Finder

Bupa specialist

• Child and Adolescent Mental Health services

About me

I have worked in mental health for the last 27 years, initially working as a health care assistant in 1993 and completing a basic and advanced course in counselling. I completed my psychiatric nurse training in 1994-97. I completed my BSc in cognitive behaviour therapy in 2004-6. I was first accredited with the BABCP in 2007. I have clinical experience in NHS adult acute mental health clinical areas, both in-patient acute ward settings and in the community, having also worked as a CPN in secondary Mental health services. During my CBT training I also worked in a psychotherapy department alongside my CPN role. Additionally I worked in primary care in 2 independent GP practices as an independent cognitive behavioural psychotherapist.

I have worked in Hertfordshire, Worthing, London and Australia in acute mental health settings in the wards and in the community. I have been in private practice in Bognor Regis since 2010.

Over the last 10 years I have acquired skills and clinical experience in working with couples and work with couples in both addressing couple related issues assisting couples who wish to stay together and are having marital / interpersonal difficulties or who have decided to part and wish to have some guidance through this process. As well as helping couples / family members who may have a partner / child/ family member who is experiencing mental health difficulties who they wish to assist in overcoming their difficulties. I was a committee ordinary member, secretary and Chair of the Couple Special Interest Group at the BABCP and remain a committee member currently.

Over the last few years I have developed clinical skills and experience in working with children and their families in addressing mental health needs and enabling family members to learn CBT techniques and skills with their children so that they can also understand and help their children overcome their difficulties.
I am now beginning to see more children within my CBT clinic.

I also have a special interest in working to address childhood mental health problems and have devised a year six Wellbeing Programme which I have now run on two occasions at a local primary school with positive feedback and will look to take this further over the next few years.

I also have clinical experience in working with addictions.

I have a special interest in business and would like to embark on further training in business coaching and motivational skills training and speaking. I have engaged in some business training and have personal experience of setting up my own CBT independent practice as well as a food manufacturing business and have treated many business men and women where my additional skills has enhanced their clinical outcome. In addition I have worked with several businesses to devise CBT training programmes / workshops to assist in addressing the mental health of their staff. I am very keen to develop these areas further.

I have also engaged in training for Autism in adults and children.

Areas of interest

• Anxiety disorders including OCD • PTSD • Trauma • Mood disorders including bi-polar • Personality and interpersonal difficulties • Low self-esteem • Sleep disorders • Work / occupational related stress disorders • Chronic fatigue / ME • Couple related difficulties • Habit disorders • Eating disorders • Somatoform disorders ; addictions; Children and childhood disorders. Autism.

Specialist interests and expertise in the following physical conditions

• Eating disorders

• Psychophysiological disorders