Clinical Psychologist Children & Young People

Born in Germany but raised in California in a large family. After receiving my bachelor’s degree in psychology, I moved to the state of Ohio to attend graduate school and received my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Ohio University in 2002. I then moved to Finland in 2006 for 10 years, before settling in the UK in 2016.  I have two adult children who both continue to live in Finland. 

During my 20-year professional career as a psychologist I have worked in a variety of settings with a diverse population of clients, but mostly with children and young adults. Currently, in addition to my private work, I work as a psychologist for Westminster Children Services as part of an intensive family support programme. 

I work with children and young persons aged 4 to 25 and their families. I have experience working with a wide range of presenting difficulties, including anxiety around school, exam taking, physical appearance and social situations, specific anxieties, such as around illness or crowds, low mood and depression, self-harming, eating difficulties, sleep difficulties, difficulty adjusting to change, such as loss of a loved one, divorce and separation, or a move, trauma, and attachment related difficulties. I also work with parents who are struggling with challenging behaviours.  My therapeutic approach incorporates several evidence-based models including Compassion Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), trauma-focused CBT, Narrative Therapy, and Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB).

My personal view of change is that therapy works best in the presence of a strong therapeutic relationship based on acceptance and compassion, proven techniques wielded by a skilled clinician, and the presence of a supportive home and community environment.

I am registered with the Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC) and a Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society (BPS). I have contributed on over 20 research articles, workshops, and presentations concerning mental health outcomes for children.