Dr Laura Rees-Davies

Overview

Dr Laura Rees-Davies is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Cardiff Metropolitan University, specialising in coaching psychology, education, and mental health. She joined Cardiff Met following a substantial academic career across several UK universities, bringing nearly two decades of teaching, supervision, and research experience.

Dr Rees-Davies completed her BSc (Hons) Psychology at Cardiff Met before progressing to doctoral study at the University of South Wales. Her PhD examined anorexia nervosa in Wales, with a particular focus on patient treatment experiences and practitioner awareness. Alongside her doctoral research, she developed expertise in teaching, mentoring, and pastoral support, holding roles as Associate Lecturer, Specialist Mental Health Mentor, and Study Skills Tutor. She completed an ILM Level 7 qualification in Executive Coaching and Mentoring, enhancing her applied practice and leadership capabilities. She has also held research and associate roles at Swansea University and Cardiff University.

Her academic pathway continued at the University of Worcester, where she lectured in Psychology. During this period, she played a key role in curriculum development, peer mentoring initiatives, and the professionalisation of coaching psychology within higher education.

A Chartered Coaching Psychologist with the British Psychological Society, Dr Rees-Davies served as Chair of the BPS Division of Coaching Psychology from 2018 to 2022. In this role, she contributed to national conversations on coaching practice and evidence-based professional standards. She continues to work internationally as a coach, supervisor, and consultant across education and organisational settings.

At Cardiff Met, Dr Rees-Davies teaches across postgraduate and undergraduate programmes in Psychology and Education. Her research focuses on coaching in education, teacher wellbeing, psychological resilience, and the development of supportive interventions for learners and practitioners. She is actively involved in externally funded projects, cross-sector collaborations, and international partnerships. She also contributes to Cardiff Met’s emerging research in coaching psychology and rapid evidence synthesis.

Dr Rees-Davies is committed to enhancing student experience through inclusive teaching, research-informed practice, and high-quality supervision. Her broader academic interests include qualitative methodologies, applied psychology, and the integration of coaching approaches to support professional growth and wellbeing.

Research Publications

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