Jacqueline Lynch, PhD 

I describe myself as a British Nigerian, heterosexual cis woman with strong Yorkshire pride, a military historian and author husband, two amazing kids and a pet collection. I am also dyslexic, and my children have dyspraxia and are hypermobile, and I am used to navigating an ableist world with children who often feel disabled by others’ view of them. I qualified with a doctorate in clinical psychology in 1994 and have worked almost exclusively with children ever since, being the director and manager of an independent therapy service for children and their families who are or looked after by the local authority, adopted or in kinship placements. However, I have recently developed a passion for AEDP and love the links between this and working with children.

“In all my work and career, I have been driven by the need to hear the silent and give voice to the unheard in our society, and to be able to put a voice to the pain within. I am passionate about equity, and as a woman whose identity is deeply embedded in the beauty of my colour, this is particularly played out in the forum of racial equity and finding a voice of my own that will be heard, and raising up others so that they feel empowered and included.”