Kia Ora! I’m Eleanor, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist originally from the UK. I spent 5 years working at the Birmingham EIP Services before moving to New Zealand in 2015. I now work at Totara House, the EI service in Christchurch. I really value my work in EI, in particular I am interested in promoting stories of hope and recovery following psychosis, the importance of art and creativity in mental wellbeing, supporting families affected by psychosis, providing and supporting the delivery of trauma-informed approaches such as EMDR, and using acceptance and mindfulness based approaches to help people make sense of their experiences and find new ways to live a valued life even with them.

I have been invovled in a number of research projects and publications over my time working in EIP. Most signficantly was my work collaborating with colleagues in the UK on our book about recovering from a first episode of psychosis. You can find out more about the book here: https://www.routledge.com/Recovering-from-a-First-Episode-of-Psychosis-An-Integrated-Approach-to/Jackson-Baggott-Bernard-Clutterbuck-Ryles-Turner/p/book/9781138669208

I have been on the Exec of the NZEIPS since November 2015. Over this time I have been involved with organising two Training Forums in Christchurch, leading on the publication of the Our Stories book, and I have had tenures as Secretary and Chair for the Society.

Outside of work I really love exploring the amazing places of natural beauty that New Zealand offers, both close to Christchurch and across the country when I can. My favourite thing is just sitting on a hillside taking in the view!