Dr Lauren McCoy

Education

Psychology, BSc

Manchester Metropolitan University

Clinical Psychology & Health Studies (MSc)

Goldsmiths University

Doctorate In Counselling Psychology (PhD)

The University Of Manchester

Eating Disorder Specific Training At The Priory

Cheadle

ASSIST Suicide Prevention Training

The University Of Lancahsire

Experience

After teaching A-Level Psychology in a school setting, Lauren was driven to complete a three-year professional training in Counselling Psychology at the University of Manchester.

She was trained in various evidence-based psychological approaches, mainly integrating Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She mainly works with individuals and groups.

Throughout her training and post qualification she has worked in primary care, secondary care, inpatient settings and an Eating Disorders specialist service in Greater Manchester area. Lauren provides psychological therapy on the basis of assessment, formulation and intervention which fits with any psychological issue. She has gained extensive experience in specialist assessment, risk assessments, motivational interviewing, psychological formulation and evidence-based interventions in line with the NICE guidelines. Given the diversity of experience, she has practical knowledge of eating disorders and the medical and psychosocial factors which surround the issue, confidently creating an individualised therapy with suits the needs and objectives of the young person.

More about Lauren

Q. What made you want to work as a psychologist?: A. Since being a young person myself, I was motivated to understand the human mind and all of its potential. I gravitated to Psychology with the aim to understand disorder and mental illness, with the aim to use the subject in a practical way to help people who may be struggling with problems on a psychological and social level. I have also lived in different countries and in different environments and because of this, I knew I had developed good attributes to be a competent, approachable and warm Psychologist.
Q. What do you enjoy about working as a psychologist?: A. I enjoy working with children and adults and have even seen some close family members suffer with eating disorder behaviours and both these factors have always pushed me to develop specialist skills in the area. I have also seen that there is a treatment gap for people suffering with eating disorders as public resources are limited and many services require a certain BMI before intervention can occur. In my opinion, this leaves a lot of emerging eating disorders to get left untreated and I have had personal experience of this in my family and seen how this ultimately affects both the person suffering with the issue and the wider family systems. Consequently, I am keen to provide quick and immediate support because of this.
Q. How do you help people successfully manage their eating disorders?: A. I provide effective treatment for an eating disorder by addressing the psychological aspects of the problem. My goal is to help an individual feel supported, heard and understood as they begin to challenge the eating disorder thoughts and behaviours. I always personalise the therapy model to the individual and the context. In a nutshell though, I work to build body confidence, promote healthier relationships with food and teach constructive ways to cope with life and its challenges.

Dr Lauren McCoy, Counselling Psychologist

Lauren's memberships

They are always very supportive and willing to help out when things are tough.