Who am I?
Since graduating with a BSc in Occupational Therapy in 2000, my heart and passion has been working with children, adolescents and young adults.
I have 26 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Edinburgh and in inner city Sydney, Australia. I have gained experience and knowledge in working with young people who have experienced anxiety, low mood, psychosis and neurodevelopmental differences and support them to gain or increase their day to day life skills. so that they can move forwards and work towards both short and long term goals.
As a health professional, I work in accordance with GDPR and professional guidelines from the Health and Care Professions Council and the Information Commissioner’s Office. I am a member of HCPC and BAOT.
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I offer emotional, sensory and mental health support to young people from ages 10-25 who are experiencing emotional or psychological distress related to anxiety, low mood or underlying neurodevelopmental conditions. I am based in Edinburgh for face to face sessions both in office space and at the young persons home but can support via Teams, phone or text as well.
Occupational Therapy
Individual Therapy
My core belief in working with young people is the “doing” and how I can best support the young person to problem solve through their own routines, motivations, environment and skills to be who they want to be. I believe that building strong relationships underpins all the therapeutic work I do and allows the young person to feel heard and valued to make changes at their own pace. I offer a safe space where the young person can feel contained and validated and have space to reflect on their thoughts, feelings and experiences..
In particular, I seek strategies to assist with sensory challenges which may impact on emotional regulation. As well as working towards both short and long term goals ,I can also help the young person link in and access community activities and sign post to longer-term community supports.
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Family Support
In my therapy sessions with family, we’ll work to solve current problems and improve positive thinking and behaviour within the family system. I will help you “re-frame” your reactions and provide you with valuable tools to cope with life’s obstacles. I am happy to advocate on the young person/family's behalf at meetings including at child planning meetings with education.
Sensory Profile
I offer a personalised sensory profile to support young people to become increasingly aware of their sensory preferences. From this profile, a report will be written including strategies that will aid with emotional and sensory regulation in day to day life.
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Picture Mindmate.org.uk
Educational Support
I can offer support in enabling young people to study in different educational environments including school, college and university. I will support them in both developing study and executive functioning skills which are needed both to enjoy and succeed at learning.
For those who receive SAAS funding for further education, my support can be funded through the Disabled students Allowance (DSA).
Contact Me
Please feel free to send through an enquiry for further information and to ask any questions. I offer face to face sessions in Edinburgh and the Lothians and on line Team appointments.