Professional Qualifications, Accreditations and Memberships

• Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (MRCSLT)

• Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

• Bachelor of Speech Sciences (Hons), University College London (UCL)

• Postgraduate Certificate in Child-Focused Systemic Practice, Institute of Family Therapy (IFT)

• Accredited Video Interaction Guidance (VIG) Practitioner

• Member of the Association of Video Interaction Guidance UK (AVIGuk)

My Professional Experience

I am a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) with over 27 years of experience working within the NHS across a wide range of settings. I have a longstanding professional interest in the complex relationship between child and adolescent mental health, speech, language and communication disorders, and neurodevelopmental conditions. I have particular clinical expertise in working with children with Selective Mutism, and in supporting children, parents, and schools in managing this condition.

I currently work in an NHS team that specialises in the diagnostic assessment of children and young people with possible Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASCs). Prior to this, I spent over 18 years (2003–2022) working in a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) as both a Speech and Language Therapist and CAMHS Practitioner. During this time, I developed extensive experience working with children, young people, and families referred with a broad range of mental health difficulties, often co-occurring with speech, language and communication disorders, and other neurodevelopmental conditions including ASC and ADHD.

Within CAMHS, I conducted detailed assessments of children’s speech, language, and communication abilities, contributing to differential diagnosis within the multi-disciplinary team. My assessments played a key role in supporting the understanding of a child’s communication profile and informing treatment planning. I also participated in Autism assessments, working collaboratively with team members, and provided post-diagnostic support to children and their families. I am trained in the use of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS).  

I have specialist training and experience in assessing demand avoidance and PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance).

I have a strong interest in parental support and completed several specialist trainings to enhance my work with families. These include:

• The Incredible Years Webster-Stratton Parent Programme

• The Non-Violent Resistance (NVR) Parenting Approach

• Accredited training in Video Interaction Guidance (VIG)

I have over 16 years of experience running group parenting interventions, supporting parents in understanding and managing their child’s emotions and behaviours.

My Approach

I am committed to best practice and take a collaborative, flexible, and child-centred approach. I support children, young people, and families in identifying their goals, strengths, and areas of need — ensuring the child’s voice is central throughout the therapeutic process.

I provide specialist speech, language, and communication assessments to help build a comprehensive understanding of a child’s communication profile. This process involves meeting with the child and their parent(s), liaising with school staff, and delivering feedback in a way that is accessible and empowering. I also support young people in better understanding their own communication strengths and needs, and work closely with parents and schools to identify strategies that are both meaningful and practical.