Dr. Ingela Thuné-Boyle
Health Psychologist
Online Therapy
I see clients online using
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About
About Me
Qualifications
I obtained my postgraduate training (MSc, PhD, CPsychol) from the Division of Medicine at UCL in London, UK. I have over 25 years of experience as an Applied Psychologist and I've been a Licensed Practitioner Health Psychologist since 2005. 'Practitioner Psychologist' is a protected title that is regulated by law and registered by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK. My HCPC license number is PYL21971. I'm also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and a Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist (CAGCS).
Work Experience
Before going into private practice, I held positions at several departments within the UCL Medical School: the Centre for Behavioural and Social Sciences in Medicine, Division of Medicine; the Department of Mental Health Sciences/Marie Curie Palliative Care Unit; the Department of Primary Care and Population Health, and; Cancer Research UK's Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health. I also had honorary contracts with the Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, the University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.
Clinical Work
My clinical work has generally centred around the area of illness adjustment; the management of long-term conditions, managing ongoing or chronic pain, dealing with medical trauma or trauma in general, and its effect on health related quality of life. For example, many of my clients have been diagnosed with a chronic illness and, for various understandable reasons, have a really hard time with it. Others have not been diagnosed with an illness at all but with physical symptoms of no known cause (including chronic pain) and feel overwhelmed and at a loss in how to deal with it.
Alongside this, my clinical work has also included supporting people experiencing long-term stress, major life transitions, and unexpected losses, often alongside health-related difficulties. This work has focused on helping clients navigate periods of change, build resilience, develop effective coping strategies, reduce overwhelm, and restore a sense of emotional and physical balance. In addition, part of my clinical work has explored the links between childhood adversity and adult chronic illness, as well as the effects of narcissistic or domestic abuse on physical and psychological wellbeing.
Why This Work Matters
to Me
I also have personal experience with chronic illness. I live with an obstructive lung disease as well as a connective tissue disorder, so chronic pain and illness adjustment is not unfamiliar to me. Alongside this, I carry a significant trauma history, which has deepened my understanding of the mind–body connection. I know firsthand how hard it can be to juggle life, work, and ill health while navigating the healthcare system, and how illness can disrupt identity, bringing isolation, disappointment, and uncertainty. Yet, with the right support, it is possible to find meaning and purpose in a new situation in order to live a more fulfilling life!
Research, Publications and Teaching Experience
I have conducted extensive health care research over the years within the primary, secondary and palliative care sector (including improving doctor-patient communication). I have presented my work at numerous national and international conferences. For a list of my publications and book chapters, please click here. I have lectured post graduate students of both health psychology and psychiatry and provided training to General Practitioners.
More About Me
I write a weekly Blog about the biopsychosocial and spiritual consequences of chronic illness, issues around doctor-patient communication and health care, grief, trauma, and narcissistic abuse. I live with my dog Toby; a rather large former street dog. I have spent the majority of my life in London, United Kingdom. I currently reside in Oklahoma City, USA.