Credentials
Please feel free to take a look at my C.V. by clicking the link below,
for a PDF download …
My Qualifications
Hi, my journey into perinatal psychology began in 2004 when I started my doctorate research on the impact of traumatic births and deliveries in a group of women who experienced symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress. Since this time, I have dedicated both my clinical and academic work to improve the maternity and psychology services on offer to women and their families. I try to raise awareness through disseminating research, teaching, supervising health visitors and delivering direct individual therapy to women. In this period, I have also experienced being pregnant, giving birth and raising two daughters, experiencing first-hand the services on offer and the needs of women in this period.
I am qualified as a Clinical Perinatal Psychologist with training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) to address anxiety and depression in the perinatal period. In addition, I have been trained in Trauma Focused CBT and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) to address Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following childbirth. I would draw on these approaches to tailor interventions for you, to support you through your pregnancy or following childbirth at times where you may be overwhelmed by feelings of sadness, fearfulness or anxiety.
My experience has shown me that challenges during pregnancy and the aftermath of birth, may have an effect on the relationship you develop with your infant. Therefore to support a positive and healthy relationship, I draw on attachment theory and approaches to enhance your confidence in being with and meeting your child’s needs. I am qualified to level 1 in Video Interactive Guidance (VIG) which is a therapy approach that uses video recordings to identify key moments in your interaction with your infant or child and focuses on strengthening these. I am also trained in the Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) program as well as the more in depth therapy approach COS-I Intensive which aims to address specific attachment difficulties within relationships. These sessions can be delivered either in a group format or as individual therapy sessions.
