About Dr. Sugarman
I am from the UK, growing up in Manchester and later moving to London. I pursued a career in Clinical Psychology to allow me to work in a role which combines my interests in psychology, healthcare and research. I completed my doctoral clinical training at Royal Holloway, University of London; my doctoral research examined gathering feedback from clients with dementia about their experience of health services.
In my clinical work with clients, I strive to ensure I remain professional, caring and empathic at all times. Sessions should be a non-judgemental, safe space for you to have the opportunity to communicate your needs and goals so that we can work together to reduce your distress.
I am passionate about challenging the stigmas that can arise in relation to mental health issues, and will do everything I can to help you to feel comfortable to discuss what is bothering you. Alongside my clinical practice, I work as the Lead Clinical Advisor for one of the projects at Mind HK, a mental health charity focusing on addressing stigma and increasing access to mental health information and services (www.mind.org.hk)
My clinical experience spans mental and physical health settings including inpatient, outpatient and community services. I have worked with clients across the whole lifespan, from preschool aged children to older people. I have experience working with a range of different presenting problems, including anxiety, depression and many other difficulties. My clinical training was primarily in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). In my work with clients, I tend to use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a cognitive behavioural approach which helps people to develop flexibility in how they respond to painful thoughts and feelings, allowing them to pursue their goals and live life in line with what matters to them. I integrate CBT and ACT with other models where this best meets the needs of the client. I have a special interest in the interaction between physical and mental health, including medically unexplained symptoms (e.g. IBS, chronic pain). I am experienced in conducting cognitive and neuropsychological assessments with adults.
I am registered with the Health and Care Professionals' Council (UK) as a Practitioner Psychologist.
