About Dr Soph
I’m Dr Soph.
As a clinical psychologist and Sunday Times bestselling author, I work with people who want to understand themselves and make changes that last, and with brands and media who want to bring psychology to their audiences without losing what makes it useful, or true.
Credentials and track record
Qualified, registered, accountable.
Qualifications
HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist
Registration number PYL331452 · Check the HCPC register →
Professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
University of East London
MSc Neuroscience (Distinction)
King's College London
BSc Psychology
University of Wales, Swansea
Also trained in online counselling and psychotherapy (Academy for Online Counselling & Psychotherapy)
Track record
- UK Mental Health Expert at Headspace for 2.5 years, 2023–2026
- Consulted by Catherine, Princess of Wales, on early childhood through The Royal Foundation
- Commissioned by the Department for Education to research, write and present national guidance for parents
- Two bestselling books, published in 18 territories
- Live expert commentary on ITV's Big Brother and listener Q&As on BBC Radio 1
Why I do this
It started with panic attacks at 18.
I had no idea what was happening to me, or where to turn. When I finally found help, I couldn’t believe we aren’t all handed these tools while we’re growing up.
So I learned them properly: psychology, neuroscience and a doctorate in clinical psychology. Ever since, my aim has been to get that understanding to people before they need it, not after.
That meant stepping out of the consulting room and going where people already were: books, social media, TV and radio.
But somewhere along the way, psychology became something we consume endlessly. We can know all about our attachment style, understand where our habits come from and recognise our patterns, and still find ourselves doing exactly the same things.
I’m interested in what happens next. How do we use what we know to actually change how we live, how we relate to other people and how we respond when things get difficult?
That means taking psychology seriously, respecting people enough to give them something more useful than a quick fix, and being honest about how difficult change can be.
How I think about psychology
I don’t think people need more reasons to feel broken. They need a better understanding of themselves, and practical ways to do things differently.
Growing up, many of us are taught to think that when we’re struggling, something must be wrong with us. That our anxiety, our habits, our reactions or the way we feel are problems inside us that we need to fix.
But how we feel doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s shaped by what we’ve been through, the people around us, the circumstances we’re living in and the things we take in every day.
Understanding that can change the way we see ourselves. Instead of asking, ‘What’s wrong with me?’, we can start asking, ‘What’s going on here?’ Sometimes that means changing something about our circumstances or relationships. Sometimes it means learning new ways to respond to things we can’t change.
It’s a big part of why I split my time between therapy and working in the media. In therapy, I work with the person sitting in front of me. Through my work in the media, I want to help more people understand why we think, feel and behave the way we do.
It’s also why I worked on Big Brother. People watch reality TV and say, ‘I’d never behave like that.’ But put almost anyone in an environment where they’re being watched, judged and competing for social acceptance, and they might surprise themselves.
The more we understand human behaviour, the less quick we are to judge it. And that applies to ourselves just as much as it does to other people. Understanding why we do what we do isn’t an excuse to stay the same. It’s how we start to change.
How can I help?
Looking for support for yourself?
Online therapy by video, from most places around the world. I currently have space for one more client, and I keep a waiting list.
Make a therapy enquiryWorking on a campaign, story or event?
Expert commentary, brand partnerships, advisory work and talks, delivered to your deadline.
Make a media enquiryNot ready to get in touch? Start with the books, A Manual For Being Human and (Un)Stuck, or grab the free guide, 5 Steps To Emotional Resilience.