Dr Helena Laughton-Curwell

Consultant Counselling Psychologist

I am a consultant psychologist and team lead for BEEP. I also work in early intervention and in CBT training. I have worked for the trust for 21 years!

• Likes: I love spicy food and have a large collection of spicy sauces.
• Dislikes: I dislike waiting in queues and am always glad to have my phone to entertain me.

Dr Owen Laughton-Curwell

Consultant Psychiatrist

I am a consultant psychiatrist. I went to medical school and did my training mostly locally, in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

During training I always loved working in Bucks and so took up my first consultant psychiatrist role here, in the Aylesbury CMHT in 2020.

Since then, I have moved over to the Early Intervention service (BEIS) and helped set up our At-Risk Mental State service (BEEP).

I’m particularly interested in prevention, unusual experiences and early psychosis. I am also Associate Medical Director for adult community services.

• Likes: Food, family, video games.
• Dislikes: Noise.

Hannah McDowall

Deputy Team Lead

My name is Hannah, I am the deputy team lead for the BEEP/ARM service.

• Likes: Roast dinners!
• Dislikes: Spiders.

Dr Emma Izon

Clinical Psychologist

I’m Emma, a Clinical Psychologist in the BEEP and EIS team.

• Likes: I enjoy drinking coffee in the sunshine.
• Dislikes: When I have a donut and there isn’t sufficient jam or chocolate filling.

Dr Sarah Hollingsworth

Clinical Psychologist

I’m Sarah, a Clinical Psychologist for BEEP having joined the team in October 2024. I am passionate about prevention, reducing mental health stigma, and promoting service user choice.

• Likes: Playing darts and mini golf, as well as becoming gripped by a good Netflix series.
• Dislikes: Being too cold!

Nadine Merizian-Howells

CBT Therapist

I am a Cognitive Behavioural (CBT) Therapist and work with the BEEP team remotely one day a week.

• Likes: I love surfing and walking my dogs, both made much more enjoyable when it’s warm and the sun is shining!
• Dislikes: I don’t like injections or having my blood taken!

Sam Lane

Senior Assistant Psychologist

I’m Sam, a Senior Assistant Psychologist within the BEEP team. I started work in the NHS in 2023. I am passionate about prevention and using personalised approaches, so support fits the person’s goals — not just a checklist!

• Likes: animals, reading, crafts, and good food
• Dislikes: mushrooms

Ellie Twitchen

Assistant Psychologist

I’m Ellie, an assistant psychologist in BEEP. I’ve been in the team since January 2024. I am passionate about preventative mental health care and supporting people to achieve their goals.

• Likes: Running and spending time with family and friends.
• Dislikes: Horror movies!

Charlotte Thompson

Community Support Worker

I’m Charlotte, the support worker in the BEEP team. I support individuals with accessing employment, education, benefits, social activities and other services.

• Likes: Watching fireworks, enjoying a good book, wind turbines.
• Dislikes: Stepping in a puddle and getting damp socks.