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​I’m an integrative psychologist and psychotherapist specialising in supporting children, young people, and their families.

 

I work with children experiencing anxiety, OCD, tics, attachment trauma, and emotional distress, including those struggling with Emotional Based School Avoidance (EBSA).

 

I offer support both in Cornwall, as well as online across the UK.

 

A Relational and Compassionate Approach

 

At the heart of my work is a simple belief:

 

Children need to feel safe, understood, and genuinely connected before they can begin to heal.

I offer a warm, neuro-affirming and compassionate space where each child is welcomed exactly as they are. My approach recognises and values every child’s individuality, strengths, and experiences.

 

My Professional Background

 

My work is shaped by a combination of psychology, psychotherapy, and education.

I am currently undertaking a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy, and I hold a Masters in the Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Before moving fully into therapeutic work, I spent many years in education as a:

Primary teacher

Senior leader

Lecturer and teacher educator at two leading universities

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This gives me a deep understanding of both children’s emotional needs and the education system, which is especially important when supporting families navigating school-related challenges such as EBSA.

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My Therapeutic Training and Experience

 

I have trained across a range of therapeutic approaches, including:

Integrative psychotherapy and counselling

Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP)

Emotion Focused Therapy

Art and play therapy

Trauma-informed approaches

Bereavement therapy

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I have also worked in clinical and community settings, including at Great Ormond Street Hospital, supporting children on neurology, oncology, and orthopaedic wards as a play specialist.

 

Alongside my private practice, I have worked with charities and organisations supporting children, young people, and adults, including bereavement services and neurological recovery.

 

Specialist Areas of Support

 

I offer specialist support using evidence-based approaches where appropriate, including:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD

SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions)

Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics (CBIT)

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I am also trained in psychological formulation, allowing me to provide reports and letters of recommendation to support parents in advocating for their child.

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Research and Areas of Interest

 

My work is strongly informed by research and evidence based support. I have a deep interest in:

 

OCD and anxiety and brain inflammation

PANS/PANDAS

EBSA (Emotional Based School Avoidance, School Refusal, School Distress)

Neuroscience and the mind–body connection

Polyvagal theory and nervous system regulation

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​My Masters research focused on the parental experience of EBSA, and my doctoral research is exploring integrative psychotherapy for OCD.

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My Story

 

Before becoming a psychotherapist, I trained in creative therapy and spent many years working in education. I have always been drawn to supporting children emotionally, using creativity and connection to help them feel understood and confident. Over time, I became increasingly aware of the growing emotional challenges faced by children and families, and I felt a strong pull to deepen my therapeutic work. Alongside my professional experience, I also bring lived experience as a parent of a child with complex medical needs.

This has given me a deep understanding of:

The emotional impact on families

The challenges of navigating systems

The importance of feeling heard and supported

It is this combination of professional knowledge and lived experience that shapes how I work.

 

Supporting the Whole Family

 

I understand that when a child is struggling, the whole family is affected.

 

I offer:

Parent support and guidance

Group support for parents of children with EBSA or chronic illness

Telephone support where appropriate

Professional reports and letters to support advocacy

Helping parents feel more confident and supported is an important part of a child’s journey.

 

Training and Professional Contribution

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Alongside my therapeutic work, I provide:

Training and lectures for professionals

Support for schools and educational settings

Guidance to improve understanding of children experiencing emotional distress

 

A Privilege to Do This Work

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I feel truly honoured to support the children, young people, and families who share their stories with me. Creating a space where they feel seen, heard, and respected—while gently supporting them to understand and process their experiences—is at the heart of my work.