About Me
Background
For a number of years, I have specialised in working with people experiencing co‑occurring mental health and addiction difficulties, as well as within criminal justice, safeguarding, and services supporting women during pregnancy and early parenting. I have held leadership roles, including Clinical Team Manager for both the Dual Diagnosis Team and the Pregnancy and Parenting Team in NHS Leeds & York.I have a particular interest in enhanced risk assessment and compassionate, effective responses to suicidality. My main focus is on psychosocial interventions and how these can be optimised within a multidisciplinary approach. I currently offer training packages to organisations aimed at strengthening practice and improving outcomes.
Education: PgCert, GDip, BA (Hons)
Approach
I began learning and practicing Social Behaviour and Network Therapy (SBNT) back in 2007 and have utilised this approach in various settings.
I am also trained in Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Subsequently I have supervised others learning these styles of therapy too. In my work, I typically draw on a combination of these approaches to develop a treatment plan that is responsive, collaborative, and tailored to the individual.
Addiction Expertise
I began my career in the voluntary sector, writing and delivering drug prevention programmes and developing drug and alcohol policies for businesses.
I have many years of experience working in the NHS including the centre of excellence Leeds Addiction Unit. I was an honorary lecturer for the University of Leeds teaching on the Addiction Studies degree programme. This created an opportunity to both teach and practice evidence-based addiction therapy.
I have assisted businesses implement drug and alcohol policies and developed packages that enhance awareness in the work place about substance use and mental health and support.
I am an advocate of video recorded practice for supervision and setting up and delivering learning communities for continued professional development.