I am a 30-something Geordie, Clinical Psychologist and self-confessed technology geek. I also love travel and am lucky enough to have been able to combine all of these passions in my current role, where I'm working remotely in digital mental health.

It is a little embarrassing but I was first drawn to Psychology in my early teens when I binge-watched the TV Series 'Cracker'! Robbie Coltrane played a Psychologist who works with the Police to help solve crimes. I remember thinking that would be really cool so set myself down the (long) road to become a Forensic Psychologist! Along the way I realised what actually fascinated me was why we do what we do more generally, and how powerful our mind can be. From there I changed paths to Clinical Psychology and later specialised in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy which was the right fit for me.

I worked in the National Health Service for over 12 years treating Adults with Anxiety and Depression, which covered everything from panic and phobias to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and OCD. More recently I have been applying these skills in the areas of staff well-being and digital mental health. This has been incredibly rewarding and I'm always really excited to see where we can take things next.

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2. What did you draw upon in creating the Series?

I was a huge procrastinator at University and so drew on my own experience of overcoming this, alongside my experience in working with many clients who have suffered from significant procrastination difficulties. The content of the Series draws on key concepts from both Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and I used cutting-edge research to highlight what we now know to be the most effective techniques.

3. What are your hopes for the Series?

I hope that people will be able to gain insight into their own procrastination, to understand why they are doing what they are doing, and take away some techniques they can use to break this pattern and become more productive. I also hope that the Series will help people will learn to be kinder to themselves as we know that being critical only serves to fuel procrastination.

4. Can you give us three top tips for overcoming procrastination?

It is hard to choose just three as procrastination can be so personal, but if I had to choose I would go with these:

1) Setting yourself small, manageable and achievable goals

2) Minimising all possible distraction, which includes multi-tasking

3) Test and experiment. Testing out what you learn in the Series will be the most powerful way you can learn and challenge your beliefs

5. Finally, tell us something interesting about yourself!

I'm currently living in Brazil, and have been for the past 6 months. I'm currently learning Portuguese, despite having assured my friends I was never going to study again!

‍Welcome to the Unmind team Kate, we look forward to your next Series!