I am a UK trained Chartered Clinical Psychologist recognised by the Irish Department of Health and Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), in addition to the British Psychological Society (BPS), regulated by the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).
With over 10 years’ experience working in the NHS in London, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Brighton, I have developed a special interest in adult mental health, and neurorehabilitation at the Wolfson and Oliver Zangwill Centres. My clinical experience spans across services from primary care working with adults with mild to moderate mental health difficulties to those with more complex and severe issues seen in acute inpatient units. From May 2017-19, I provided specialist adult clinical psychology services to an independent practice in Galway.
At West Coast Therapy, I offer therapy to people aged 18 and over who are experiencing emotional difficulties – anxiety, depression, anger, coping with stress, loss, trauma and adjustment to new life circumstances (e.g., death of a loved one, physical health issues). I use Integrative Therapy combining different therapeutic approaches and tools to fit the needs of the individual, drawing ideas from Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Mindfulness-based Interventions.
I adapt the above therapies for people with acquired brain injury (ABI), and facilitate the use of compensatory strategies to improve their cognitive skills (e.g., memory, problem solving, planning, initiating), and engagement in therapy. The therapeutic process of change is also supported using the Y-shaped model to enable the integration of a new meaningful social and personal identity.
The aim of therapy is to empower people to develop resilience in the face of adversity, and inspire change in the way they relate to themselves and others. This is facilitated by sharing psychological formulation, collaboratively identifying goals for therapy, and learning new ways of coping. The focus is on connecting with, exploring and processing painful emotions, and changing any repeated patterns of behaviour and/or ways of thinking that may no longer be helpful. I am also keen to work holistically with mind and body, bringing in ideas promoting the benefits of healthy nutrition, exercise to improve wellbeing, the importance of good sleep, being connected to others and exploring nature.
Specialist Training
Compassion-Focused Therapy for Groups - Dr Kate Lucre (2023)
Safely Embodied - Deirdre Fay (2023)
Working with Fears, Blocks & Resistances to Compassion - Prof Paul Gilbert (2021)
Cognitive Behavioural Chairwork Online - Dr Matthew Pugh & Tobyn Bell (2021)
Meeting the Psychological Needs of People Recovering from Covid-19 - BPS (2020)
Working Online with Attachment and Relational Trauma - Dr Kate Lucre, Compassionate Mind Foundation (2020)
Effective Therapy via Video: Top Tips - British Psychological Society (BPS;2020)
Zoom Training - Psychological Society of Ireland (2020)
Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT): Level 1 – Ladislav Timulak, PhD; Institute of EFT Ireland (2019)
Mindfulness & Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy – Summer School – Oxford Mindfulness Centre (2016)
Compassion-Focused Therapy Advanced Clinical Skills – Prof Paul Gilbert, Compassionate Mind Foundation (2016)
Leading with Compassion – Andy Bradley (2016)
Raising Awareness of the Needs of Complex Trauma Clients – NHS Trust (2016)
Responding to Domestic & Sexual Abuse – NHS Trust (2016)
Compassion-Focused Therapy for Emotionally Unstable Personality – Dr Michelle Cree (2015)
Introduction to Psychodynamic Concepts – Tavistock NHS Trust (2014)
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for Depression – NHS Trust (2014)
Compassion-Focused Therapy for Acquired Brain Injury – Oliver Zangwill Centre (2012)
Qualifications
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) from University of East Anglia in 2011
Masters (MSc) in Applied Psychological Research from Roehampton University in 2008
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Psychology from University of Surrey in 2006
Research & Publications
Panagiotaki, G., Hopkins, M., Nobes, G., Ward, E., & Griffiths, D. (2018). Children’s and adults’ understanding of death: Cognitive, parental, and experiential influences. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 166, 96-115.
Paper presentation for symposium at British Psychological Society (BPS) Developmental Section Annual Conference (2016). Biological thinking in children and young adults: teleology, evolution and death.
Paper presentation at NHS Foundation Trust Psychosis Summer Away Day (2016). Using the compassion focused therapy model in acute care.
Paper presentation at BPS Developmental & Social Section Annual Conference (2015). The development of children’s understanding of death.
