I founded PsycholoBee in 2019. I chose the name PsycholoBee, as the services I offer are grounded in psychology. Since my initial discovery of this academic subject, as an infant school pupil in a book called ‘The Mind and Body’, psychology has inspired me with its wisdom; motivated me with its possibilities; and offered a dependable place for my learning and growth. As I am based in Manchester, I wanted to include the bee, as the symbol of Manchester, and to symbolise working together. Manchester has been the setting for my adult life. It is where I loved studying for my undergraduate degree in Psychology and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, and has subsequently been my home.
I have more than 20 years’ experience of formally applying psychology, both clinically and strategically, and am trained to work across the lifespan. I have worked for the NHS, several North West Universities and the British Psychological Society. I have worked with people both individually and in groups; within the contexts of both the informal and organised systems in which we function. I have been employed in more traditionally offered psychology services, most recently as an NHS Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Lead for Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology, but always believed that a greater potential could be realised. I feel privileged to have met some remarkable people, and have been moved and encouraged by their stories. Through classical training, I have both experienced and observed the benefits offered by applied psychology. Through creative channels, I hope to extensively share it.
Values are about who we want to be in the world; our chosen life direction, giving us meaning and purpose. Different from goals, as there is no endpoint; we choose them freely, rather than follow them as rules.
Coming from a small family, caring about people was important - I had to look after the few that were close! Appreciating others’ perspectives and working together to maintain healthy and supportive relationships were essential early lessons.
As my parents had met through acting, I spent a lot of time in theatres, and loved to dance. Responding to an audience’s needs gave me an appreciation of commitment, dedication and professionalism.
I quickly realised that listening to and being interested in what had happened to people, made sense of their thoughts, feelings, actions and situations. When people felt heard, understood and had hope for positive change, it felt valuable for them; and supporting them helped me feel valued.
Clinical Psychology training taught me to have a critical appreciation of the evidence base, and I maintain this research interest in order to uphold high standards. I use the process of assessment, formulation (shared understanding), personalised intervention and evaluation in all of my work.
‘The Bee’s Knees’ means to be excellent, or of an extremely high standard. It’s the phrase I used when my children were toddlers, to let them know how good they looked, after dressing themselves creatively! Working together with people, communities and organisations, I use psychological theory and apply its principles, to gain clarity, reach solutions and achieve desired outcomes. PsycholoBee was created with the aim of sharing the possibilities of psychology more universally. This may be to alleviate distress, promote psychological wellbeing or to fulfil potential - and achieve excellence.
A friendly and professional chat about your organisation or individual needs
