About
Hello, I'm Dr Jo
I'm an Educational Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. I work with children and young people aged 0 to 25, and the families, schools and professionals around them, across Amersham and South Buckinghamshire.
I came to educational psychology after a decade working directly with children, in mainstream schools and in alternative provision for those who weren't coping with mainstream. That grounded experience shapes how I work now: collaboratively, practically, and with deep respect for the adults trying to help.
What I love about this work is that change is possible. My doctoral research focused on emotionally based school avoidance, an area where families often arrive feeling stuck. Time and again, with the right understanding and the right plan, things shift.
My journey
Educational psychology was a deliberate choice, not a first step. The years in schools and alternative provision before my doctorate are what make my practice what it is today.
2011-2021
A decade in schools and alternative provision
From SEMH learning mentor to outreach worker to Head of School at an alternative provision for young people experiencing school avoidance and complex needs. The years that shaped how I work now.
2021-2023
Doctorate, UCL Institute of Education
Professional Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology. Doctoral research focused on emotionally based school avoidance across the primary-to-secondary transition.
2023-present
Educational Psychologist, Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
Patch-school casework, EHC needs assessment advice, and work with specialist teams supporting early years and unaccompanied young people.
How I work
Every child and every family is different, so the work always starts with listening. The underlying principles, though, tend to be consistent.
Collaborative
I work in close partnership with parents, carers, school staff and the wider team around your child. The best outcomes happen when the adults are joined up.
Formulation-led
I'm interested in the why behind what's happening, not just the what. Understanding the patterns and the context comes first; the recommendations come from there.
Evidence-based, plainly explained
I draw on the best of attachment theory, cognitive-behavioural approaches, solution-focused practice and narrative work. I write reports you'll actually read.
Neurodiversity-affirming
I work in a way that respects how each child's mind works, rather than trying to make them fit a mould that doesn't suit them.
Credentials
- HCPC Registered Practitioner Psychologist
- Member of the Association of Educational Psychologists (AEP)
- Enhanced DBS
- Doctorate in Professional Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology (UCL Institute of Education, 2023)
- First Class BSc (Hons) Psychology (The Open University, 2014)
- Diploma in Coaching with NLP (Simply Changing, 2021)
Where I work
I'm based in Amersham and work with families, schools and professionals across South Buckinghamshire:
- Amersham
- Chesham
- The Chalfonts
- Beaconsfield
- Marlow
- High Wycombe
- Gerrards Cross
- Aylesbury
Areas further afield are sometimes possible after a conversation. Sessions can take place in your home, in school, in the community, or online, depending on what works.
If something here speaks to you, I'd love to hear from you.
A free initial conversation, no obligation, just a chance to talk through what's going on.
Get in touch