Dr Mary Halsey

My Experience

I have worked in the NHS with children and adults with a range of mental and physical health needs for over 13 years. I have extensive experience working in the NHS with people with physical health conditions, including long term health conditions and functional/medically unexplained symptoms. I have specialised in working with people with gastrointestinal symptoms, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain and allergies. This has included involvement in leadership and teaching roles within allergy and gastroenterology national groups and conferences. My NHS work primarily involves working with people to understand and manage anxiety, low mood, stress and adjustment to health conditions.

My Values

Within my therapeutic practice, and in all areas of my life, I value compassion, understanding, warmth, empathy and openness. I believe that positive change can be brought about by understanding what keeps us stuck. This then enables us to more freely choose how to live a meaningful life that is guided by our values.  I will always work with what the client brings and keep communication open and honest, with the therapeutic relationship at the centre.  

Models I work with

In my practice I use a combination of compassion focused therapy (CFT), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). CFT can be a useful overarching model in which to change how we relate to ourselves. In turn, this can make it easier to manage anxiety, low mood and stress using CBT and ACT approaches. This will depend on the needs and preferences of the client and will be discussed at the initial appointment.  

Clinic Information

I offer in-person or virtual appointments on Friday mornings. I work with people aged 13 years upwards.

Research Publications

Halsey, M., Hodgson, K., Russell, R., Campion, A., Machado, C., Beattie, R. & Batra, A. (2020). Emotional Wellbeing in Parents of Children on Home Parenteral Nutrition. Journal of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 71(4), 557-562.

Knibb, R., Halsey, M., James, P., du Toit, G. & Young, J. (2019). Psychological Services for food allergy: The unmet need for patients and families in the United Kingdom. Clinical and Experimental Allergy, 49(11), 1390-1394.

Bennett, R., O’Toole, S. & Halsey, M. (2013). A focus group: Psychosocial intervention for people with mild cognitive impairment on the Isle of Wight. Journal of Dementia Care, 21(3), 38.

Borsay, C., Halsey, M., & Critoph, A. (2013). Planning, facilitating and evaluating a bereavement group for adults with learning disabilities living in the community. British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 41(4), 266-272.

Professional Registration

Registered Practitioner, Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)