Training & Supervision

Dr Smith has expertly guided me through the process of undertaking a doctorate as a trainee health psychologist. I feel extremely lucky to have had such a professional and experienced supervisor helping me to navigate the often challenging path. Her unique understanding and experience in both academic research and clinical practice is weaved together by a compassionate approach to provide caring and deeply insightful, evidence based support.

I have worked closely with Nicola as a colleague in a weight management service and as an assistant in delivering a series of (Human Factor) training to community hospital staff.  We worked closely on re-writing curricula for both adults and children who needed to lose weight, the curricula needed to flex according to the group needs which included serious disordered eating and difficult relationships with food.  Nicola is rigorous in how she approaches writing course content, she draws on her extensive and diverse clinical experience, it is deeply rooted in the research literature and is eminently practical and applied. As a course facilitator/instructor she exudes confidence and knowledge in an accessible way.  She invites challenge from participants and does not shy from challenging back in a sensitive and thoughtful manner. In her sessions, she welcomes discussion and is able to respond to the needs of a group in the moment and adjust course material accordingly. I unreservedly recommend her as a developer of courses and an inspiring instructor.

Dr Smith’s natural ability to synthesise often complex information and psychological jargon into straightforward language makes Dr Smith a highly engaging and effective and trainer. Highly recommend Dr Smith as a supervisor and trainer!

Nicola is a talented and adaptive trainer, she understands how to motivate candidates. When necessary she can challenge an individuals ideas/behaviour but in an encouraging and safe manner. We have found Nicola is able to present often complex theory in a very practical way. Feedback from the courses she runs with OxSTaR is consistently very good.