Physical Health Psychology

Dr Nita Baker, Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist

My name is Dr Nita Baker. I am the Professional Lead and a Chartered Consultant Clinical Psychologist & Neuropsychologist.

I work with a wide range of referrals that come into the service - with people with various neurological conditions, pain related conditions, chronic fatigue syndrome, conditions such as functional neurological disorder and people who have breast cancer as well as completing assessments with people waiting for mastectomy.

I use a variety of therapeutic approaches including Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focussed Therapy (CFT), solution-focussed brief therapy and systemic approaches as well as Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. Alongside this, I have completed training in clinical neuropsychology and on the Specialist Register of Clinical Neuropsychologists.

Dr Jessica Poole, Clinical Psychologist

My name is Jessica. I am a Clinical Psychologist and I completed my training at Staffordshire University. In the Physical Health Psychology Speciality I work with people with neurological conditions, CFS/ME, Fibromyalgia and other pain conditions. I use a range of therapeutic models, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), to help individuals experiencing distress associated with their physical health condition to lead a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Dr Chris Cutler, Clinical Psychologist

I graduated as a Clinical Psychologist in 2009 from Leicester University. My main interest has been in physical health psychology following having a year long placement during training, and have subsequently working in this specialty since qualifying. Between 2008 and 2013 I worked primarily with chronic pain, helping run the pain management programme at Leicester General Hospital. I also had experience working with other health conditions, such as renal failure. Since starting work with MPFT my focus has been a mixture of supporting people with cancer, and palliative care. In addition I have also been linked in with Queen’s Hospital, Burton, offering therapy as well as training to staff around traumatic experiences in IPU.

I use a range of therapeutic techniques including cognitive behavioural approaches, but I have a special interest in Personal Construct Psychology which I have found a useful approach in supporting patients to adapt to changes brought by physical health conditions.

Dr Alice Flint, Clinical Psychologist

I qualified as a Clinical Psychologist in 2016 from the University of Leeds and I have worked in the Physical Health Psychology Service since then. I work with people with a range of physical health conditions including neurological conditions, pain and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). I have an interest in working with trauma and now also work within the Post Critical Care Service. I aim to help people to live well and continue with their valued activities and goals alongside their physical health problems. My main therapeutic approaches draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy.

Dr Jo Woolliscroft, Senior Clinical Psychologist / Systemic Practitioner

Hello, my name is Jo. I have worked in clinical health psychology in the NHS since qualifying as a clinical psychologist in 2003. I previously worked as a qualified nurse, and it was through these experiences that I became interested in the emotional impact of changes in health. I have gained a range of experiences working alongside adults often living with a number of health conditions, including cancer, cystic fibrosis, conditions which result in chronic pain and chronic fatigue. Until 2016 I also worked as a member of a systemic family therapy team in adult mental health psychology.

I work collaboratively with clients and their wider network to help them create meaningful change, to improve their quality of life and emotional wellbeing. Therapeutic approaches include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, systemic and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Additional training includes completing a Post Graduate Diploma in Systemic Practice to become a Systemic Practitioner. I also see clients as part of the risk reducing mastectomy pathway, conducting pre-surgery psychological assessments.

Parneet Purewal, Counselling Psychologist

Hello my name is Parneet, I have worked in Physical Health Psychology services since qualifying as a Counselling Psychologist in 2005.  I have worked with people with a range of different health issues, including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic Pain, Cancer, Palliative care, Respiratory issues, Renal issues, and those admitted to Intensive care.  I strive to work with people to help them identify and work towards their goals taking into account the impact of their health issues.  The main therapeutic approaches I work with include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Amanda Colbourne, Personal Senior Secretary

I am a qualified Medical Secretary and have an AMSPAR diploma. I have worked for MPFT for 22 years. I have worked in the Physical Health Psychology Service for the last 8 years and work one day a week, on a Monday. I work alongside two colleagues and between us we cover all administrative duties.