Runa joined OxICPTR as a course tutor in April 2025. She completed her Clinical Psychology doctorate with the Royal Holloway, University of London in 2022. As part of her training, she completed a specialist placement in complex trauma with the Tavistock and Portman clinic. Her doctoral thesis explored the role of compassion in distress after sexual trauma, with a systematic review of therapy experiences for sexual trauma survivors.
Runa has worked in the charity sector and NHS since 2006 after training initially as a psychodynamic and systemic couples’ therapist and later as a CBT therapist. She achieved an MSc in child and adolescent mental health where her research focused on strength-based approaches in schools. She achieved her second MSc in psychological research methods where her research focused on experiences of service users in an addictions-based RCT. She later completed a foundation in group analytic psychotherapy. Runa has worked in the areas of couples therapy, addictions and talking therapies where she led on complex cases and dual diagnosis. Post doctoral training, she has specialised in community mental health and complex trauma. Runa is a committed member of the Compassionate Mind Foundation with a particular interest in CFT in relation to equality and diversity.
Runa was the BPS DCP Minorities Group disability lead, prior to co-chairing the committee for several years. This group was committed to promoting diverse representation within the field of clinical psychology through providing events, training, talks and research. The group also liaised with external committees including the GTiCP and NHS England to promote equality within the profession. Runa continues to provide mentorship to aspiring psychologists.
