Dr Kate Williams
Lecturer & Clinical Psychologist
My profile
Biography
Hello! I am a HCPC registered and chartered Clinical Psychologist. I work both part time in the NHS and part time as a Lecturer here at MMU. I am excited to join MMU and am looking forward to meeting everyone here.
When I’m not working, I love spending time with my son, husband, and cat. I enjoy music (I love singing and playing piano) and learning other languages.
Academic and professional qualifications
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, University of Manchester. 2021
Chartered Psychologist. 2019
PhD (funded both internally and externally), University of Manchester. 2017
Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, 2017
MSc in Research Methods in Psychology, University of Liverpool. 2010
BSc Psychology, University of Kent. 2009
Teacher and Researcher of Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). I am working towards membership of BAMBA (British Association of Mindfulness-based Approaches)
Other academic service (administration and management)
Whilst working and training at the University of Manchester, I was involved in teaching and supervising BSc and MSc students.
Mindfulness Research Special Interest Group coordinator, University of Manchester. 2014 - 2017
Expert reviewer
Mindfulness, Elsevier Journal
Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, and Practice
Prizes and awards
J4S student internship (8 weeks) internal funding, MMU
Research Accelerator Award, MMU (£5000)
Early Career Scientist Award ($500). American Mindfulness Research Association
Janet Miele Prize: Outstanding Project, The University of Kent
Outstanding contribution to the Psychology society, The University of Kent
Membership of professional associations
HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist
British Psychological Society Chartered Psychologist
Full member of the Association for Clinical Psychologists (ACP)
Teaching
Why do I teach?
I am looking forward to teaching both on undergraduate and MSc pathway modules. I really enjoy bringing my clinical and research experience into teaching, and believe that this can help to liven up the teaching I do.
Research outputs
I have been working in a range of clinical research settings since 2009. All of my research experience has been clinically based, and most of my research has been around working therapeutically with people who are currently or have previously been depressed. My research expertise lies in the use of Mindfulness-based approaches (e.g., Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy; MBCT) with people who have histories of depression, and I have conducted both quantitative and qualitative research around the mechanisms and processes of change following MBCT.
Current research interests:
Exploring the mechanisms and processes of change underlying MBCT. Adapting and delivering MBCT for more transdiagnostic populations.
Exploring processes of change in 3rd wave CBT-therapies including Compassion Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Exploring early career researcher wellbeing and support
Press and media
Media appearances or involvement
Featured in “The Guardian” article: “Is mindfulness making us ill?”
23rd January 2016