Psychologists and Psychotherapists

I am a clinical psychologist in general adult psychology with approximately 15 years’ experience. I am registered with the HCPC-UK and the British Psychological Society (BPS) as a Chartered Psychologist. I am a BPS registered supervisor for emerging psychological practitioners. I see people aged 18 and above.

I completed my undergraduate and postgraduate training in Cape Town, South Africa. I have worked in both in-patient and out-patient settings and in both the private and public health sectors in South Africa and in the UK, as well as in student health settings. In addition to my clinical work, I have devised and taught on various under- and postgraduate psychology programs. I continue to value learning and growth and so usually have my nose in some or other book on psychology.

My overall attitude is that of viewing people holistically, both as individuals but also as persons-in-context. I am interested in helping people access their own curiosity to understand how it is they are suffering in particular ways. Having said that, I am also pragmatic in that I help people learn skills to better manage their stated problems or difficult life circumstances. I work hard at creating relational safety in the therapy space as I think it takes a great deal of courage for people to begin to reveal themselves and feeling safe is essential for that to happen. I use plain language to explain psychological ideas relevant to someone’s presenting problem.

My interests are broad including depression, anxiety, trauma, personality difficulties, sexual and gender identities, insomnia, relationship difficulties, body image, self-esteem difficulties, life transitions (such as, adjusting to new contexts such as university, a new country, the aging process, coming to terms with serious illness/disability, cultural/ethnic identity concerns), and burnout. I also have experience of working in the business sector and so have first-hand knowledge of elements of corporate culture and its relation to work stress. In line with my interests, I have recently featured on BMJ's Talk Medicine podcast discussing Emotionally-Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD), which can be listened to here.

I draw on a range of evidence-based psychological theories to help people make sense of their symptoms. These include Schema Therapy and Internal Family Systems. In addition, I incorporate elements of third-wave Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (such as CBT for Insomnia) and Dialectic Behaviour Therapy into my work where indicated. I am strongly informed by attachment and contemporary psychodynamic theory, as well as some emerging somatic theories such as polyvagal theory and how that maps on to trauma. In straight-forward language, what this means is that I put great emphasis on creating a safe relationship by connecting deeply to someone and their struggles, and also making space for what their bodies might be communicating (e.g. pain, tightness) in order to help lift the hidden aspects of a current difficulty. However, what is most important to me is not the model of therapy I use, or even the diagnosis (if there is one). It is the person, the whole human being. It is a privilege and a gift to have someone allow me to see and work with their vulnerability.

All that said, I consider myself as an integrative psychologist, in that my aim is to help people learn to integrate the different but deeply interconnected aspects of their mind, their body, their relationships, spirituality, thoughts, and emotions.

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Positions

University of Cape Town, South Africa

• Performers Diploma in Opera, 1991

Goldsmiths College, London, United Kingdom

• Masters in Music, 1997

University of Cape Town, South Africa

• B Soc Sci (Hons) (First Class), 2006

University of Stellenbosch, South Africa

• MA in Clinical Psychology (Cum Laude), 2008

Psychology Positions

• Student Psychologist, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2007
• Intern Clinical Psychologist, 2 Military Hospital, South African National Defence Force, Cape Town, South Africa, 2008 - 2009
• Community Clinical Psychologist, Youngsfield Army Base, South Africa National Defence Force, Cape Town, South Africa, 2009 - 2010
• Clinical Psychologist, Private Practice, Cape Town, South Africa, 2010 – 2018
• Clinical Psychologist (part-time), Student Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa, 2017 - 2018
• Clinical Psychologist (Locum), NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Trust, Kings Lynn, 2018
• Clinical Psychologist, Ellern Mede Specialist Eating Disorders Hospital, London, 2018 - 2019
• Clinical Psychologist, Sloane Court Clinic, London, 2019 - current

Professional Affiliations

• British Psychological Society (UK)
• Institute of Psychedelic Therapy (UK)
• HCPC (UK)
• HPCSA (South Africa)