Hi, my name is Teresa and it is lovely to meet you. I hope that you find everything you need on my website but do not hesitate to get in touch if you need anything else.

I am an Educational Psychologist currently working part time for the Local Authority, and part time within the private sector. I have worked with children and young people for 17 years, beginning as an early years and KS1 teacher in a special educational needs school and progressing into my current role as Educational Psychologist and (soon to be) narrative therapist. I have a decade of experience as an EP and have worked with children from the age of 2-25 in several different types of setting.

I live in the East of Kent with my husband, daughter and pets. Mindful Paws was named for some of my cats who have inspired me with their tenacity, bravery and compassion. In the fast paced world we live in, I am lucky to share my life with little fluffballs who remind me constantly that I need to take my own “Mindful Pause”.

I practice holistically drawing on several different models that underpin my values and work including narrative approaches, positive psychology and mindfulness. I am a parent to a wonderful autistic young person so I have first hand experience of being on the “other side” of the meetings, and can offer parents a safe, compassionate space.

I learn something new from every school, child or family that I work with, and I look forward to new challenges each day. Click here to see what services I currently offer.

Mindful Paws Values

• Honesty- I communicate openly and transparently, building trust through truthfulness in all our interactions.

• Integrity-I uphold the highest ethical standards, staying true to our principles even when no one is watching.

• Respect- I honour the uniqueness of every individual regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality; treating all people with dignity, empathy, and care. I value your stories, your history and your culture.

• Non-judgement- The person is never a problem, the problem is the problem. I will provide a safe, supportive space for individuals to feel heard, accepted and free to be themselves

• Equity-I am aware of many challenges faced and am committed to fairness, actively working to remove barriers and ensure equal access to opportunity for all. As a white, middle class psychologist I strive to be aware of my own privilege and to be an ally for others.

• Collaboration- I believe in the power of partnership, working closely with families, children and schools. Everyone brings something to the room.

Important Information, and relevant qualifications

• I am HCPC registered (as a Practitioner Psychologist) and hold an enhanced DBS check.

• I am fully insured with Towergate Insurance

• Doctorate in Educational, Child and Community Psychology obtained in 2015 (Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust/University of Essex)

• I am an accredited VIG (Video Interaction Guidance) Practitioner and am working towards my Advanced accreditation

• I am a trained (Mindfulness in Schools Project) teacher of the Paws b and Dots primary school curriculums and the MBSR adult programme

• I am working towards my Masters degree in Narrative Therapy and Community Work, with the University of Melbourne and expect to finish in Winter 2025

• Completed BPS (British Psychological Society) Clinical Supervision training.

• Additional training completed in supporting children with bereavements, particularly bereavement of pets (with the Blue Cross)

• I am an accredited antenatal and hypnobirthing teacher.