Lecturer
School of Health & Wellbeing
01752 636700
lcooper@marjon.ac.uk
I am a lecturer on the BSc (Hons) Psychotherapy and Counselling degree at Plymouth Marjon University, as well as a BACP Accredited Counsellor/Psychotherapist and PhD student at Sheffield Hallam University.
The majority of my clinical experience is in supporting students within Higher Education; as a Counsellor/Psychotherapist, a Specialist Mental Health Mentor, or in other Student Support and Welfare roles. I have worked in a variety of mental health charities and services across South Yorkshire as a counsellor or service manager.
I have also volunteered as a research ethics application reviewer for universities. These different, but often related experiences have helped inform my research interests.
My experience in working with students has inspired my current PhD research; investigating Perfectionism, Anxiety and Wellbeing in UK Undergraduates. My thesis has involved analysing a large survey data-set I obtained in 2018, measuring multi-dimensional perfectionism, anxiety, worry, resilience, wellbeing and social media use in students. This has been analysed using various statistical tests, including regression, factor analysis and structural equation modelling. I also developed, implemented and evaluated a dual-factor intervention for students with perfectionism, combining Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy and Positive Psychology.
My research interests include:
I have also worked as a research assistant for projects such as GrowPlus (positive psychology interventions for university students) and a project funded by Royal College of Nursing; a mixed-methods investigation exploring mental health nursing provisions for children and young people.
Other than enjoying teaching and research, I'm also a keen rock climber, a caffeine-obsessive, a travel-enthusiast, a film-watcher, an occasional walker/cycler/swimmer and a frequent-music-festival-goer. Rarely am I seen without music or the radio on.