I sometimes think my title 'Clinical Psychologist' can sound a bit intimidating. It conjures up images of clipboards, stark hospital corridors and formal consultations in white coats, doesn't it? But I promise that's not what I'm about at all!
Let me explain what being a Clinical Psychologist means, and why it matters – but also why you shouldn't let the title put you off reaching out if you need support.
The 'clinical' part simply means I've completed doctorate-level training and the ‘psychologist’ part means I am qualified to help with mental health and emotional wellbeing. It took me many years of study and practical experience to get here (including studying for my doctorate from the University of Liverpool), but what it really means is that I have the recognised tools and understanding to help people who are going through difficult times.
Just as you'd want a qualified mechanic to fix your car or a trained chef to cook your restaurant meal, having proper qualifications in psychology means I can provide the best possible support for you or your child. It's absolutely not about being clinical – quite the opposite! It means I have deep understanding of how our minds work and proven ways to help when things get tough.
My office is warm and relaxing, situated above a lovely coffee shop in a Staffordshire village. You’ll find a safe, welcoming space where we can talk things through together. Sometimes we might even take a walk outside if that feels more comfortable. What matters most is that you feel at ease.
I work with all sorts of people at every life stage – children, teenagers, adults, families – helping with everything from anxiety and depression to autism and ADHD assessments. Every person's story is unique, and that's what makes my days so rewarding. Sometimes people come to me feeling a bit nervous about seeing a 'Clinical Psychologist', but they always relax once they realise I'm just a regular person who happens to have training in navigating life's challenges.
The most important thing to know is that seeking help isn't about being 'clinical' at all – it's about finding someone who can listen, understand, and work with you to make things better. Whether we're talking about family stress, work anxiety, childhood behaviours or any other challenge, my role is to be here as a supportive guide, not a distant expert.
I'm proud of my qualifications because they help me do my job well, but please don't let the formal title put you off. It helps to differentiate me from other kinds of therapists or even psychologists as we all have different skills and roles to play.
Think of me as someone who's here to help, who just happens to have had all the training in knowing how to do that effectively. The door's always open for a chat about how we might work together.
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