03.

about Serena

Hello,

Thank you for stopping by to have a nosey at the 'about me', Serena, founder of The Psychology School.

Although my business is not ‘about me’, I do think it helps to know a little about my background; so you know you're in safe hands, as well as why I'm qualified to teach you about Psychology & Behaviour Change. Also, let’s face it, I always like to know a bit more about who is teaching me and what they’ve been up to, so…

First thing to know...

I believe in having a contextual and integrated practice, so I walk the walk and talk the talk. In other words although much of my work and background is academic, I also have a wealth of practical and diverse experience which means that I don't just focus on spouting theory! 

This is stuff I've used and still use myself, both in my role as a Chartered Psychologist where I now consult extensively in healthcare settings; but also in my role working with individuals and businesses where we bring this area of Behavioural Change & Peak Performance to life in a practical way.

I absolutely love what I do, and consider it an honour to be able to teach other passionate practitioners in my current role.  I've worked hard during my career to become qualified, and also to stay up to date with the information I teach, so everything you see here is evidence-based. 

In fact I still work 2 days a week as a Senior Psychology Lecturer (Nottingham Trent University).  A role which I have had for over 18 years. This keeps me up to date and research active.


I am also Lead Psychologist for a small but mighty company called Joint Approach.  In this role I am responsible for all Behaviour Change Interventions for patients completing a strength-based exercise programme prior to knee replacement surgery, bit more about this another time (though do check out https://jointapproach.co.uk/ if you’d like to find out more about that).

What I'd like for you to know is that when it comes to Behaviour Change, I've now taught this to practitioners all over the world, and over the last 6 years have seen fantastic results from those who have also utilised the things I teach.




A little more background if you're still reading..

I've worked in the area of psychology and mental health now for almost 30 years and in a variety of settings, some of these include working in/as..:

  • A mental health auxiliary on a Psychogeriatric Unit  | Hospital/ UK

  • A mental health auxiliary on a Mental Health ward (hospital) and an in-group therapy home | UK

  • A mental health auxiliary within the community | UK & New Zealand

  • With acquired brain injury patients  | ABI Rehab - Auckland, New Zealand

  • Therapy facilitator with children with ASD | Wellington, New Zealand

  • Manager for the audit of all Cognitive Behavioural Programmes being run in English & Welsh prisons | HM Prison Service (UK)

  • Asst Psychologist - own case load/groups | Rampton - Maximum Security - Hospital, UK

  • Senior Psychology Lecturer | Nottingham Trent University 18 years - current.

  • Chartered Psychologist & Coach | The Psychology School / business founder - current

Forensic Psychology background

I still am heavily involved in a variety of Forensic based work too, as this was predominantly my background (and the pathway of my original PhD).  In this capacity I specialise in Serial Murder and still advise on a consultation basis.  Much of my work now however in this capacity is in profiling and media work (see Cops Who Kill for example).

Many people struggle to see the link between Forensic Psychology & Positive Psychology and Behavioural Change, but arguably in a treatment capacity most of my work in practice has been about Behaviour Change. And again I would argue, this was with the most challenging group of people.

This background and work therefore informs what I do in a rich way.  It also impacts how I teach this material...in fact you may see the odd forensic case study pop-up!

In fact if yo’d like to know more about this area, you may wish to have a look at some documentaries I’ve had the pleasure of contributing to. Cops Who Kill & Cops Gone Bad are two you may like to start with…if that’s your kind of thing of course!

All of these can be found on the Crime & Investigation Channel, Apple TV, SKy TV, Amazon Prime, Virgin TV and SKY.

Relevant Qualifications 

  • BSc Psychology (1st Class) | Victoria University, Wellington, NZ.

  • BA Criminology (1st Class) | Victoria University, Wellington, NZ.

  • Masters in Forensic Psychology (Distinction) | Victoria University, Wellington, NZ.

  • CPsychol - Chartered Teaching Psychologist | British Psychological Society & Member of the Special Group in Coaching Psychology.

  • PGCHE (Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education | Distinction | Nottingham Trent University (NTU)

  • HEA Fellow

  • PhD - current/in publication* - focus:  Long Term Behaviour Change - The A.P.E Model | NTU



random facts : )

  • I believe we spiritual beings having a human experience - and this also informs my practice.

  • I lived in New Zealand for nearly 8 years, and also went to Uni there…my spiritual home.

  • I LOVE animals - and a significant portion of my income and business profits go to animal welfare charities.

  • I love to create! - I love to sing, paint (paintings, not walls!), and love music and played in a steel band from aged 8-19 years old.

  • I’ve performed and taught Improv all over the world (not sure what that is, look up Who’s Line is it Anyway?).

  • Laughter and Play are two of more absolute CORE values - if you do any learning with me, expect to laugh a lot!

  • I need to spend a lot of time on my own - this is how I get my strength

  • I've been cold water/wild swimming now for a year and a half. My new, and highly addictive passion!

Kare Kare beach (NZ)

Painted be moi : )

My favourite beach.