Why I founded Shore Psychology

The decision to found Shore Psychology came out of multiple personal and professional experiences, and a deep-rooted feeling that there needs to be something new and different in the mental health treatment and neurodiversity assessment landscape. It is about building a space that reflects everything I (and other health professionals in our community) have learned, experienced, and deeply care about. At its heart, Shore is a response to the multiple inequalities that exist in society, and an innovative way to offer people the support and understanding I wish I’d had at pivotal moments in my own life.

A Personal Beginning

As a child, I grew up in a home environment which was challenging. I was physically unwell for several years, and the route cause was unclear.

It wasn’t until many years later in life, that the connection between my
physical, later mental health symptoms and the difficulties of my upbringing of my upbringing became clearer. A doctor’s suggestion to seek psychological support instead of medical treatment s, and subsequent difficult experiences in the healthcare system, left me feeling as though I was inherently flawed, as though the problem was “me” and that maybe I was “crazy.” These moments shaped how I saw myself and started a long journey through my own challenges.

But it also planted a seed. I knew, even then, that no child or adult should ever feel that way – misunderstood, unsupported, or defined by their struggles. That understanding shaped my drive to become a Clinical Psychologist and, ultimately, to found Shore Psychology.

Finding My Purpose

Whilst gaining work experience in the early 2000s, I worked in the justice system, in both prisons and community settings. Those early years exposed me to the stark realities of inequality and the systemic challenges faced by some of the most vulnerable people in society. Many of the people I spoke to had endured unimaginable hardships and trauma. These experiences solidified my commitment to social justice and showed me how deeply difficult life experiences can shape our lives.

My subsequent time working in and alongside national governments, allowed me to contribute to reform efforts, but I quickly realised that my greatest impact was on the frontline, seeing people for who they truly are and helping them navigate their struggles. As a trauma specialist, I’ve gained a deep understanding of how difficult events affect the brain, our ability to regulate our emotions, our sense of self, and our relationships. It’s a privilege to have this knowledge, and I feel a profound responsibility to share it, and use it to help others.

Changing the Narrative

One of the most damaging aspects of traditional mental health narratives is the question: “What’s wrong with me?” It’s a question I’ve asked myself in the past, and it’s one I’ve heard echoed by so many of my clients. At Shore Psychology, we work to reframe this narrative to “It’s what’s happened to me.” This shift changes everything. It helps people recognise their struggles are not their fault, that recovery is not only possible but also within reach