Dr. Sophie Edwards
Dr. Sophie Edwards
 
 
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WHAT IS HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY?

A holistic approach

Health psychology takes a holistic view of health and well-being.

It takes a biopsychosocial approach to intervention design which means it considers biological factors such as genetics, medication and sleep quality, psychological aspects such as mental illness, motivation levels, habits, learning styles, stress and personality and social factors such as education level, financial status, social support and stigma when considering how best to improve health. 

One of its primary concerns is bridging the ‘intention-behaviour gap’. Most people know what they ‘should’ do but struggle to put changes into practice. Health psychologists specialise in identifying and overcoming barriers to change that are unique to the individual.

 

HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY SESSIONS

You & your health

As a Chartered Health Psychologist, Sophie helps people with most issues that relate to health behaviour change or the psychology of health and illness including:

  • Improving nutrition

  • Disordered Eating

  • Improving physical activity levels

  • Managing stress

  • Adapting to long term health conditions such as diabetes

  • Smoking cessation

  • Reducing alcohol use

  • Reducing drug use

Sophie takes a weight inclusive approach to Health Psychology following the HAES (Health At Every Size) school of thought.

 
 
 
 
 

“ We are bombarded with messages every day telling us how to improve our health- what to eat, which exercise programme to follow and what to avoid. It can be scary and confusing and leave us feeling like there is no point even trying- even if there is an area of health we really want to improve. Health psychology coaching can help you drown out the ‘noise’ of other people’s opinion.”

 
 
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does this sound like you?

Is this you?

‘I’ve been told that I have ‘pre-diabetes’ and should change my behaviour to get healthier. I have no idea where to start or what changes I should be making. When I look online, I see so many different opinions that I just want to give up. I just need someone to help me focus and direct me to some reliable guidance.’

‘I have an action-packed life that includes going to the gym 4-5 times a week. As a ‘go-getter’ who has acted this way for most of my life, I am reluctant to slow down, however, I have begun to feel incredibly tired. I have also noticed little things like more frequent eczema flare-ups, my hair starting to thin and an increase in low moods and irritability.’

 
 
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FAQ’S

 
 

What is health psychology?

Health psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on how biology, psychology, behaviour, and social factors influence health and illness. It takes a Biopsychosocial approach to intervention design. This means means it considers biological factors such as genetics, medication and sleep quality, psychological aspects such as mental illness, motivation levels, habits, learning styles, stress and personality and social factors such as education level, financial status, social support and stigma when considering how best to improve health. One of its primary concerns is bridging the ‘intention-behaviour gap’. Most people know what they ‘should’ do but struggle to put changes into practice. Health psychologists specialise in identifying and overcoming barriers to change that are unique to the individual. It does no see physical and mental health as distinct areas but takes a holistic view of health and well-being.

What specific issues can health psychology coaching help with?

Most issues that relate to health behaviour change or the psychology of health and illness: improving nutrition and physical activity levels, managing stress, adapting to long term health conditions such as diabetes, smoking cessation, reducing alcohol and/or drug use.

What training does a health psychologist have?

In order to call yourself a health psychologist you have to have a British Psychologist Society (BPS) accredited undergraduate degree in psychology (or the equivalent), a master’s degree in health psychology and a doctorate (either PhD or Professional Doctorate) in health psychology. That takes about 7-9 years in total depending on your doctorate route!

How will health psychology coaching help me?

Health psychology coaching can help understand your own thoughts, emotions and behaviours that impact your health. It will help you make changes to your lifestyle that will improve your physical and mental health whilst strengthening your relationships with other people.