Our Values
Openness, Acceptance and Kindness (OAK) underpin the core values, approaches and foundations for wellbeing in all our direct and indirect Educational Psychology work.
Openness
To difference and diversity in people, ways of being and thinking.
To be curious about ourselves, others and the world and be flexible in thinking about how things can be.
Acceptance
Of ourselves and others, of our thoughts and our emotions in order to use them as a guide for valued action.
Of what we can change and what we cannot control.
Kindness
In our thoughts, words and actions to foster hope, confidence and connection.
In non-judgmental and compassionate interactions to developing shared understanding and purpose.
Oak trees can symbolise natural strength, endurance and growth - from sturdy roots to branching canopies and flourishing forests. This mirrors our hopes and aims for young people's development and the support systems around them.
Our aim is to create a physical, mental or metaphorical 'space', away from the daily grind, for you to be yourself, reflect, think, problem-solve, play, learn, talk and plan.
All work is based on our best understanding of how the mind and world work from cognitive and psychological research and theory - developed through recognised education (doctorate), ongoing professional development (CPD) and personal passion and interest.
Get to Know Me
Dr. Russell Sharp
I am the Director of OAK Space Psychology and an Applied Educational Psychologist.
I have over a decade of experience as a qualified Educational Psychologist working in a Local Authority.
I have always been driven by a passion to understand our mind, ourselves and our world - in order to support young people flourish and live the best life they can.
I completed my first psychology degree at Leeds University and my Doctorate of Applied Educational Psychology at Newcastle University. Areas of Psychology I am interested in are generally captured by the term 'Humanistic' and have a strengths based and ecological focus. I have particular experience in a range of areas within Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH), Neurodiversity (including ASC and ADHD), General Cognition and Learning, Early Years.
I have a range of other work and life experience that I draw on including being a father, work as a teaching assistant and inclusion worker, work as a summer camp councellor in North America, work in the Media for the BBC as an undercover journalist, completing British Infantry training in the Army, being an Author, being a long term sports player and coach, enjoying outdoor pursuits.
I'm registered with the HCPC, AEP, ICO and have an enhanced DBS certificate.
What will working with us be like?
To children it may seem like a friendly visitor getting to know the class, playing a few puzzles and games, or having a chat about what you like in school and what you may want to change.
To the adult it may seem like a person to speak to who is trying to listen and reflect what is working well and jointly problem-solve any issues - to guide to a course of positive action.
Every day is different and may involve a tailored mix of individual observation / assessment for particular pupils, consultation, reviews, meetings, supervision, small workshops. Involvement can be captured in a summary report. What our time together will look like can be shaped up to be of most use - after your initial query.
