PROFESSIONAL BIO
As a psychiatry doctor, group retreat facilitator and psychedelic therapy guide my work bridges western medicine and traditional healing approaches. Over the last few years I have been working as a clinical trial doctor and psychedelic therapist at The Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, where I have been involved in trials investigating psilocybin-assisted therapy for conditions such as anorexia nervosa and fibromyalgia, as well as exploring the therapeutic potential of DMT for treatment-resistant depression.
Beyond the clinical setting, I facilitate group psilocybin retreats and lead training and experiential retreats for a range of organisations. I also co-host bi-annual women’s psilocybin retreats that weave together embodiment practices, somatic therapy, trauma release (TRE), nature connection, ritual, and ceremony. I believe that creating and empowering community is essential, and that a loving, safe, and supportive community is often the missing piece in any journey towards true wellbeing.
My personal journey with stage IV cancer deeply shaped my approach to care, highlighting the importance of addressing the whole person - body, mind, and spirit. This experience inspired me to co-found Essence Medicine, an organisation dedicated to providing psycho-spiritual support to those navigating life-threatening illness.
My educational background includes degrees in both medicine and psychology, complemented by training in a range of holistic modalities including yoga, mindfulness, nutrition, environmental medicine, compassionate inquiry and the MAPS MDMA-assisted therapy training. I have also completed a shamanic facilitator training and continue to deepen my relationship with Earth-based wisdom traditions.
CORE PRINCIPLES AND VALUES
Mind-Body Connection - The mind and body are deeply connected. We can support healing when we recognise that emotional, mental, and physical health are intimately linked.
Emotions and Health - Our emotions directly impact our physical wellbeing. Stress and emotional tension can manifest as illness, while healing emotions can help restore balance in the body.
Trauma-Informed Healing - Trauma is often at the root of many physical and emotional issues. While traditional talk therapy can be helpful in understanding and processing these experiences, it frequently falls short in addressing the full complexity of trauma, particularly the way it is stored in the body.
Innate Healing Wisdom - Each of us holds an innate capacity for healing. By connecting with our inner healing intelligence, we move from survival to thriving, reconnecting with our wholeness and integrating the wisdom of mind, body, heart, and spirit.
Growth Through Adversity - Illness and life’s challenges can serve as catalysts for growth. Through these experiences, we gain new perspectives, deepening self-awareness, compassion, and the capacity to heal. Adversity becomes an opportunity for transformation and alignment with our true selves.
Community and Connection - Healing can be enhanced by connection and support. We thrive when we heal together, sharing our journeys and supporting one another, making community a key aspect of long-term healing and transformation.
Purpose and Meaning - Healing deepens when we live with purpose. Gratitude, service, and meaning are powerful catalysts for wellbeing. Exploring these in a supportive space can reveal deeper fulfillment and align us with our highest potential.
Nature as Medicine - We are a part of nature, and our wellbeing is intimately tied to the health of the Earth. Healing comes from restoring balance within ourselves and in our relationship with the environment. By spending time in nature we attune to the rhythms of the natural world and find balance within ourselves.
Human Potential - Within each of us lies the potential for growth, love, and awareness. These qualities are always present, even when they feel distant. With patience, compassion and curiosity, it is possible to move towards healing, self-awareness, and transformation.