Emma Evans

I am a Clinical Psychologist specialising in pelvic pain and women’s health.  I am  currently undertaking an NIHR Pre-Doctoral Fellowship with Professor  Katy Vincent’s Pain in Women Research Group. Clinically, I work alongside Katy in a multidisciplinary team delivering NHS pelvic pain services in the Women’s Centre at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Working as a clinical psychologist in a gynaecology-based pain service has highlighted to me the important contribution psychology has to make in improving women’s health care. Women’s health has received comparatively little research attention and this is particularly true for psychology. Lack of research translates into unmet needs and under-developed clinical services. 

There is a need to develop innovative evidence-based psychological interventions to improve the quality of life of women living with pelvic pain. Drawing on my clinical experience, extensive knowledge of service delivery in a range of clinical settings, and expertise as a clinical psychologist, I am undertaking research to better understand the psychological needs of people living with pelvic pain and with the aim of improving service provision.

I graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a BSc (Hons) Psychology (First Class). After working as a Research Assistant, I undertook professional training as a Clinical Psychologist (DClinPsych) with the University of Oxford (registered Practitioner Psychologist with the Health Care Professions Council, HCPC). I have since worked in a range of clinical settings and developed expertise in a various psychological therapies including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT, BABCP Accredited), compassion focused therapy (CFT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and completed training as a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy teacher (Oxford Mindfulness Centre). In recent years, I have specialised in providing psychological support for people living with the challenges of long-term physical health conditions and specifically female chronic pelvic pain.

Mindfulness-based intervention in patients with persistent pain in chest (MIPIC) of non-cardiac cause: a feasibility randomised control study - PubMed (nih.gov)