Founder of The Divergent Space / Clinical Psychologist
I am proud and excited to say that after years of dedication I have reached a point where I am capable of beginning this new venture. With it I am able to pursue the way of working which I have always strongly advocated for, a neuro-affirmative approach, which was more challenging within an NHS environment. I honestly believe with all my heart that neurodivergence should be seen, accepted, and understood as having strengths rather than everything being focused on the challenges. I am neurodivergent myself and while it is not without its difficulties, it has made me what I am today.
I qualified with a doctorate in clinical psychology in 2020 but have worked within the NHS since 2014, working with people with a variety of mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, trauma and grief. I have also worked with people adjusting to physical health conditions such as stroke and chronic pain. During my training I realised that my passion was for improving services for autistic individuals. This was in part due to my own lived experience and that of those who are close to me.
Since I qualified, I have worked within an NHS commissioned specialist Autism team providing diagnostic assessments, recommendations and therapy for autistic adults and as clinical and service lead for a post diagnostic service. I also offer training to other teams to help raise awareness and knowledge of working with autistic clients.
I am accredited in the use of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), the Autism Diagnostic Interview-revised (ADI-r) and the Autism Clinical Interview for Adults (ACIA). I am also experienced in using other tools such as the Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum (MIGDAS-2). However, my approach to assessments is to understand the way the individual experiences the world and I recognise that assessment tools are only a small aspect of the overall assessment.
I am committed to continual professional development which ensures I am keeping up to date with best practice guidelines and new research. My main therapeutic models include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), although I tend to work in an integrative way using techniques that fit with the individual. My work is also influenced by attachment theory and systemic practice.
