Qualifying as a Doctor in Manchester in 1990, I have been an NHS GP for the past 27 years and remain a passionate advocate of the traditional GP who takes time to treat the whole person rather than just the symptoms, and values the importance of a trusting, therapeutic alliance in order to provide high quality care for all. 

 

I have treated many patients over the years with chronic pain and have developed a particular interest in this condition and share many patients' frustrations with the limitations of the standard medical treatments available. I was motivated to train in psychotherapy in order to improve my understanding and management of the anxiety and depression symptoms that often result from living with chronic pain and to help those who also have a past history of significant stress or trauma.

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Completing Foundation training in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy with the Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust in 2018 gave me invaluable insights into the development of the human mind and the impact of traumatic processes on mental and physical health and also how vital and transformative a good psychotherapeutic experience can be for clients. I understand the importance of good trauma-informed care and how to support clients from diverse backgrounds within the therapeutic process.

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Integrating my knowledge and experience I then sought training in the burgeoning field of Mind-Body Medicine which recognises how the mind-body connection can create physical symptoms such as chronic pain and how to help resolve this. I have trained in both Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) with Dr Howard Schubiner, who has been pioneering this important work in the USA, and I believe that these offer the way forward in the treatment of chronic pain. Working with the community mental health service Bluesci, I volunteered to set up and run a therapy for chronic pain service in 2021 at the Well-being Centre in Old Trafford, Manchester and since January 2024 I have been providing this at the Chester Wellness Centre as an independent practitioner. I am also an approved Practitioner supporting patients working through the online Freedom from Chronic Pain Programme.

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Understanding how the brain and nervous system create physical symptoms in the body is essential in order to start the recovery process. This has transformed the way I and many others are now working with individuals with chronic pain and I am delighted to see clients that I've worked with learn to use this knowledge to empower themselves and take charge of their own recovery. With the dual training and experience as both a GP and Therapist, I offer a compassionate and caring approach aimed at helping you gain control of your pain and improve your quality of life.

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I adhere to the professional standards for doctors as set out in Good Medical Practice (2013) and am regulated by the General Medical Council.