Any questions?

I usually work with teenagers and young adults between the ages of 13 and 25. This reflects the ages at which most young people have developed enough autonomy for individual psychological therapy to be appropriate and are engaged in a gradual process of separation that can give rise to various challenges. Although our society designates 18 as the age of legal adulthood, neuroscience has shown that the brain continues to develop rapidly until around the age of 25, and this is reflected in the continued gradual development of adult identity.

Therapy usually lasts at least six weeks but can go on much longer depending on the purpose of the work and problems being addressed. At the start of any psychological intervention I will agree with young people and parents how long to work together before reviewing our progress.

I gained experience of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), compassion-focused therapy (CFT) and narrative exposure therapy (NET) during my clinical doctorate. I have additional training or qualifications in mentalization-based treatment for adolescents (MBT-A), cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) and systemic family therapy. I have also undertaken further training in interpersonal neurobiology, memory reconsolidation and specific approaches to trauma.

The benefit of being a clinical psychologist is that I can develop an approach specific to the young person I'm working with based on evidence, theory and my clinical experience. Usually I integrate therapies in order to address the young person's specific needs, both in terms of the problem they are struggling with and what they want to talk about on a particular day.

Yes. Although I prefer to see clients in person whenever possible, I am happy to consider working online with families not local to Tunbridge Wells.

£140 per session lasting up to 60 minutes. This is in keeping with other clinical psychologists and reflects a doctoral-level training and ability to offer a range of evidence-based therapies. It also includes additional time needed for clinical formulation, keeping appropriate notes, and updating other healthcare professionals or school as needed. Other tasks such as letters of support are charged pro rata.

I ask that clients let me know if they need to postpone or cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the session time, so that the slot can be offered to another person if needed. Any sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours notice are invoiced in full (either directly or to the insurance provider). Unfortunately no exceptions can be made in cases of illness.

I am currently only accepting Aviva clients for therapy covered by insurance.

Difficulty talking about the things that bother us is completely normal, and particularly common when it comes to things like low mood and anxiety. Most people find that over the course of a number of sessions with a professional this becomes easier. I will never force you to talk about anything you are not ready to. There are also some therapies that do not require you to tell me in any detail about the things that you are struggling with.

It is good practice for parents or carers to understand their child’s needs and be included in therapy as far as possible. However, confidentiality is a core value of psychological therapy, essential to the process, as well as a legal right for young people. I always aim to strike a balance between inclusion of parents and creating a privileged space for young people. I always share information where I think this will help to ensure the young person’s safety.

That depends on your age and what you have shared. As a general rule, no; however, I sometimes have to share information where I think this important to keep you or someone else safe. I would always discuss with you first if I needed to pass on information to others.

Yes. I regularly work with autistic young people and those with ADHD, as well as other differences and disabilities such as brain injuries, and I am able to adapt psychological therapy to their needs.