Forensic Psychologist IIRMS OPD Pathway

• Aug 2020 - Present

Cognitive Behavioural Therapist / Psychologist

• Sep 2011 - Present

Carrying out professional, confidential and sensitive Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to individuals and couples working from a private clinic in Essex.The aim of this therapy is to equip individuals with the necessary skills and coping mechanisms to deal with the problems and challenges that they face under life’s pressures. This form of therapy can help to change negative thinking patterns which keep individuals from fulfilling life goals, encourage people to be more in control of their lives, gain a clearer sense of direction and learn social, interpersonal and problem solving skills. When individuals have challenges or problems in their lives, the negative thoughts, moods, behaviours and physiological reactions begin to impact relationships, work, quality of life and general daily functioning. CBT is able to help with addressing these problems. Some of the main areas that can be addressed include but are not exclusive to:Anger Anxiety (General, Social, Health)Behavioural ProblemsEating DisordersChronic Fatigue / Sleep Problems / InsomniaRelationship problems / Divorce / SeparationDepressionDrug / Alcohol Problems AddictionsChronic PainPhobiasBereavement Panic AttacksPost Traumatic Stress DisorderLow Self Esteem / Low Self ConfidenceObsessive Compulsive DisorderRetirement IssuesSelf Harm / Suicidal IdeationsWeight ReductionPersonal DevelopmentPersonality DisordersBipolar DisorderBullyingAdoption IssuesSexuality / Gender IssuesIntimacy / Sex Difficulties SchizophreniaThe approach to treatment is tailored to each individuals specific needs and my training as a Psychologist allows me the flexibility to draw on a wide range of psychological theories and practice a range of therapeutic models as well as CBT where it is deemed necessary such as Mindfulness Based Approaches.

Forensic Psychologist

• Jun 2019 - Sep 2020

Cognitive Behavioural Therapist

• Nov 2018 - Aug 2019

Conducting assessment and interventions based on a CBT model over the phone. Following the IAPT model

Forensic Psychologist

• Jul 2018 - Jun 2019

Working on a 14-18 years CAMHS Ward and transitional ward for 18-25. Leading a DBT team and delivering group DBT skills sessions and individual therapy.

Forensic Psychologist

• May 2018 - Apr 2019

Working in a medium and low secure hospital with adult males with mental illness and/or Personality Disorders. This involves conducting assessments of risk and need, developing and delivering individual and group based offence focused interventions, delivering staff training, conducting research and facilitating reflective practice for staff.Two times finalist of the Laing Buisson awards for developments in risk management with service users (the development and delivery of the Identifying Risk Programme)

Forensic Psychologist in training

• Nov 2012 - May 2018

Assistant Psychologist

• Sep 2010 - Nov 2012

Working within a low Secure Forensic Mental Health Service specialising in older adults completing Needs Assessments to inform therapeutic interventions, facilitating group work including Mindfulness, Mood Management, Stop and Think!, Relapse Prevention, Experiential Counselling, Emotion Regulation and Risk Management. Using outcome measures to ensure that service user’s reports are informed by evidence based practice. 1-1 work using interpretive or narrative approaches depending on the service users needs. Attending Multi Disciplinary Team meetings, Ward Rounds and Care Programme Approach (CPA) meetings, attending patient reflective meetings and community meetings, formulating case presentations on service users and presenting them to the team. Completing Standardised Risk Tools including HCR-20, START and RSVP, administering Psychometric Assessments, analysing the data and formulating reports from the results, conducting Behavioural Observations informed by the MOAS, attending supervision and reflective practice.I have also been involvement in the development of the new older adult service which included researching ideas, adapting treatment to suit specific client needs, establishing a battery of psychometric assessments specific for older adults and have begun educating staff in specific skills required when working with this client group.

Health Care Worker

• Sep 2009 - Sep 2010

Working on a medium secure ward escorting patients on ground leave and Section 17 leave, completing nursing daily events notes, involved in patient admissions and discharges, carrying out risk assessments, assisting nurses in implementing care and management plans, compiling ward round report forms, assisting in the facilitation, monitoring and evaluation of patient groups, including ward based activities such as cooking, sports, lifestyle planning, games and art, co-facilitated anxiety management groups, attending Multi Disciplinary Team meetings, acting as a security nurse, which entails observation of the patients, being in charge of contraband items and general security checks on the ward, clinical auditing and assisting team leaders with administrative needs and utilising De-escalation Management of Violence Techniques as required.

Health Care Worker

• Jul 2008 - Sep 2009

Working on a low secure forensic mental health ward participating in escorting and maintaining safekeeping of patients both within and outside of secure environments, respond to serious and emergency incidents this may include the use of restraint techniques, maintain strict confidentiality of patient information, developing my understanding of risk reduction measures within the mental health act, and individual care plans, working as part of a team, building life experiences, using my own initiative with responsibility and a caring attitude, completing nursing daily events notes, conducting security checks throughout the ward, serving meals to patients, administrative duties, physical observations, drugs tests and conducting room/ward searches.