About

I work with people with diagnoses of depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, personality disorders, and many other difficulties. I also work with individuals who have a history of relationship challenges, such as attachment traumas and relational problems experienced in adulthood, which can lead to issues like perfectionism and struggles with forming or maintaining healthy relationships.

Within my NHS work, I am an older adult specialist Clinical Psychologist, focusing on individuals facing mental health issues and/or dementia diagnoses, alongside providing support to their loved ones. My extensive experience also encompasses working with people grappling with loss, bereavement, and various health problems that may significantly impact mental health. Navigating through these complex experiences can be challenging, and my priority is to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore their feelings and work toward healing.

My therapeutic style is integrative, weaving in evidence-based elements from various therapeutic modalities to tailor the treatment uniquely to your individual needs. This holistic approach ensures that different aspects of your experiences are considered, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding and resolution of your difficulties. The therapy may include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to help identify and alter unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors.
• Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) focussing on understanding how past experiences influence present behavior and relationships.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) which encourages commitment to personal values and action towards achieving a rich and meaningful life and to embrace uncomfortable emotions while promoting psychological flexibility.
• Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) aiming to help individuals cultivate self-compassion and address issues of shame and self-criticism effectively.
• Mindfulness-based strategies to cultivate present-moment awareness and reduce anxiety.
• Principles of Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT): An evidence-based psychotherapy developed to help individuals manage emotions, improve interpersonal relationships, and develop skills to cope with stress and psychological distress effectively.
• Attachment-based therapy to address underlying relational issues stemming from early experiences.
• Narrative therapy to help individuals reframe their stories and empower them in their healing journey.

Together, we will work collaboratively to explore the roots of your challenges, develop coping strategies, and ultimately enhance your well-being. Your journey towards healing is profoundly personal, and I aim to support you every step of the way.

Please contact me if you would like to discuss your difficulties and what I could support you with. I work on Monday mornings face to face or online

I am registered with the HCPC.

Publications

I have an interest in men’s mental health – particularly how that impacts on both partners in a relationship and how the couple can support each other with the challenges

• Rooney, L., John, M. & Morison, L. (2020), Communication strategies used by women to influence male partners to seek professional help for mental health problems: A qualitative study. Clinical Psychologist: 24, p 55-61
• Rooney, L., (2018). Researching the impact of female partners on men seeking help for mental health problems—using interviews. In Sage Research Methods Cases Part 2. SAGE Publications, Ltd.

Presented at the Men’s Mental Health Conference 2019

Diagnoses I work with

I work with people with the following diagnoses, but I am not limited to these.

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Trauma
• Relational difficulties
• OCD
• Health Anxiety
• Social Anxiety
• Personality disorders including Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) / Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD)
• Thoughts of self harm / suicidal ideation