Finder

Specialises in

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

• Mindfulness based CBT

Offers

• Face-to-face consultations
• Video and telephone consultations

About me

My clinical practice is about helping people cope with the challenges brought about by changes in their physical health and emotional well-being to enable them to make the most of life. This often means providing a supportive space in which people can talk about and explore ways of coming to terms with a difficult diagnosis, cope better with medical and surgical interventions, make lifestyle changes to accommodate the effects of illness and consider ways of reducing the risk of further ill health or disability. After qualifying as a Clinical Psychologist in 1993, I gained experience in community mental health, day hospital and acute services with Heathlands Mental Health Trust, before moving to Frimley Park Hospital in 1995, to take up a post specialising in the psychological care of patients with physical health problems until 2018. As the Consultant leading the service I set up and developed a clinical psychology service across the hospital, developing experience across a wide range of specialities.

I have a keen interest in promoting and enhancing psychological well-being especially for people experiencing critical or life changing illness.

I strongly believe that good psychological care should be embedded in patient care at all levels of the service. To this end I have worked with the local Critical Care and Cancer Networks and I have delivered extensive training for physical health care staff across a range of specialities. I have also contributed to training clinical psychologists on the doctorate course at the University of Surrey and have taught on the MSc in Palliative Care there. I am co-author of a text book called CBT for Chronic Illness and Palliative Care: A Workbook and Toolkit, which was published by Wiley in 2008 and is used as a textbook by a range of training providers.

Areas of interest

I offer psychological therapy to help people cope with and recover from physical illness and traumatic events as well as more general stress. This includes help to manage anxiety, depression and psychological trauma triggered by acute or long term changes in health, well-being or body image, such as following a diagnosis of cancer or diabetes, critical illness, accidents, assaults, undergoing unpleasant treatments or procedures, complications of childbirth and other sources of traumatic physical or psychological injuries or work related stress. People seek help for symptoms including anxiety, low mood / depression, psychological trauma (e.g. nightmares, flashbacks, feeling on edge all the time), pain and fatigue, poor sleep, poor body image, low self-esteem or difficulties letting go of anger or guilt after unwanted events or changes in health; I offer help in coping with a range of difficult and stressful events including stress at work and to boost general psychological well-being.

Specialist interests and expertise in the following physical conditions

• Cardiac conditions
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Gynaecological disorders
• Musculoskeletal conditions
• Neurological disorders
• Pain management

• Psychophysiological disorders
• Physical disability
• Rheumatological conditions
• Cancer
• Body image
• Assaults and accidents

• Recovery after critical illness
• Diabetes and related complications
• Long covid
• Complications of childbirth
• Fatigue
• POTS

Medical secretaries

• Customer Services
• Spire Clare Park Hospital Crondall Lane FARNHAM GU10 5XX
• 01252 895490
• 07597 972770
• 01252 851426
• michellesowden.psychology@gmail.com

• The Secretaries
• Farnham Chiropractic Clinic 1 South Avenue FARNHAM GU9 0QY
• 01252 710549
• 07597 972770
• michellesowden.psychology@gmail.com