Hi! I’m Kirsty and I’m a Clinical Psychologist.

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Can you tell me a bit about your background?

I am a registered member of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and the British Psychological Society. Before joining The Oak Tree Practice, I have gathered experience from working in a number of NHS teams over the past 5 years. I am currently employed as a Specialist Clinical Psychologist within the NHS. I have developed both an academic and skills based knowledge through my undergraduate degree, post graduate Masters and Clinical Doctorate. I have experience of working with adults, children and families, specialising in talking therapies for adults aged 18 and over. I offer therapy which focuses on understanding issues which are affecting an individual now, but with space to think about how this may also link with past difficulties. There is also space to think about a person’s strengths and possibilities. I offer an integrated approach and tailor this to what is agreed would be most important to an individual’s well-being. 

What would it be like to meet me?

The first meeting is an opportunity for me to introduce myself and explain how I work and what I would be able to offer. This will also give an opportunity to talk about what is going on for an individual and what they feel they could benefit addressing. I aim to create a space where a person feels they are able to talk honestly and openly about their feelings and thoughts. I value the need to have a non-judgemental space to explore challenging experiences. The therapy I offer is based on a combined agreement between the individual and myself, and is person centred.

What therapies do you use and what kind of difficulties do you help people with?

I use an integrative model which uses elements of psychodynamic psychotherapy, third wave CBT, such as compassion focused therapy, as well as mentalisation based approaches. This can mean focusing on one key difficulty or recognising and working on issues which have wider implications. I have experience of working with a variety of symptoms and difficulties including anxiety, depression, medically unexplained symptoms, chronic pain and relationship difficulties.

What are your interests outside of psychology?

I enjoy cooking, traveling and exploring. I am also a keen runner, and try and get out and about to run whenever possible. Music is also an important part of my life and I love going to all variety of gigs.