Hello, I'm Pamela
I'm an accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) with training in EMDR and specialist training in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). I work with adults experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, dissociation and a range of emotional difficulties, as well as neurodivergent adults seeking support to better understand themselves and navigate life's challenges.
Alongside my professional training and clinical experience, I am also neurodivergent. This means I bring both professional knowledge and personal understanding of some of the challenges that can come with navigating a world that is not always designed for neurodivergent people. While everyone's experience is unique, I understand first-hand the impact that overwhelm, self-criticism, feeling different, masking and burnout can have on wellbeing.
I offer online therapy across the UK and strive to create a therapeutic space where you feel understood, respected and able to be yourself.
My Clinical Interests
My clinical interests in compassion, neurodiversity and psychological wellbeing have also led me to begin doctoral research exploring how Compassion Focused Therapy can be adapted to better support adults with ADHD.
My Approach
My approach is warm, collaborative and grounded in the belief that our struggles often make sense when viewed in the context of our experiences, relationships and environment. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, I aim to help people develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences.
Do You Feel Overwhelmed, Misunderstood or Self Critical?
Many of the people I work with have spent years feeling misunderstood, overwhelmed or self-critical. Therapy can provide a space to make sense of these experiences, develop self-compassion and move towards meaningful and lasting change.
Qualifications
Formal qualifications
- BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist
- EMDR Trained Therapist
- Specialist training in Compassion Focused Therapy, including CFT for trauma, dissociation and psychosis, as well as compassion-focused approaches to staff wellbeing and support.
- Extensive experience working within NHS mental health services across primary, secondary and tertiary care settings.
Experience
Throughout my career
I have experience of working within primary, secondary and tertiary services within the NHS. I have been a CBT therapist for 5 years and have experience working with a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, PTSD, complex trauma, severe dissociation, psychosis and distressing voice-hearing experiences.
Neuro-divergence
I have extensive experience
Aadapting therapy for neurodivergent adults, tailoring interventions to meet individual needs and supporting clients to better understand themselves, reduce shame and navigate life in a predominantly neurotypical world.
Providing Supervision Facilitating Groups
Alongside my clinical work
I have experience providing supervision and facilitating groups, supporting multidisciplinary teams and contributing to service development. My work has often involved supporting individuals with complex presentations and those who may not have found previous therapeutic approaches fully met their needs.
Ongoing professional development
Continue to develop my knowledge
I am committed to ongoing professional development and continue to develop my knowledge in areas including trauma, compassion-focused approaches, neurodiversity and evidence-based psychological therapies.
Neuro affirming approach
Natural Forms of Human Diversity
As a neuroaffirming therapist, I recognise that ADHD and autism are natural forms of human diversity rather than problems to be fixed.
Neurodivergent People Have Spent Years Trying to Fit Expectations
My approach is informed by both professional training and lived experience as a neurodivergent person. I understand that many neurodivergent people have spent years trying to fit expectations that were never designed with them in mind. This can lead to shame, self-criticism, masking, burnout and a feeling of constantly falling short despite working incredibly hard.
Recognise Your Strengths and Navigate the Challenges
Many clients come to therapy wanting practical support but also wanting to understand themselves more fully and develop a more compassionate relationship with who they are. My aim is not to help you become more neurotypical, but to help you better understand how your brain works, recognise your strengths and navigate the challenges that can arise from living in a predominantly neurotypical world.
Effective Therapy Should Fit the Individual
Alongside my lived experience, I have worked extensively with neurodivergent adults across a range of clinical settings. This has involved adapting therapy to accommodate differences in attention, processing, communication, sensory experiences and executive functioning. I believe effective therapy should fit the individual, rather than expecting the individual to fit the therapy.
Live In a Way That Feels Authentic and Sustainable
Together, we can work towards reducing distress, developing self-understanding and building the confidence to live in a way that feels authentic and sustainable.
I believe that meaningful change often begins with understanding and self-compassion. By developing a clearer understanding of yourself and your experiences, it becomes possible to move away from shame and self-criticism towards greater acceptance, confidence and wellbeing.
Take The First Step
If you're ready to explore therapy or have any questions, I'd love to hear from you