I currently work
for the North East Hertfordshire NHS, where I have been responsible
for developing a Psychology
Service for the Acute Inpatient Wards at the Lister and QEII hospitals. I am
the only Psychologist and my role
involves individual assessment and brief therapy with inpatients suffering
from chronic and enduring mental
health problems (such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder), staff support
and supervision, staff training and group
work.
Prior to this I spent almost 4 years in the Clinical Health Psychology Department at St Ann's
Hospital
(Haringey, London). I offered assessment and therapy to patients
primarily with medical problems and chronic
illnesses such as Women's Health issues, chronic pain,
IBS, epilepsy, diabetes etc. I facilitated
a Back to Life Programme for people with chronic back ,
this is a group which includes exercises as
well as teaching them how to make the most of their lives despite the pain
and teaches them coping strategies.
I also designed a group for people suffering from Chronic Fatigue (ME
etc) Syndrome, which integrated
techniques from Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment
Therapies into both the programmes. It is whilst
working here that I was trained in the clinical application of
Hypnosis and have found it helpful with many
clients with physical health problems, especially those who have a lot of
pain and difficulty in relaxing.
My previous work experience also includes working with people with learning
difficulties and within an Older
Adults Psychology Service, as well as working on a Rehabilitation Ward for
people with enduing and chronic mental
health problems. I spent
several years working within a Primary Care Psychology service in the NHS
where I saw
clients referred by their GP's (for a variety of
problems) for individual therapy for a maximum of 6-8 sessions. I was
also
involved in the delivery of a Chronic Back Pain Management
Programme. I also have experience of working as a
Forensic Psychologist at Maidstone prison.
I have been working privately for about 8 years. I currently see clients at
my home in Hatfield Garden Village
(Hertfordshire).
