MY STORY
In 2018, after 15 years as a writer, I made the decision to retrain as a psychologist. I began by completing a Psychology MSc, while volunteering for Crisis Text Line and Cruse Bereavement Care. In 2020, I was accepted onto the Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology at the University of East London.
My training and experience span a range of areas, including addiction, anxiety, bereavement and perinatal mental health. Over time, I developed a deep interest in psychosexual therapy, working with individuals and couples around issues such as intimacy, desire, sexual trauma and relationship repair. This work highlighted for me the centrality of emotional safety and compassion in all forms of healing. Post-university, I spent 15 months working in a London-based IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) service, specialising in PTSD arising from childhood trauma, sexual assault and domestic abuse.
Before training in psychology, my writing career cultivated within me a sensitivity to narrative and language which now informs my clinical work. Writing remains a vital part of my life, and I often explore themes around mental health, sexuality and gender through reflective and research-led pieces.