About Me

I have always believed that Therapy is a personal experience. Before I, or a loved one, was to undertake any system of treatment of psychotherapy or hypnotherapy I would want to know some details of the training, experience and ethics of the practitioner involved.

My first qualification was in Dental Surgery, but rapidly discovered  that I was more interested in treating anxious dental patients, particularly those with phobias, and so sought out training in psychological approaches.

Initially, I trained in Behavioural Techniques, and Hypnotherapy, which was a great platform for making rapid progress. I became a senior lecturer on advanced hypnotic techniques for the British Society of Medical and Dental Hypnosis.

I  widened my scope and experience, particularly of non-dental conditions, by attachment to the Department of Psychiatry for three years to study every area of psychology and treat every type of psychological problem and I qualified with the Diploma in Psychotherapy from University of Leeds.

For nearly ten years I was at St James’s University Hospital and Leeds Dental Institute, and in addition to teaching technical skills helped to institute patient management methods, and ran courses relating to Managing stress (for practicing Dentists). At St James’s I provided treatment to patients who were medically compromised and to those where there was a high psychogenic component e.g. facial pain, jaw issues and phobias.

Fears n Phobias

I eventually became the National secretary to the Hypnosis Society and elected as Honorary Fellow.

I lectured nationwide, as far afield as Oxford, Edinburgh, London, and internationally in Dublin, Italy, (and most recently Cambodia!) Apart from formal connections to the Universities of Sheffield and Newcastle I also had media involvement; appearing on Yorkshire Television and on ‘Granada TV’s ‘Good Morning’ program as well as on Radio Leeds.

I obtained additional post-graduate qualifications in Sedation at Newcastle University and was awarded An MFGDP at the Royal College of Surgeons and was the National Winner of the Probe Dental Awards for services to Dental Phobia.

No Matter. You can have more degrees than a thermometer. At the end of the day, when the door closes, there is just myself and my patient. We have to form an alliance to deal with whatever is before us and it is that relationship and motivation which is the major factor in ensuring a successful outcome.

 

Professional Information

Relevant CV

QUALIFICATIONS:

B Ch D University of Leeds

Diploma in Psychotherapy. University of Leeds

Certificate of Accreditation. Brit Soc Medical and Dental Hypnosis

Honorary Fellow. Brit Soc Medical and Dental Hypnosis.

Certificate of Accreditation. Brit Soc Clinical and Academic Hypnosis

MFGDP(UK) Royal College of Surgeons (Eng.)

Ext Course in Conscious Sedation and Pain Control. University of Newcastle.

Diploma in Conscious Sedation in Dentistry. University of Newcastle.

Immediate Life Support (Certificate Update 2018)

POSITIONS:

Lawnswood Dental Care. Leeds: Principal Partner :

Mapleleaf Practice Harrogate: Principal Partner

St James’ University Hospital, Leeds: Clinical Assistant. (Re :Medically compromised patients /Facial Pain/TMJ/Psychogenic)

Leeds Dental Institute: Leeds Clinical Demonstrator (Re: Teaching/ Lectures; Anxiety/Behaviour management

Course organiser “Managing to Communicate”

Chairman Northern Counties. Brit Soc Medical and Dental Hypnosis.

Co-Chairman Dental Faculty European Congress of Hypnosis in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine Oxford UK

Co-Chairman Dental Faculty European Congress of Hypnosis in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine. Abano Italy

National Honorary Secretary. BSMDH

Centre for Psychotherapeutic Studies. University of Sheffield. External Psychotherapy Supervisor

MSC Clinical Psychology. University of Newcastle – Course contributor

Assistant Director, Yorkshire Division. Faculty of General Dental Practitioners, Royal College of Surgeons

International University -Phnom Penh Cambodia. Course Director ‘Management of Dental Anxiety’

Awards:

Diprivan Prize in Dental Sedation.

National Winner: ‘Probe’ – Services to Dental Phobia

Professional Referrals 

Thank you for wishing to refer a patient/client to me.

Please complete the sections on the form:

  • Your own contact details so that I can communicate and keep you informed.
  • The patient/client details including an agreed contact number for an initial contact.
  • Brief details of the condition(s) for which the person is requiring help.
  • Relevant Medical History; Any medical history which you feel may help in evaluating or assessing this individual and your referral.

This form and any information supplied will be treated in strict confidence.

How can I help?

I will be delighted to hear from you. Whether it’s a general question, specific advice or to arrange an appointment, please leave a message.

Station Parade
Harrogate

Online  Therapy

Therapy sessions using 'Zoom' arranged to make access to help simple and convenient

 

Here are some links to Organisations, Societies and Websites which I hope will be useful in finding more information and help.
SAAD – Society for the Advancement of Anaesthesia in Dentistry. Dental charity dedicated to training and use of Sedation techniques
BSCAH – British Society of Clinical and Academic Hypnosis. Organises training and registration of practitioners who use Hypnotic techniques in their field of work. Dental members have a special interest in Dental Phobia.