About Me

I currently work at the AccEPT Clinic (Access to Evidence-based Psychological Therapy Clinic, University of Exeter) and independently as a Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) psychological therapist, MBCT programme developer, researcher, and Associate Lecturer. I practiced extensively within the NHS, including 30 years of service in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

Since 2011, I have participated in the research and development of the MBCT Clinical Programme for Young People and Carers. This clinical research programme was developed specifically for young people and their parents/carers experiencing depression and anxiety, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and delivered in collaboration with leading NHS trusts and UK university centres. The work has been published in peer-reviewed journals, and my current role is research-focused, including programme development, evaluation, and clinical supervision.

In addition to this youth-focused work, I am actively involved in adult MBCT groups and the ongoing implementation of new developments within MBCT, supporting the approach to evolve alongside modern clinical insights. This work also extends to the development and evaluation of MBCT-informed values-based and social connection programmes for mental health.

Furthermore, since 2016, I have been developing and trialing an MBCT programme for high-performance and high-demand environments. Two small pilot studies trialed at leading UK Universities have demonstrated both feasibility and acceptability. Since 2017, this programme has been successfully delivered across a range of intense sectors, including high-performance university sports, professional golf, pro cycling, professional football, Olympic environments, a Paralympic squad, public sector organizations, and within the creative industries. I have also developed a programme specifically for the MRI environment.

In 2015, I was invited to serve as an expert witness for the All-Party Parliamentary Mindful Nation Report UK, and I have presented my findings at both national and international conferences.