About Hazel
I grew up in the West Country with a love of nature, folklore and science
As a teenager, I was passionate about protecting human rights and the environment – and when I left school, I initially trained in journalism. But as a junior reporter, I often met people who had gone through awful things – and I could see the little talked-about impacts of trauma on my colleagues and the culture of newspaper journalism.
That set me on a path to study Psychology, which brought me to Sussex. See more about my qualifications and professional experience.
These days, outside of my work as a Clinical Psychologist, I remain active in campaigning – especially for ecological conservation and social justice. Personal experience has only strengthened my passion for nature, and knowing how powerfully healing our relationship with nature can be (especially when we are facing adversity) has inspired me to integrate eco-psychological approaches to mental health into my practice.
Kernel - the story behind the name and logo
When I was looking for a name for my new practice, I wanted something that would convey how clinical psychology, though rooted in science, can be about more than just symptoms and treatments – it can be about deeper meaning and what makes us “us”.
I was drawn to the idea of the “kernel” because it gives a sense of heart, soul and essence – as well as hinting at how new beginnings can unfold from what might feel like a broken shell, and wisdom emerge from challenging life experiences. There’s a connection to my botanical name too!
Crafted by human hand
The beautiful wood engraving of the kernel – with labyrinthine path within – is the handiwork of Sussex artist Keith A Pettit, whose work including sculpture and print-making is rooted in the natural world, often formed from found wood.
Based on a hazelnut, the image was first engraved by Keith in mirror-image into a roundel of boxwood before being inked and printed in his 1849 Albion Printing Press. By chance, it was printed on 31 October – known in some British folk traditions as “Nutcrack Night”.
You can find out more about Keith’s work and view his online store at: Keith A Pettit | Home