Frequently Asked Questions

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An autoimmune disease or condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly recognises the body's own healthy cells, tissues or organs as a threat and mounts an immune response against them.

There are many different autoimmune diseases and they can affect almost any part of the body. Symptoms and severity vary considerably from person to person.

The development of autoimmune disease is complex. Research suggests that genetic susceptibility interacts with environmental and lifestyle factors, although the precise causes and triggers are not fully understood for many conditions.

Emotions are not simply "in the mind". 

Our emotional experiences can have genuine physiological effects on the body through interconnected systems involving the brain, nervous system, hormones, behaviour and immune function.

In particular, prolonged or significant psychological stress can affect physiological processes and may influence inflammation, immune regulation, sleep, digestion, pain perception and overall wellbeing.

This does not mean that emotions or stress directly cause every autoimmune disease, nor that a person is responsible for becoming unwell.

Rather, I look at the person as a whole and explore how their emotional experiences, psychological wellbeing, stress responses, behaviours, relationships and lifestyle may be interacting with their physical health.

My approach is therefore centred on the mind–body connection: understanding the relationship between what a person experiences psychologically and emotionally and what may subsequently be happening physiologically.

The Autoimmune Psychologist reflects my specialist focus on the psychological and emotional dimensions of living with autoimmune disease.

My work explores how emotional experiences, stress, thoughts, behaviours and patterns of living may interact with physical health and wellbeing.

I am particularly interested in the experiences that people may carry for long periods of time—including unresolved emotions, chronic stress, difficult life experiences and patterns of self-care—and how these may influence the way a person experiences their body, symptoms, relationships and quality of life.

Importantly, this approach does not suggest that autoimmune disease is "all in the mind".

Autoimmune disease is a real biological condition. 

My role is to explore the psychological and behavioural dimensions alongside appropriate medical care, rather than replacing that care.

I am a Licensed BPS psychologist and hold an MSc in Psychology and Counselling. I am also AIP Certified and have undertaken further training in a range of evidence-informed approaches.

My additional areas of training and professional interest include nutrition, the Autoimmune Paleo Protocol (AIP), psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), functional medicine, exercise and the mind–body connection.

My approach is integrative: I consider psychological, emotional, behavioural, lifestyle and relevant nutritional factors alongside the individual's existing medical care.

Where a matter falls outside my professional scope of practice, I will recommend an appropriate referral to a suitably qualified medical or healthcare professional.

Genetics can play an important role in autoimmune disease, but having a genetic predisposition does not necessarily mean that someone will develop an autoimmune condition.

For many autoimmune diseases, researchers believe that genetic susceptibility interacts with environmental factors and other biological influences. The specific factors involved differ between conditions and between individuals.

This is why I take a personalised approach rather than assuming that one factor—or one intervention—is responsible for someone's illness.

Depending on the individual, relevant areas may include psychological wellbeing, chronic stress, sleep, nutrition, physical activity, environmental exposures, relationships and other aspects of lifestyle.

These factors should be considered alongside, rather than instead of, appropriate medical assessment and treatment.

Nutrition can be an important part of overall health and for some people with autoimmune disease, dietary changes may be relevant to symptoms, nutritional status or quality of life.

However, there is no single diet that is appropriate for everyone with an autoimmune disease.

Following a thorough history and assessment, I may discuss nutritional and lifestyle considerations that are appropriate to the individual. 

This may include exploring foods, nutrients, supplements, sleep, exercise and other lifestyle factors.

Medication is different. Prescription medication and changes to prescribed treatment must be managed by an appropriately qualified medical professional.

I do not prescribe medication and clients should not stop, reduce or change prescribed medication, without first discussing this with the clinician or health professional responsible for their care.

AIP stands for the Autoimmune Paleo Protocol (AIP).

It is a structured dietary approach, that generally involves an initial elimination phase followed by a systematic and individualised reintroduction of foods.

The purpose of the reintroduction process is to identify which foods an individual may tolerate well and which may be associated with symptoms, rather than assuming that every person needs to permanently avoid the same foods.

AIP is not a "detox" or "cleanse" and it is not necessarily appropriate for everyone.

Because restrictive diets can affect nutritional adequacy, food variety and an individual's relationship with food, an AIP approach should be personalised and, where appropriate, undertaken with suitable professional guidance.

My approach is to be aware of one's food intake and consider the wider picture, including stress, sleep, movement, recovery, psychological wellbeing and the individual's circumstances.

The service is provided on a privately funded basis.

Fees for consultations and any additional services are payable by the client.

Where laboratory testing or other investigations are recommended, these are separate from the consultation/service fee and are normally paid for by the individual.

Some health or medical insurance policies may provide reimbursement for particular services or investigations. Clients should check directly with their insurance provider regarding eligibility and reimbursement.

There is no universal timeframe.

Every person’s experience with an autoimmune disease is different, depending on their circumstances. People may notice changes in aspects of their wellbeing relatively quickly after making appropriate changes, while other changes may take considerably longer.

Symptoms can also naturally fluctuate, so an improvement or deterioration over a short period does not necessarily indicate that one particular intervention has caused the change.

Rather than promising a specific result or timeframe, my aim is to help clients understand their individual patterns, identify realistic areas for change and develop sustainable strategies that support their psychological and physical wellbeing.

Progress is therefore assessed individually and over time.

No.

The Autoimmune Psychologist is intended to complement appropriate medical care—not replace it.

Autoimmune diseases can require medical diagnosis, monitoring, investigations and treatment. I encourage clients to maintain appropriate relationships with their GP, consultant, specialist or other healthcare professionals.

My role is to focus particularly on the psychological, emotional, behavioural and lifestyle dimensions that may be relevant to living with autoimmune disease.

Where appropriate, I may also encourage collaboration with other suitably qualified healthcare professionals, so that the individual's needs are addressed holistically.