Principal Clinical Psychologist:
CPsychol, DClinPsy, BSc (Hons)
I qualified as a Clinical Psychologist at the University of Leeds in 2001, following a first degree in Psychology, with time spent working in the NHS in Adult Mental Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Older Adults Services.
I was a Clinical Psychologist in the NHS for over 18 years in Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS/CYPS) and as a Principal Psychologist in Children’s Diabetes in a hospital-based team, working with children and families alike.
I worked within the Specialist Team for the Assessment of ASD within Newcastle/Gateshead CAMHS/CYPS where I was also the lead Clinical Psychologist in the Specialist Team for the Assessment of ADHD, developing and conducting multi-disciplinary and multi-faceted assessments for both conditions.
I ultimately led the Multi-Disciplinary Team for children with ASD in CYPS, conducting assessments and providing training and supervision for others. I am trained in Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) Assessments and Cognitive Assessments using specific instruments widely recognised for young people and adults.
I particularly enjoy being able to help both children and adults who have previously been seen through the ‘lens’ of Mental Health when their difficulties could be better understood and helped as being related to their Neurodevelopmental Profile.
I am very interested in the increasing amount of literacture related to the influence of the nervous system on our brain and body functioning and how this interacts with the difficulties experienced in both neurodevelopmental differences and mental health concerns.
As Autism North East has flourished, I have also spent more time working alongside our Office Manager to run the service well for our clients and clinicians and supervising our Assistant Psychologist.