My Approach

Cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) is based on how we form relationships and how we can develop these further so that we can enjoy the present time by reflecting on and learning ways to do things more effectively rather than being stuck in old habits that no longer serve us well. I treat everyone who I meet as having had uniquely different life experiences. I can assess and make recommendations in order to create for you a bespoke treatment plan. We can, if you so choose, evaluate this for clinical effectiveness.

I specialise in expert treatment for people in high pressure and stressful jobs or in retirement planning. I have a unique understanding of the associated issues from my first career in the music industry . I can provide you with new, creative and helpful ways to understand presenting and underlying problems. I will spend time outside of your session to reflect on and build up a personal reformulation Ietter for you which is a useful aide memoire to support relapse prevention once your weekly sessions are completed.

I provide face to face and remote access sessions in both London at Guy’s hospital and in Cumbria and Lancashire. CAT is very effective for those suffering with anxiety, depression and trauma -related issues. My life and work experiences provide a unique understanding by which to help people who are suffering from trauma -related issues, for people working in media, sports and the performing arts. Equally I help people who feel they have lost their way, others who are struggling with relationship issues, many who are going through a life transition and those who may be suffering bereavement, anxiety or depression. I have a total of thirty years of therapeutic experience both in the National Health Service and private practice. I promote balanced, holistic and active healthy lifestyle choices.

About Me

Hello and welcome, I introduce myself firstly as an authentic person who is able to help others through my professional skills and experience. I am an ACAT accredited cognitive analytic psychotherapist and clinical supervisor, also trained as a healthcare researcher at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience.

I am registered with the UKCP, BACP and the Professional Standards Authority, The HCPC and for data protection with the ICO . My first therapeutic qualification in 1995 was that of HCPC registered music therapist, this followed a successful career as a classically trained musician. My life and work experiences provide a unique understanding by which to help people who are working in media, sports and the performing arts. I have worked for major shipping companies, local authorities social services and I am approved by the British Association of Performance Arts Medicine
( BAPAM) . I can help aspiring artists/performers to gain charitable funding for their therapeutic treatment.

Having developed and implemented a randomised controlled trial into the clinical effectiveness of cognitive analytic music therapy (2010-2012) I retired from my NHS Head of Department and Clinical Research Lead post and gained my doctoral award in 2015. During the pandemic I returned to the NHS as an external consultant supervisor for Haringey Adult Mental Health services in 2019. I am registered with Healthcode to take referrals through all recognised private health insurance companies except BUPA.

My research was awarded the 2016 Ruskin Medal for the most impactful doctoral research, and I have published numerous articles and two books most recently writing about creativity in mental health: https://pavpub.com/mental-health/creativity-and-mental-health-a-cognitive-analytic-approach-to-integrating-play-and-imagination-in-psychotherapy-supervision-and-training?srsltid=AfmBOorJ-Ob5LPgI_ehXtLF9JzkN51F3h1HbIZfe1K9RESyDfRhuilV7.

I work with

• Companies
• Couples
• Groups
• Individuals
• Private healthcare referrals

Special Interests

Like all UKCP registered psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors I can work with a wide range of issues, but here are some areas in which I have a special interest or additional experience.

Types of Therapies Offered

• Cognitive Analytic Therapist

What I can help with

• Abuse
• Addiction
• Anger Management
• Anorexia
• Anxiety
• Bereavement
• Bulimia
• Bullying
• Depression
• Domestic Violence
• Eating Disorders
• Mental Health Issues
• Obsessions
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Physical Abuse
• Post-Traumatic Stress
• Relationships
• Sexual Abuse
• Spirituality
• Stress
• Trauma