I'm Harriet, a Chartered Clinical Psychologist from Colchester, Essex.
I know first-hand what it is like when feeding your baby does not go to plan, and it is from my own experiences that I have developed a special interest in infant feeding, and the psychological impact of infant feeding on parents…
My feeding journey with my youngest child was tricky! Her tongue-tie resulted in a poor latch, feeding aversion and slow weight gain. Unfortunately, I experienced feelings of being dismissed and the difficulties being misunderstood by various (not all!) professionals, whilst I tried to feed a baby who just did not want to feed, and who cried a lot. I was very fortunate to be able to work with some wonderful professionals, and we were able to work out what was going on, and have the tongue-tie released (for the second time), and then help her to overcome her feeding aversion.
This lead me to do my own reading into the factors that influence infant feeding (including breastfeeding and other methods of feeding babies), the impact of infant feeding on parents, and the possible resulting grief and trauma. Infant feeding has become an area of special interest. I am not pro breast or bottle feeding; I am pro feeding choices, and mothers should be supported to feed their babies however they choose. My concern is the resulting psychological impact when this is not happening or did not happen.
Qualifications
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BSc in English Language and Communication (First Class Honours)
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MSc in Psychology (Distinction)
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Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (qualified 2019)
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HCPC registration number: PYL37601
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Chartered with the British Psychological Society
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I have received additional training in EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), and I am currently working towards accreditation
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I have received additional training in CBT, including CBT for perinatal loss. I am accredited by the BABCP.
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I am trained in The Rewind Technique (International Association for Rewind Trauma Therapy)
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I have received additional training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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I have completed the Make Birth Better Birth Trauma Training Programme
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I have undergone additional training provided by The Breastfeeding Network
I also work for the NHS primarily treating individuals with PTSD and symptoms of trauma. I have experience of working with individuals across the lifespan, including positions in Paediatrics and Eating Disorders. My main approaches are CBT and EMDR. I really enjoy providing a tailored approach to support individuals to reach their goals, and I consider my therapeutic manner to be compassionate, patient and kind.