I am a Clinical Psychologist specialising in spinal cord injury, with extensive experience providing psychological support to individuals and their families following spinal cord injury.

I previously led the NHS psychology service within a regional spinal cord injuries unit, where I provided specialist psychological assessment and intervention and worked closely with multidisciplinary teams. I have also provided training to medical and other healthcare professionals on the psychological impact of spinal cord injury.

Psychological adjustment after SCI

I understand that the impact of a spinal cord injury extends far beyond the physical changes. For many people, an injury involves significant losses — of movement, independence, valued activities and the future they had imagined for themselves. A spinal cord injury can also affect relationships, employment, finances and many other aspects of everyday life. It is understandable that these changes can bring grief, sadness and uncertainty about how life will look now.

Adjusting to the changes that follow a spinal cord injury can be challenging and stressful, particularly when the ways you previously coped with stress are no longer available to you. For some people, this can also be accompanied by difficulties such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The psychological impact of spinal cord injury can also change over time. Different challenges may emerge at different stages of life — for example, when returning home from hospital, going back to work, navigating changes in relationships or experiencing changes in physical health or independence. I can offer support whether you are adjusting to a recent injury or have been living with a spinal cord injury for many years.

Psychological therapy after SCI

Psychological therapy can provide a space to make sense of what has happened, understand difficult thoughts and emotions, and consider how you would like to respond to the changes in your life.

You do not need to have a mental health diagnosis to benefit from psychological therapy. You may be experiencing significant distress, or you may simply feel that it would be helpful to talk things through with someone who has specialist knowledge and experience of spinal cord injury.

Support for families

Spinal cord injury can affect the whole family. Partners and family members may experience their own grief, uncertainty, anxiety and changes in their relationships and roles.

I provide psychological support for family members as well as for people with spinal cord injury, recognising that everyone may have a different experience of the injury and different needs for support.

How I can help…

I can provide psychological assessment and therapy to support you with:

• Adjusting to changes in independence and physical functioning
• Grief and loss
• Anxiety, low mood and depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Changes in identity and sense of self
• Body image and confidence
• Changes in relationships and family life
• Coping with pain and fatigue
• Managing stress and difficult emotions
• Managing setbacks during rehabilitation
• Difficulties engaging with or adjusting to rehabilitation
• Adjusting to life after leaving hospital or rehabilitation
• Changes in work, employment and other valued activities
• Supporting partners and family members

Appointments and fees

I offer both online appointments and in-person appointments in Sheffield, S11. Each appointment lasts 60 minutes.

Private appointments

My fee is £120 for online appointments and £130 for in-person appointments.

Insurance

I am a Bupa-recognised provider and am also recognised by other major private health insurers, including Aviva and Vitality. Where applicable, fees will be in line with the rates agreed with the relevant insurance company.

Case-managed therapy

If you are accessing therapy through a case-managed arrangement, I am happy to discuss this with you and work alongside your insurer or case manager where appropriate.

Considering psychological therapy?

If you would like to find out more, please get in touch. I’d be happy to answer any questions and discuss whether my approach feels like a good fit for you.

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Please note that this practice does not offer a crisis service. If you need urgent support, please contact NHS 111 by phone or online at 111.nhs.uk.