Liz Sparkes

I am an HCPC-registered Health Psychologist and Accredited Master Coach with over 18 years of experience in training, teaching, coaching, and leadership development. My career began in healthcare, where I trained health professionals in evidence-based brief interventions for behaviour change. I subsequently developed and delivered master's-level programmes in Compassion, Health Psychology, and Mindfulness, serving as both lecturer and programme director.

More recently, I have partnered with organisations across a range of sectors to design and deliver workplace compassion programmes that foster psychological safety, strengthen leadership capability, and support healthier, more productive workplace cultures. Drawing on expertise in behaviour change, compassion, wellbeing, and organisational psychology, I help individuals, teams, and organisations create sustainable positive change.

Health Psychologist, Educator and Master Coach at Self-Employed (2020-10 – Present)

Deliver coaching, consultancy and training programmes for individuals, workplaces, charities and healthcare organisations. Design and facilitate workshops focused on self-compassion, resilience, wellbeing and leadership. Support organisations to develop compassionate workplace cultures and improve staff wellbeing.

Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Course Director at Coventry University (2014-09 – 2021-04)

Course Director for the MSc Health Psychology programme and creator/director of the MSc Mindfulness and Compassion programme. Led curriculum design, quality assurance, teaching and supervision across undergraduate and postgraduate psychology programmes. Developed innovative approaches integrating mindfulness, compassion and health psychology.

PhD Researcher – Psychology of Chronic Pain at Birmingham City University (2008-06 – 2013-04)

Conducted doctoral research investigating psychological factors influencing the efficacy of chronic pain treatments. Designed quantitative and qualitative research studies, analysed complex datasets and disseminated findings to academic and professional audiences.

Health and Wellbeing Advisor at Camden Primary Care Trust and Mental Health Trust (2007-08 – 2008-05)

Established a specialist health and wellbeing service for mental health service users. Trained staff in brief behaviour change interventions and delivered clinics supporting individuals to address unhealthy behaviours and improve wellbeing.

PhD in Pain Psychology – Birmingham City University

Level 7 Master Coaching Qualification in Coaching A Levels in Psychology, Biology and Sports Science