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Areas of expertise
Anxiety and Depression
Are you feeling down and struggling to get things done? Maybe you're finding it hard to sleep and always feel tired. You could be lost in worried or sad thoughts. These feelings can change how you act at school, work, with family, and even with your partner.
Sometimes, the hardest part is how you talk to yourself. You might be criticising yourself a lot, asking:
- "What if things don't get better?"
- "What if they get worse?"
- “Why can’t I overcome this?”
- "What does this say about me?"
However, questions like these can make your worries or sadness feel even stronger.
As your therapist, it's my role to guide you compassionately through these psychological struggles. I use different therapeutic approaches depending on your needs, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, compassion-focused therapy, or acceptance and commitment therapy. I might also use a method called internal family systems that helps you understand conflicting ‘parts’, allowing you to become kinder to yourselfIn our initial meetings, we'll talk about what kind of therapy might work best for you. As we progress, I can adjust these methods to fit your needs as we work together. Remember, you're not alone in this, and together, we can work through these feelings.
Climate Anxiety and Existential Distress
In today's world, our mental health and the health of our planet are deeply connected. That's why I work as a Climate Psychologist, exploring how the climate crisis influences our mood and well-being.
I started this work when a climate researcher shared how he was feeling - anxious, having trouble sleeping, and finding it hard to keep up with his important work. I see more and more people feeling anxious or sad because they're worried about our planet's future. Sometimes, people also feel a lot of pressure to do everything perfectly in a climate context, which can feel overwhelming.
I’ve now become a recognised global expert in this field and founded the organisation 'Climate Psychologists'. I work with all kinds of people – from students and parents to business leaders and government officials – to help them stay strong and mentally healthy while tackling climate issues. To reach even more people, I co-founded 'Mind & Planet', a helpful online space where schools, universities, and businesses can learn about staying mentally well while caring for our environment.
My goal is to help people who are working hard to protect our planet but may be feeling stressed or anxious about it. I've created easy-to-follow self-care guides that can help adults and young people cope with these feelings. Remember, you're courageous for facing these challenges. Together, we can work through your worries and find mental strength while still caring for our planet.
Autism, ADHD, & Neurodiversity
Did you only discover that you have autism or ADHD when you were older? Or perhaps you identify with other kinds of unique brain differences, such as dyspraxia or dyslexia. Or you might feel things more deeply than others (as a highly sensitive person). You're not alone, and I'm here to help. I work with people who think and process information differently - what we call 'neurodivergent'.
My experience comes from years of clinical practice and research in the NHS. I was part of a specialist team that assessed children for autism and ADHD. My work in neurodiversity is also close to my heart, as I personally understand these brain differences.
Receiving a diagnosis like autism or ADHD as an adult can be overwhelming. I'm here to clarify things for you and support you at work, with friends, and with family. Surprisingly, only about 20% of adults with ADHD have been diagnosed or are receiving help for it. If you think you might have autism or ADHD, I can guide you towards getting tested by a specialist. I can carry out initial checks and refer you for a detailed assessment if needed.
Therapy is incredibly helpful for neurodivergent individuals. Often told they're not trying hard enough, especially during their younger years. This can affect your self-esteem and lead to self-doubt or anxiety as an adult. Together, we'll work on things like navigating social interactions and excelling at work. If you have ADHD, we'll focus on setting and achieving goals and enhancing your focus, helping you realise your potential. I'm dedicated to helping you build confidence in yourself and thrive. Together, we can make this journey a success. I strongly believe that with the right help and understanding, you can lead a fulfilling life full of purpose, success, and connection.
My approach to treatment
If you’re nervous about starting therapy, you’re in good company. It can be a daunting process, particularly if you haven't had therapy before. Truthfully, the first step is often the hardest. The courage it takes for you to seek support is a testament to your power, which will grow throughout your therapeutic journey. You’re not alone in this, and what sets you apart is your bravery to help yourself.
When we first discuss your feelings and symptoms, we'll explore how you perceive and communicate with yourself. We’ll consider questions such as: "How am I treating myself in this situation?" and "How am I conversing with myself about it?". Then, we will trace these self-communications back in time to understand their roots. You might find that you have a past of being hard on yourself, or perhaps specific events have awakened long-standing beliefs or attitudes about yourself.
My aim is to ensure our sessions feel natural and comfortable, not just a list of checkboxes. You should feel seen, heard, and valued. Our time together is an opportunity for you to express your story and establish the foundation for our future work. Together, we will create a space for you to feel curious and empowered.
Our first session is about getting to know each other. I'm eager to understand your interests, strengths, and values. Therapy is as much about identifying and moving towards what brings joy and meaning to your life as it is about understanding and overcoming challenges. This initial meeting is our chance to establish a connection and build trust.
Personalised treatment plans
When crafting your treatment plan, I prioritise personalising your plan to best meet your needs. My approach integrates different therapy approaches, and I'm guided by your needs and responses. Therapy is truly a collaborative process, and each person's journey is unique.
Some therapy approaches I use are:
- Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT): helps you understand the link between your thoughts, feelings, and actions, empowering you to change negative thought patterns.
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT): focusing on self-compassion, this therapy encourages you to be kinder to yourself, improving your well-being and resilience.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): helps you accept what's out of your control and commit to actions that enhance your life, aligning your behaviour with your values.
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy: encourages a heightened awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and experiences in the present moment, fostering a sense of calm.
- Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS): explores the different "parts" or personalities within you, promoting harmony among them, and fostering self-understanding and self-compassion.
One aspect of my job I cherish the most is supporting individuals through their unique life experiences. As your therapist, I'm here to help you learn, grow, and flourish through therapeutic empowerment. For instance, I've found that addressing common issues such as self-criticism, repetitive negative thinking, and uncontrollable thoughts can bring about lasting, significant changes.
I believe therapy is an opportunity to improve all aspects of your life. Each positive decision can pave the way for more. Encouraging self-compassion in every area of your life will support your recovery. Following a healthy lifestyle is also essential for self-care. This includes everything from what you eat, how you unwind, and the connections you build with others, to your physical and mental health.
Medication
As a psychologist, I don’t prescribe medication. Yet, I believe therapy and medication can work harmoniously and be hugely beneficial together. There are times when medication can give you a pause, a chance to relax and begin your therapy journey. Sometimes medication can help boost your mental strength so you can engage more deeply in therapy.
If you are taking medication or you want to trial a medication, I’ll work alongside your psychiatrist or GP to create a collaborative treatment plan. By working together, we can provide a well-rounded care plan to best guide you on your path to feeling better.
Education & Training
I’m a Child and Adult Psychologist with 13 years of clinical experience in general psychology. I’m registered with The Health and Care Professions Council, and I’m a member of the Association of Clinical Psychologists. I hold a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Oxford and a Master's degree in Psychology from the University of East London.
I’m the Founding Director of Climate Psychologists and, more recently, the Mind & Planet climate empowerment platform for schools and businesses. I engage in all areas where planetary health and mental health intersect, supporting community-led solutions for climate distress and communicating effectively about the climate crisis. I supervise doctoral research projects in this area at the University of Oxford and sit on numerous advisory boards at Imperial, London, and the University of Oxford. You can read my media interviews about mental health and the climate crisis at Climate Psychologists, and I co-host a podcast called Living on a Changing Planet.
I’m also the founding co-director of Psychology Oxford, a private outpatient psychology service in Oxfordshire. The role involves directing the clinical activity of the service, including associate psychologists, and providing psychological assessment and treatment of young people and adults with a range of mental health difficulties.
Previously, I was a clinical psychologist at the Specialist Surgery Psychology Service, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Oxford. I was also Psychological Advisor for Joivy in London. Joivy is a social media platform that promotes person-organisation fit and well-being in the workplace.
After leaving the NHS, I spent three years living and working in the South of France, established a clinic (Psychology France), and had the opportunity to work with a vibrant international community in and around Monaco.
I’m the author of two books on climate psychology:
- You are Unstoppable (2023)
- Turn the Tide on Climate Anxiety (2022)
Some of my recent academic publications include:
- Climate Anxiety: What Predicts It and How Is It Related to Climate Action? in Journal of Environmental Psychology (2022)
- Neurodevelopmental, Cognitive, and Psychosocial Outcomes for Individuals With Pathogenic Variants in the TCF12 Gene and Associated Craniosynostosis in Journal of Craniofacial Surgery (2021)
- Psychosocial Impact of Coronal Access Scars in Craniosynostosis Procedures on Patients and Their Families. in Journal of Craniofacial Surgery (2022)
Personal interests
Outside of work, I try to spend as much time as possible with my young family, ideally, where possible, involving the outdoors. Our activities include cycling, hiking, wild swimming, and all of the above with our two dogs.
