Not The Easy Way is a psychology service led by chartered psychologists Dr. Peter D’Lima & Dr. Claire McGuiggan.
Life is a series of challenges. Some challenges may feel like fun, eye-opening, uplifting adventures. Some may
feel like frightening, arduous, and overwhelming burdens.
When challenges feel hard and life gets tricky, we can tend to shy away from the challenge and choose an
easier path, which can protect us from the difficult feelings the challenge provokes.
We work with school settings, organisations, and businesses to develop systems in which all are encouraged:
Ѧѧ to speak about & address the challenges they encounter
Ѧѧ to aspire towards a meaningful life &
Ѧѧ to take action in bringing about change for themselves & others.
Get to know us!
Dr. Peter D'Lima DEdPsy CPsychol BA (International) PGCE; BPS Reg: 706325; HCPC Reg: PYL37626t
Dr. Peter D’Lima is a chartered psychologist and co-founder of Not The Easy Way. Peter is also trained in Video Interaction Guidance (VIG), a reflective technique using video to promote positive and attuned interactions between people. Peter has completed research in promoting resilience to extremism and social media use. Peter’s other interests include coping with uncertainty, coaching, promoting belonging, freedom of expression, group dynamics, masculinity, positive psychology and staff and employee wellbeing. In his spare time, Peter enjoys mountain biking, learning languages, spontaneous travel, being with family and playing tennis.
Dr. Claire McGuiggan DEdPsy CPsychol BA (Hons) PGCE MEd; BPS Reg: TBC; HCPC Reg: PYL18917
Dr Claire McGuiggan is a chartered psychologist and co-founder of Not The Easy Way. Claire has completed research on how psychologists can best support families. Her other interests include understanding avoidance in experiences of anxiety, positive psychology, critical thinking, psychological flexibility, the role of boys and men in society, male and female relationships, and coaching. In her spare time, Claire enjoys long walks in nature, spending time with her family, listening to podcasts and flower arranging.
"At Brooklands we are passionate about the world hearing our children's voices. Learning is strongest when diverse perspectives and voices are shared and heard. Speak Space has been a platform for our children to share their thoughts and ideas as well as to find a way to disagree. We would recommend Speak Space to other schools wanting to support deeper and richer discussions."
Christine, Headteacher, Brooklands Primary School
"I’ve done it (Speak Space) 10 or 12 times. My kids absolutely love it and if I don’t do it they get a bit ratty. It’s had a really good impact and, also, I use it for behaviour so if two children have an argument or a disagreement, we sit like a Speak Space: So, you’re going to speak first, You’re going to repeat back what so-and-so said so you were listening and (then) you’re going to speak That has changed how I deal with arguments it’s speeding everything up they both get to listen to each other”
Jack, Key Stage 2 Teacher, Brooklands Primary School
"On why resolving conflict in the classroom is quicker now: They know that they’re going to get to put their point across, but they also know that they have to listen to the person …instead of thinking about what they’re going to say next or trying to get out of whatever they’ve done they’re listening to what the other child is saying because they know that I’m going to ask them to repeat it back… They have to understand why someone is upset because they’re effectively telling themselves why they’ve upset someone…it stops the: “but you did this, you did this”
Jack, Key Stage 2 Teacher, Brooklands Primary School
