I grew up in Moray.

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After a couple of false starts at flying the nest, I found my way to studying Psychology at the University of Dundee. Here I thrived. I was fascinated by the brain, the mind, and why we do the things we do. I learned about the scientific method and how to plan experiments to answer interesting questions. I was particularly interested in the mind-body connection and for my final year project studied decision making across the menstrual cycle. I graduated top of my class. 

 

Drawn in by science and psychology, I went on to study for a PhD in Evolutionary Psychology at the University of St Andrews. I learned how human minds and bodies have been shaped over time. This opened my thinking to new ways of understanding the human experience. I was fortunate during this time to be able to travel and had opportunities to share science by attending conferences and working with the media.

 

My PhD got me thinking about the environments we are in, and how they can shape the way we feel and what we do. I knew I wanted to help shape environments that others could benefit from. I worked for a few years as a data analyst in the NHS, helping to shape services that support our health and wellbeing. But I craved working with people one-on-one. I wanted to share my skills and knowledge with people directly, so that they could shape their own world today. That's when I decided to start my clinical training.

In 2019, I trained as a Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology. I completed my training within the NHS and at the Universities of Dundee and Stirling. I learned about CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and used it in my work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and a range of other difficulties. I also started using the CBT tools in my own life, and they worked. Not in a life changing overnight kind of way, but in a gradual growing of confidence kind of way. It was like building muscles at the gym, the more I used the tools, the easier they came when I needed them. And they helped me shape a life that worked for me. By this time, I was back in Moray, balancing career and life as best I could. I knew I wanted to keep sharing CBT with others.

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I continued working in the NHS, as a psychological therapist until I began my doctoral level training in Clinical Psychology at the University of Edinburgh in September 2021. During this final training, I completed 5 NHS placements, working across all age ranges and with a variety of difficulties. I learned about additional therapeutic models which I have incorporated into my practice. I had the opportunity to do more research and revisited my interests in the mind-body connection by studying psychological mechanisms in PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). You can read the research here.

 

Today, I am delighted to be launching a Private Practice in Moray.

I feel humbled that people have shared with me with their difficult stories; and it is an honour to witness the personal growth that can occur with psychological therapy. I currently offer in person sessions in Elgin, or online for clients across the UK. I work with a range of difficulties and have special interests in anxiety disorders, persistent physical symptoms, and women's health.

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In the future I hope to expand my offer to include groups, workshops and community building activities.

If you are a professional interested in working together, please get in touch to discuss.

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If you are a client looking to start therapy, please get in touch by email or book a free 15 minute compatibility call.

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