign country. The process of finding and accessing help for emotional and psychological difficulties can prove even more challenging. There are distinct differences in French medicine and the approach to psychological problems than one would first imagine. The cultural advantage in working together and being able to communicate fluently with you in English is very reassuring for individuals and families attending my practice. The nature of expatriate life is that most adults and families move within a five year period and I try to bridge services in the new appointed country to establish continuity of care to support the individual or family. |
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My Services
I am trained to assess and treat a wide range of psychological, emotional and behavioural problems such as anxiety, low mood, eating disorders, anger management, self-harm, school refusal, family based difficulties, chronic pain etc. I am trained in variety of evidence based approaches but I have a preference for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy [CBT], Schema Therapy and Mindfulness. Making Contact Whilst I typically receive referrals for children and adolescents, I also see adults who require psychological support. The first step is to make contact by telephone or email. You can leave a confidential message and I will return your call. You can also ask your doctor or school to refer you. Fees / Cancellation / Missed Appointments Policy I will discuss fees with you when you are arranging to come and see me prior to your initial appointment. A full fee will be charged if less than 24hours notice is given for changes to appointment times. Missed appointments are charged at the full fee. Confidentiality All information that is shared with me is confidential. We will discuss what information needs to be shared with a child’s school and any other professional involved in your case. One caveat to the confidentiality policy is that, if at any time I feel that my client is at risk or if that they are in danger of harming others, I am obliged to inform the necessary authorities. I want to reassure you that this very rarely happens. |
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The First Appointment
In the first 'assessment appointment' I will ask you questions about the difficulties that you are currently experiencing and wider questions about you and your life. I may also ask you to complete several short questionnaires. This assessment may take one or two sessions depending on the complexity of your situation. At the end of the assessment I will have gathered enough information to gain a greater understanding of your problems. The initial assessment stage can be enough for some people and they are happy to receive guidance or to be redirected to self-help material. For those who require further input, we will work together to help you develop strategies to achieve the goals that you set out and essentially to make life more manageable. With children or adolescents, I expect parent(s) or guardian(s) to attend the initial assessment appointment. Adults can attend on their own or bring someone with them whom they feel comfortable with. |
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What is a clinical psychologist? Clinical Psychologists have completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology. From there, they typically acquire clinical experience in a healthcare setting before commencing a three to five year post graduate training in Clinical Psychology. Clinical Psychologists during training work directly with patients under the supervision of a qualified Clinical Psychologist and complete training placements with adults, children and adolescents, older adults and people with learning disabilities. Their primary aim is to reduce psychological distress and to enhance well-being and quality of life. They are trained to work with a wide range of mental and physical health problems and they have expertise in various forms of therapy and treatment |
What is the difference between a Clinical Psychologist and a Psychiatrist? Both Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatrists are interested in the study of the brain, emotions, feelings and thoughts of an individual. The principal differences between the two disciplines are the educational backgrounds, and the specifics in training and practice. A Psychiatrist has completed a degree in medicine and then spends several years specialising in the field of Psychiatry. Psychiatrists use a diagnostic template and prescribe medication. Clinical Psychologists cannot write prescriptions but they may refer a patient to be seen by a Psychiatrist in order to receive medication. Clinical Psychologists are more concerned with an individual’s thoughts, feelings and general mental health. |
