I joined the Spires Cleft Centre in 2020 as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and I am the lead psychologist for the service. I completed my Clinical Psychology doctorate with the University of Surrey in 2005 and have worked in both regional and specialist hospital settings since then. I have worked with children, young people and their families experiencing differing surgeries and with those with chronic health conditions. I am also part of the Oxford Craniofacial Unit team and involved in the provision of services to people with facial palsy.
I work with the other psychologists in the Spires Cleft Centre to ensure the needs of those using the service, from infants to children and adults, and their families, have their emotional well-being needs met and are supported with any difficulties that may arise. I have had additional training in Narrative Therapy, Compassion Focussed Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I am also informed by Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and systemic thinking in my therapeutic approach.
The Spires Cleft Centre as a whole are focussed on using research and audit to ensure high quality care is provided to those who use our service and I am involved in this research programme. Additionally, I represent Spires at a national level which translates into local service improvements.