Aviation Psychology

Airlines, passengers and the general public rightly expect pilots, crew and other aviation professionals to be fit to carry out their job. For pilots, cabin crew and air traffic controllers, the regulator which oversees aviation (the Civil Aviation Authority – CAA – in the UK or European Aviation Safety Authority – EASA – in the rest of Europe) defines physical and mental health standards which must be met in order to meet the legal requirements to carry out these roles.

In essence, the regulators require that aviation professionals be free of any mental health issue or psychological impairment which might affect their ability to carry out their role. There are also strict rules governing consumption of alcohol and the use of any medication. At the risk of stating the obvious, however, these professionals are human and just as subject to physical illness and psychological challenges as the rest of us! It is worth bearing in mind that someone with a mental health issue might be genuinely capable of continuing with many types of work but unable to, for example, safely operate as a pilot. While the regulator uses Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) to assess and issue medical certification for licensed aviation professionals, AMEs in turn need to refer patients to specialist psychological assessment and treatment services. This is where I come in.

To add to that context, working in aviation poses unusual challenges to psychological wellbeing and can be a contributing factor in mental health issues (there’s a lot more information in our blog and subscription scheme). All of this means that when an aviation professional encounters potential mental health concerns, they need rapid access to specialist services which can manage assessment, treatment and reporting within the relevant industry and regulator framework. I can help.

For Aviation Professionals:

I can provide rapid access to assessment and treatment backed by extensive experience in aviation and the regulatory environment. Working online means that we can support you wherever you are. I am a current airline pilot and Counselling Psychologist with an in-depth knowledge of the industry, associated lifestyle and implications of psychological challenges for aviation professionals. I am uniquely positioned to support your return to work, temporary grounding and recovery or transition to another role. Self referrals are simple - ………….

For Aviation Medical Examiners:

I have extensive experience in treatment and assessment of psychological issues within the regulatory environment and can offer rapid assessment and reporting to the defined standards and simple referral:

Clinical Health Psychology

Experiencing a life limiting, chronic or significant health condition can have a complex psychological impact on the affected individual, family, loved ones, friends and colleagues. For some it can be overwhelming, traumatic or provoke anger or shame. There can be pressure to be “the perfect patient”, maintain a stiff upper lip or even show emotions you don’t feel. For loved ones there can be an understandable need to wrap the affected person in cotton wool, avoid talking about illness or, conversely, to focus on the elephant in the room to the exclusion of normal life. I see almost every emotional response imaginable and all of them are valid. There is not (or at least I don’t think there should be) any defined response if this happens to you. We are all unique and our reaction to physical health conditions will always be different. There aren’t any rights or wrongs here.

My view of clinical health psychology is that it’s here if you need psychological support in the face of a physical health condition. Extensive research has shown that psychological state and physical health are closely related. We would never claim that psychology is a physical cure, I do know that psychological support can help you and your loved ones live the best life possible in the face of physical health challenges.

So what does that look like? It might be simply providing a space where you can talk about whatever you want without the concern that you might worry, offend or upset loved ones. Then again it might be focussed on enhancing skills or to manage psychological distress. We could work together on problem solving, how to talk to children about what is happening, how to manage your career, or how to engage with “that friend” who loves you but doesn’t know how to act around you. Or I can be the space where you explore how you feel about someone you love being ill and how you could / want to support them. Life changes in the face of physical illness (did you know that sometimes the biggest psychological challenge is experiencing recovery?). I can help support that transition.

Of course, there’s more information in our blog.

For patients:

I am happy to accept self referrals and am covered by most private health insurance schemes.

For healthcare professionals:

You can be confident that patients you refer will be supported with compassionate and evidence-based care. I have extensive experience in providing stored psychological skills training for healthcare professionals as well.

Support and Counselling

Experiencing life’s challenges, whether due to health issues or other factors, can be overwhelming. Our counselling services are designed to provide compassionate and effective support to both patients and healthcare professionals, ensuring that everyone receives the help they need to navigate these difficult times.

Life can throw unexpected challenges your way, from coping with chronic illness to dealing with the stress of a demanding career. It's important to have a support system in place that understands your unique needs and provides the right guidance and assistance. My counselling services are tailored to address a wide range of issues, from emotional distress and anxiety to the complexities of managing a health condition or balancing professional responsibilities.

I recognize that each individual’s experience is unique, which is why my approach is personalized and flexible. I am dedicated to creating a safe and confidential environment where you can express your thoughts and feelings openly. I offer practical strategies and therapeutic techniques to help you manage stress, improve emotional wellbeing, and enhance your quality of life.

For patients:

Dealing with health issues, our services focus on providing support through every stage of your journey. Whether you are newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or adjusting to life post-recovery, we are here to help. My goal is to empower you with the tools and resources needed to cope with the psychological impact of your condition, strengthen your resilience, and maintain a positive outlook on life.

For healthcare professionals:

I understand the unique pressures and demands of your work. Burnout, compassion fatigue, and work-related stress are common challenges in the healthcare field. My counselling services are designed to support you in managing these challenges, ensuring that you can continue to provide high-quality care while also taking care of your own mental health. I offer flexible scheduling and online sessions to accommodate your busy lifestyle, making it easier for you to access the support you need.

With my extensive experience in both healthcare and psychology, leads me in delivering empathetic and effective support. My dual expertise ensures that services are not only clinically sound but also deeply understanding of the specific contexts and demands faced by patients and healthcare professionals.

By offering specialized support tailored to your needs, I aim to help you navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience. Contact Me today to learn more about My services and how I can assist you or your loved ones. Together, we can work towards a healthier, more balanced life

Talk to a Specialist

Oaktree Psychology Referrals provides a specialist referrals service in two specific areas giving rapid access to targeted evidence-based care.