About Alison
Deciding to find a therapist can be a big step and you have the right to choose therapy that suits you.
As I see it, being able to connect with your therapist is crucial for therapy to be successful, and clinical research has consistently confirmed this.
So my approach is to get to know you as an individual first, giving you time and space to decide whether you feel comfortable working with me, and I with you. Then we can work out how best to help you, following the evidence to choose the approach that is most likely to work for you. I mostly work online, but in-person appointments are available in some circumstances.
Education, training & accreditations
I am an accredited CBT therapist, supervisor, and trainer with the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapy (BABCP). I am also a Chartered Clinical Psychologist with the British Psychological Society (BPS) and registered as a Practitioner Psychologist with the Health & Care Professions Council.
I graduated in psychology from the University of Glasgow, and then trained as a Clinical Psychologist within the NHS in Oxford, qualifying in 1993.
During my training, I was introduced to a variety of therapeutic approaches, but found myself particularly drawn to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) due to its strong evidence base and practical effectiveness. I went on to undertake specialist post-graduate training in CBT at the University of Oxford, which I completed in 1997.
Experience and specialist skills
Throughout over 35 years working clinically in the NHS, I have had the privilege of working with adults seeking therapy for a wide range of clinical difficulties. I have also worked alongside many of the UK's leading CBT therapists and clinical researchers, and delivered training to the next generation of CBT therapists. Whilst CBT remains my primary therapeutic approach, my practice as a clinical psychologist incorporates a broad spectrum of psychological knowledge and other evidence-based methods, enabling me to tailor therapy to the unique needs of each person I work with.
I have specialist expertise in working with
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anxiety disorders & phobias
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difficulties resulting from experiences of trauma
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depression
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healthcare professionals experiencing mental health challenges.
I continue to work clinically in the NHS as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the Oxford Health Specialist Psychological Intervention Centre (OHSPIC). I have specialist expertise in working with adults living with anxiety disorders & difficulties resulting from experiences of trauma.
I have extensive experience of delivering CBT training and supervision to health professionals in the UK and overseas via my role as a CBT trainer & supervisor at the Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre (OCTC). I am an Honorary Senior Tutor of the University of Oxford and lead a post-graduate CBT training programme.
