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SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
- BSc Psychology (Hons) – University of Hull
- Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Qualified Teacher)
- MSc Educational Psychology –University College London
- Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology) –University College London
- Diploma in Humanistic Counselling and Psychotherapy – University of Surrey
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Systemic Practice with Individuals, Couples and Families – University of London (Birkbeck) / Institute of Family Therapy
- Certificate in Psychosexual Studies – Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships
- Certificate of attendance – HCR-20 Forensic Risk Assessments
MEMBERSHIP
- Fellow of the British Psychological Society (FBPsS)
- Member of the British Society for Clinical and Academic Hypnosis (MBSCAH)
- Member of British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (542944)
- Member of Association of Family Therapists (MAFT)
- Member of the Association of Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- Chartered Psychologist (C Psychol)
- Chartered Scientist (CSci)
- Register of Expert Witnesses (BPS no.37776)
- Health Professionals Council (PYL05433)
- Honorary Professor of Applied Social Sciences, University of Bedfordshire
EXPERIENCE
- International External Examiner at the University of Pretoria, South Africa
- Hundreds of psychological assessments/reports on children, adults and families across the contexts of Education and Family Law
- Court appearances
- Qualified as a practitioner psychologist since 1989
- Experience as a primary phase teacher
- Experience as specialist teacher in secondary school
- Experience in NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health since 1996
- Management experience since 1992
- Presented at national and international conferences
- Experienced trainer of teachers, medical professionals, social workers, psychologists, police, youth workers, foster carers and parents
- Experienced researcher, counsellor and therapist
- Published and referenced widely in journals and online
- Specialist interests in risk assessments, research, family assessments (including child protection), foster care, anti-discrimination work, bereavement in adults and children and couple relationships
- Specific and expert knowledge on the role of white, Asian and black parents in the psychological development of their children
PERSONAL STATEMENT
I am a chartered psychologist with significant experience and specialist in child and family psychology. I have been appointed an OBE for services to families. My relevant qualifications and expertise are as follows: B.Sc Honours Degree in Psychology; Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), (professional training as a teacher); MSc in Educational (Child) Psychology; PhD in Psychology; DipCouns (Diploma in Humanistic Counselling and Psychotherapy); PGDip Systemic Practitioner (professional training with individuals, couples and family therapy). I have a Certificate in Psychosexual Studies from the Tavistock Centre for Couples’ Relationships. I am a Fellow of the British Psychological Society; a Chartered Scientist; a Member of the British Society of Clinical and Academic Hypnosis; a Member of the Association of Family Therapy; a Member of the Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health; and a Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. I have been appointed an honorary visiting professorship with the University of Bedfordshire, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences.
In addition to these qualifications I am active in supervision, co-ordination and practice of research in to child and family psychological practice and child protection. I have a range of publications in various journals for my work in these areas. I am co-author of “Understanding Looked After Children: An Introduction to Psychology for Foster Care” (2007), Jessica Kingsley Publishers and editor of “Psychology, Race Equality and Working with Children” (2010), Trentham Books. . I am also co-editor of “Supporting the Mental Health Needs of Children in Care: Evidence for Practice” (in press), Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
I have worked with children and families in both the statutory and voluntary sectors since 1980 and specifically as a psychologist since 1988. I am a Consultant Psychologist and Director of Bespoke Psychology which offers expert psychological services to educational establishments, foster care agencies, social and legal services. Bespoke Psychology also specialises in risk assessments of perpetrators of Child and Adult Sexually Abusive behaviour and HCR-20 Forensic Risk Assessments for violence. In addition to my work with Bespoke Psychology, I have over 10 years’ experience as a Consultant Child Psychologist/Lead Clinician in the NHS with a community-based Child and Adolescent Mental Health team that provide intensive psychotherapies to children, adolescents, and to families in order to support and enhance permanence in family, foster care, school and adoptive placements. Formerly I had 14 years’ experience as an educational psychologist with a cumulative experience base of 30 years of working with children and families in the school setting.
For court work, I submit reports within 4-6 weeks of receiving instructions and the bundle: 4 weeks <1 lever arch file and 6-8 weeks if >1 lever arch file. For all of my assessments, I aim is to provide the report within 7 days of completing the assessment (ie final observation, interview, consultation, or test). I work at the rates set by the Legal Aid Authority.
*Winner of Men and Women of Merit Award, 2003 and an NHS Excellence in Teamwork Award 2004
Winner BPS Award for Promoting Equality of Opportunity 2004 and OBE for services to families 2011
Winner Skills for Care and Development/Skills for Health Excellence out of Adversity Award 2011
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