Publish date: 11 November 2024
Psychological Professions Week – meet psychological therapist Michael Bradbury
I have worked in the field of psychology and mental health for nearly 20 years. I became a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) in 2010 and I completed training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in 2016. I am also a qualified CBT supervisor.
I have worked with a range of people who have experienced mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, panic attacks and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as well as working with people with long term health conditions.
My training and experience, which also includes academic and research experience, has been gained via university, working as assistant psychologist, a graduate mental health worker and a psychological therapist for primary care mental health services.
I joined Northumbria Healthcare in October 2023 and work for the Living Well with Pain Team which is part of the health psychology service. I work in a multi-disciplinary team that includes psychologists, physiotherapists and a pharmacist.
The team provide a range of therapeutic interventions that include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focus Therapy (CFT), Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR) and Pain Management Approaches. Members of the health psychology team also work within other physical health pathways at Northumbria Healthcare.
My role as a psychological therapist within the Living Well with Pain Service is to help people manage symptoms of depression and anxiety that have been trigger in the face of physical health issues. This in turn can then help people better manage their symptoms of pain and improve their quality of life. This is achieved by combining CBT and or EMDR therapy alongside specific pain management techniques.
It is a challenging and rewarding role, that requires me to regularly update my skills and knowledge. However, it is made all the more enjoyable by being part of highly professional, multiskilled and supportive team.