Meet the team

Hazel Tuncer – Clinical Lead

Hazel has worked for the Trust for over 10 years, starting with the Mind Matters Team as a High Intensity (CBT) Trainee when the service was first established in 2013. Hazel has been involved in the ‘NHS Talking Therapy’ programme since the second wave of its national role out in 2009, starting as a Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP).

During her time in Mind Matters, she completed her training and went on to work as a qualified High Intensity (CBT) Therapist. She then went on to be the Training Lead, overseeing the recruitment and line management of new High Intensity Trainees. She then took on the role as Clinical Supervision, overseeing clinically all the step 3 CBT provisions in the team. Hazel became the Clinical Lead in 2022.

It is her responsibility to ensure the safe and effective provision of high-quality care to the patients seen by Mind Matters. This includes making sure all staff have the appropriate training and supervision provision for their roles.  

Qualifications:

• BSc Psychology
• PG Cert in Low Intensity (CBT) Interventions
• PG Dip Psychological Interventions (CBT)
• Supervisor Training
• Top-up training for working with Long Term Health Conditions

Bhavika Thakker – Deputy Clinical Lead

Bhavika joined the trust in 2018 as a high-intensity therapist and joined the senior management team in 2019. She enjoys the clinical work, supervision of colleagues and supporting the team with new innovations and improvements.

She began her career as an assistant psychologist and worked within secondary and tertiary care settings. Following this she began working in IAPT and completed the psychological well-being practitioner training and the high-intensity therapist training. This has given her a broad understanding of the stepped care model adhered to within Mind Matters.

She has completed further training in long-term health conditions and has supported the service and individual patients by collaboratively working with other healthcare professionals.

Louie Rallo - Operational Lead/Business Manager

Louie has 16+ years of NHS service, holding various general management (operational and corporate) roles in the primary/community, secondary (Acute) and tertiary (Specialist) sectors – at local, regional, and national levels.

Responsibilities:

Strategic business development, Commissioning & contract compliance, and Stakeholder relations.

Qualifications:

• Quality, Service Improvement & Redesign (QSIR) – NHSE / SWLSTG
• Chartered Manager (CMgr), Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
• STEPS Leadership Development Programme
• Level 7 (Extended) PG Dip in Strategic Management & Leadership

Jade Finlay - Clinical Services Manager (N&W)

I joined the trust in 2021 as a Primary Care Counsellor. Before MindMatters I worked as a volunteer Counsellor for Headway South Africa, working with individuals who have suffered traumatic brain injuries. I have worked as a counsellor for the Lucy Rayner Foundation providing counselling for children and young adults. 

I am passionate about improving people’s quality of life and access to psychological treatment.

Qualifications:

• BACP Accredited
• MA Research Psychology
• BA Counselling Psychology, University of South Africa
• BSocSci Honours Criminology and Criminal Justice, Monash University, South Africa
• BA Criminology and Psychology, Monash University, South Africa

Ana Mason - Deputy Clinical Service Manager

Ana works for Mind Matters as a Deputy Clinical Service Manager and a Primary Care Counsellor. She has been in service since December 2019.

She is also a qualified clinical supervisor and EMDR therapist.

Reiko Hards - Clinical Supervisor - CBT

Reiko has worked within IAPT since 2009, initially as a High-Intensity Therapist and more recently as a Clinical Supervisor.  She is also a registered Mental Health Nurse qualifying in 2004. Prior to joining IAPT, she worked in Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Services.

Responsibilities

Reiko oversees the CBT practice within the service ensuring it is effective and evidence-based.  She works with the Clinical Lead (CL) to ensure both good Clinical Governance and Supervision. She works closely with the CL and Service Managers to ensure Mind Matters meets their national targets.  

Qualifications:

• BSc Psychology
• BSc Health Sciences (Mental Health Nurse) 
• Registered Nurse Mental Health
• PG Dip Psychological Interventions (CBT)
• Fully Accredited Member of British Association of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (BABCP)

Helen Thompson - Senior Counsellor and Supervisor

Helen works for Mind Matters as Senior Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor to the counselling team and also runs a counselling clinic for service users of Mind Matters.
She has been with the service since 2018.
She qualified as a counsellor in 2005 and has counselling and supervisory experience in many clinical settings.  

Qualifications: 

• MBACP Accredited Counsellor/Psychotherapist 

• PG Dip HE Psychodynamic Counselling 

• PCE-CfD Practitioner & Supervisor (Metanoia University London)

• L6 (OCN London) Counselling Supervision