I began my working life in the health and fitness industry and still teach fitness classes today. My career in mental health began in 2004 as a support worker in a residential home for young adults with Autism, which inspired me to train as a Mental Health Nurse. During my training I discovered my passion lay in working therapeutically with patients, and while my children were small, I worked as a volunteer for an Improving Access to Psychological Therapy service delivering CBT courses to groups of patients with anxiety, depression and weight management issues. I was so blown away by the impact CBT had on peoples lives that I decided to go back to university and train as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist.
Over the years I have become acutely aware of the complex nature of weight management and wanted to use my skills as a therapist to help people lose weight and improve their body image. Listening to peoples stories on the weight management courses, I discovered the profound effect it has on so many aspects of their lives. I began researching diets and the psychology of weight 'loss' and discovered quite quickly that being told to exercise more and eat less just doesn't cut it for most people. I wanted to provide compassionate psychological support for people who would like help to manage their weight and developed the MindSmith Weight Management programme.
University education:
Professional membership: