Biography
I am a Research Clinical Psychologist. My research focuses on improving equitable access to psychological interventions, particularly during the perinatal period.
I completed my PhD at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia (USA), (APA accredited), where my research was focused on interpersonal factors in women’s mental health. Clinically, I specialised in CBT for depression and anxiety and Behavioural Couples Therapy. I then undertook a postdoctoral fellowship in perinatal psychology at the University of Michigan, Department of Psychiatry (APA accredited), where I also trained clinically in Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT). From 2005-2007, I was an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. I joined the Mood Disorders Centre (MDC) and Psychology Department at the University of Exeter in 2007.
I am currently seconded to .2 WTE to NHS England as a National Clinical Advisor to the Perinatal Mental Health Policy team.
Interests:
My research focuses on the following areas: (1) investigating the efficacy of Cognitive Behavioural and Interpersonal Treatments for depression and anxiety, particularly behaviourally oriented treatments, and (2) improving treatment for women suffering from depression during pregnancy and postnatally, especially through novel treatment delivery modes (e.g., internet, apps) (3) understanding mechanisms (e.g., emotion regulation) underlying the links between perinatal depression, maternal sensitivity, and child outcomes.