NICE TO MEET YOU!

A little about me-

(starting with the formal bits)... 

My Clinical Psychology career started in 1992 when I quit my job and went to University to begin my first Psychology degree (BSc Hons).

After graduating in 1995, I worked at the Traumatic Stress Clinic in London followed by the Royal London Hospital as a Research Psychologist. I was then selected for a post graduate position at Birmingham University (UK) for 3 further years where I completed a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (D.Clin.Psy). 

After graduating in 2001 & for the next 15 years, I enjoyed the role of Lead Clinical Psychologist in an Adult Mental Health and Complex Trauma Service where I;

- Worked 1-to-1 with people with mental health symptoms

- Provided supervision for mental health staff 

- Provided teaching on mental health topics

- Contributed to the development of new mental health services and

- Created & delivered group treatment programs for complex psychological symptoms - Helping people understand & overcome their symptoms of Anxiety, Depression, Trauma & difficulties with Regulating their Emotions.

- It was during this time that I completed further post graduate qualifications and began to serve as an Expert Witness- I've met individually with over 3000 people who have Driving Anxiety & other Psychological Trauma, Anxiety & Depression symptoms.

- I'm trusted to provide expert opinion to the court about the causes of psychological symptoms & to recommend the treatment plan I believe will lead to recovery. 

- I quickly realised that people were struggling to find the treatment I'd recommended and so their driving misery continued- sometimes for years. This often affected their relationships with family & friends, reduced self esteem and impacted upon their ability to work or take the opportunities they wanted.

Evolution of The Driving Anxiety Academy (DAA)^TM

 So, I made it my mission to review every resource I could find- I'd hoped to find something I could 'hand on heart' recommend to everyone I met.... 

The search included a poll in our Facebook Groups (>6000 people) asking for their most helpful recommendations-  but there simply wasn't the 'gold standard' service we wanted to be able to recommend. 

I became increasingly frustrated that driving anxiety was overlooked, despite it causing misery and embarrassment for so many people - No matter how hard I searched (and I knew what I was looking for!), I couldn't find anything that included the evidence based treatments that Clinical Psychologists use everyday.

"As a Clinical Psychologist I knew the evidence based treatments we use are very effective.... So why couldn't I find these written for the public?"

- So, I got to work on translating everything I do with my clients 1-2-1 into the online courses you see here today- Courses where I share the strategies & techniques I've use for over 22 years.

- I also understand you want to get back to your life as quickly as possible, so I only include the stuff that works best - No fluff -No fillers!

My Courses are based only on;

1/ Clinical Psychology Science & Knowledge about what works & what doesn't and 

2/ The Tried & Tested, Most Simple & Effective Treatment Techniques I have used in my clinical practice for over 22 years

"My aim is to provide courses that I would be proud to recommend to my own 'nearest & dearest' - and to help you find your way back 'to you' again - as quickly as possible"

"Lego for Psychology Nerds"..

- I've been fortunate to access education but always wondered why ideas are often explained in the most complicated way! 

-I really enjoy the challenge of breaking apart complex ideas & rebuilding them more simply - like Lego, but for Psychology nerds!

- Because I believe that simple, step-by-step approaches create the best results

- I leave ego at the door- my job is to help you overcome the problem- not try to impress people with complexity. 

- I have a nerdy passion for learning (always a book or three on the go) - always searching for ways to reduce recovery time for you. 

- I'm lucky to live by the Dorset coast (UK) with my husband & 3 children - I love trail running (despite being officially the slowest runner of all time - like ever!) and the freedom travel can bring. 

My Bigger 'Why'.

It seems to the outside world that driving anxiety is a simple problem, doesn't it?

But anyone, who has acquired driving anxiety knows that fear grows over time. Simple decisions become complicated and 'over-thought'.

Gradually, life gets smaller - saying 'No' becomes the-new-normal. The fear has most likely affected your relationships, how you are as a parent or reduced your performance at work. I've seen the huge impact fear can have, if we leave it to grow.

However, what I also know- Is that humans are resilient - We just need 'pointing in the right direction' to thrive. And, when people overcome this fear- something quite amazing happens. Because once humans overcome a fear- they have the tools to face other fears and you become unstoppable. More able to share yourself and your talents with your family, workplace, community and the world - And that creates a better place for us all.  My work is fuelled by the ripple effect I believe you'll create. 

Best wishes, Dr T. x