About me

I share a little of my own journey here because lived experience has shaped both my values and how I work. I’m mindful that reading about eating disorders can be difficult, so please skip ahead if needed.

My Journey

I used to think critical thoughts about my appearance were normal. That striving for perfection was healthy, and that dieting, clean eating, and frequent exercise were just what you were meant to do when weight fluctuated. I also thought something was deeply wrong with me when binges happened, so much so that I felt I had to make up for them.

Having grown up in a culture where people making comments about each others' bodies was normal, I bought into the idea that my weight and shape were at fault. It was only after years of depression and low self-esteem that I became aware of the impossible standard my eating disorder was setting, and that its ever-changing goal posts were making my world smaller.

While difficult at the time, these experiences have sharpened my values. Years of therapy and CBT, alongside my training and experience, have allowed me to channel my attention to detail into a creating a toolbox that elevates my sense of self and trust for my body. They allowed me to reconnect with the compassion I had for myself. And they taught me how to take in sharp emotions with the joy their existence brings, so my actions can move me towards sustainable long-term wellbeing.

Reconnecting with choice, flexibility, and a sense of self that's not organised around food, body image, or external achievements were the gifts that therapy gave me. These experiences now shape what feels important in my work.

Philosophy and practice

My lived experience, training, and clinical work have shown me that eating disorders are not about willpower or failure; they are understandable responses to pressure, emotion, and context. I’m now passionate about supporting others in their journeys towards recovery.

Difficulties such as an eating disorder, anxiety, or depression can create a whirlwind of emotions. In our work together, recovery can open up space for greater flexibility, enjoyment, and a renewed sense of self; whether that’s feeling more neutral around food or exercise, reconnecting with interests, or questioning unhelpful societal messages around worth.

In sessions, I aim to bring calm, collaboration, and structure so you can have a steady and containing space for when fear or self-criticism are pulling you in another direction. I often combine gentle challenging with uncovering subtle (or-sometimes-not-so-subtle) maintenance cycles. However, I always explore what may be the more manageable challenges we can agree to both in- and outside of sessions. My approach is adaptive, inclusive, and informed by ongoing research and developments in the field.

Education and Training

Over the past 10 years, my work has spanned clinical, research, and voluntary settings. This has included international volunteer work in Sri Lanka and Romania, supporting adults with severe mental health difficulties, as well as children and young people with neurodivergent needs.

Alongside this, I’ve been involved in national mental health research and have worked as a BABCP-accredited CBT therapist across a range of NHS services. In my clinical work, I’ve offered and adapted CBT for people experiencing eating disorders, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation difficulties, personality-related difficulties, and chronic health conditions.

CBT-E training

The Centre for Research on Eating Disorders at Oxford University

PG Dip Low Intensity CBT for Anxiety and Depression

University College London (UCL)

Training in Supervising Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners

University College London (UCL)

MRes Clinical Psychology

The University of Birmingham

PGDip High Intensity CBT for Anxiety and Depression

Royal Holloway, University of London

BSc Psychology (Hons)

The University of Bimingham