Dr Christina Palmer, Clinical Psychologist & Clinical Lead

BA Hons (Applied Psychology and Criminology), MSc (Psychology), PGDip (Low intensity CBT interventions), PGDip (High Intensity CBT), Doctorate in Clinical Psychology PsychD, EMDR Cert. Diagnosis and Assessment of Adult ADHD (UKAAN Cert.) Diagnostic Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-II) trained.

Specialisms: Psychological & Neurodevelopmental Assessment, PTSD & Complex Trauma, Low Self-Esteem, Severe and Enduring Mental Health Problems, Clinical Supervision

I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist accredited with BPS and HCPC. Clinical Psychologists differ from psychotherapists as we are trained at doctoral level and are required to work with clients across the lifespan using a wide range of approaches, as well as carrying out their own research. This ensures that we are able to keep abreast of the most up to date theories and research and integrate this into our work.

I have over 15 years experience of working within mental health, most recently as a Senior Clinical Psychologist in the NHS. I have worked across services spanning primary care, secondary care, acute, specialist and forensic services within the NHS and private sector. This has included extensive experience of providing psychological assessments and consultations as well as working with staff teams and involvement in service development. I am also an experienced supervisor with experience of offering supervision to other psychologists and therapists.

I draw on a broad range of evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), Compassion-focused Therapy (CFT) and Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT). Exposure to lots of theories and approaches means that I can offer a comprehensive assessment which supports you to think about which approach is right for you and why.

Nicola Rhodes, Senior Therapist & Clinical Lead

BA Hons (Applied Psychology and Criminology), MSc (Psychology), PGDip (Primary Mental Healthcare), PGDip (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), EMDR Cert.

Specialisms: PTSD & Complex Trauma, Low self-esteem, ADHD, Chronic Health Conditions / Mental Health Problems, Clinical Supervision

I am an experienced BABCP accredited therapist responsible for supervising and supporting a diverse team, in addition to my own clinical practice. I have worked in mental health for over 15 years in various services within the NHS and private healthcare. This includes working within primary care, acute and forensic hospitals, learning disability services, amongst others. I have been involved in service development, which includes developing and delivering wellness programmes. The broad nature of my experience means that I have a good understanding of how to adapt and tailor treatment to work with people experiencing a wide range of problems.

I am integrative and creative in my practice, drawing upon various therapeutic models including CBT, EMDR, ACT and other cognitive approaches. I always work in a person-centred way, in order to tailor support to effectively overcome difficulties such as anxiety, OCD, social anxiety, worry, health anxiety, PTSD and low mood. I am particularly interested in working with complex trauma and self-esteem, as I find helping people to move beyond past traumas and adverse life experiences extremely rewarding.

My aim is to help you understand your difficulties, and ensure treatment is based on your goals and what you want to get out of therapy, supporting you to develop new ways of coping.

Sian Lamey, Senior Psychotherapist

BA Hons (Occupational Therapy), PGDip (High intensity CBT). EMDR Cert.

Specialisms: Anxiety and Depression related problems, OCD, Low self-esteem, Trauma / PTSD, Eating disorders / Body Image Issues, Chronic pain/ long term health conditions, Clinical supervision. Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing.

I am an experienced BABCP Accredited CBT Therapist and HCPC registered Occupational Therapist. I have worked in a variety of Mental health settings within the NHS since 2004. This includes working within primary, secondary and acute care services and within specialist Eating disorder and Chronic pain teams. My most recent role within the NHS was as a Senior Psychological therapist which involved providing 1:1 and group based therapy, Clinical supervision to other therapists including trainees and leadership in relation to service development and expansion.

I draw on a broad range of evidence based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and third wave Mindfulness based approaches such as Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Self-Compassion focused work and EMDR. My priority when working with someone is to foster a safe, collaborative space in order to enable you to reach your goals and find new ways of coping. I look forward to supporting you along your journey.

Rachel Grant, Senior Psychotherapist

BA Hons (Psychology), MSc Health Through Occupation, PGDip (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). EMDR Cert. Mindfulness Practitioner (Mindfulness-Based Approaches, MBCT/MBSR)

Specialisms: Trauma/PTSD, Anxiety and Depression related problems, low self-esteem.

I am a BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist and Mindfulness Practitioner. I am also a HCPC registered Occupational Therapist. I have worked for over twelve years in mental health both in the private sector and for the NHS. I am currently employed by the NHS offering individual CBT and EMDR and Mindfulness groups in Primary Care.

I have experience of working with people with a wide range of difficulties such as; PTSD, low self-esteem, depression and stress. I work with a number of anxiety disorders such as; OCD,

health anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder, panic, phobias and social anxiety. I also incorporate compassion focused therapy (CFT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) within my core models of practice.

I am a warm, empathic therapist with a focus on the therapeutic relationship and creating a safe, collaborative space where we can work on your difficulties together. I offer short, medium and longer-term work to those aged 16 and above.

Dr Rebecca Butler, Senior Clinical Psychologist

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (ClinPsyD), Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD), Master of Research in Psychology (MRes), Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BSc Hons). EMDR Cert.

Specialisms: Psychological Assessment, Complex Trauma and PTSD, Interpersonal Difficulties, Emotion Regulation Difficulties, Low Mood, Anxiety, Low Self-Esteem, Unusual Experiences (such as voice hearing and suspicious thoughts), Severe and Enduring Mental Health Issues, Clinical Supervision.

I am an HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist and Member of the Association of Clinical Psychologists. Before joining The Psychological Therapy Centre, I worked in the NHS for over a decade, in a number of settings including primary and secondary care. This has given me extensive experience of working with a diverse range of people with a broad spectrum of

difficulties. I am experienced in developing and delivering group interventions as well as individual therapy. I have experience of providing individual clinical supervision to trainee clinical psychologists and qualified mental health practitioners, as well as reflective practice groups.

I tend to work in an integrative way, depending on the needs of the person I am working with. My practice draws upon evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Focused Therapy (SFT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Skills, and Psychodynamic Interpersonal Therapy (PIT) and EMDR. Whatever model we are working in to help with your difficulties, a safe and containing

therapeutic relationship is essential and so building this will always be a key priority for us. Through my warm, open-minded, and compassionate approach, I can help you to explore things that may feel difficult, confusing, or overwhelming, in a collaborative way. In this way, we can work to make sense of the difficulties you are experiencing, including how they link to your past and present and what keeps them going. With this shared understanding, we can work together to support you to move forwards towards change that is meaningful for you.

Associate Therapists

Dr Alex Kydd, Senior Clinical Psychologist

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology PsychD. EMDR Cert.

Specialisms: Psychological Assessments, PTSD and Complex Trauma, Severe and Enduring Mental Health Problems, Clinical Supervision

I am a Clinical Psychologist registered with the BPS and HCPC. I have worked for over 15 years with people of all ages experiencing a wide range of difficulties in a variety of NHS settings. This includes experience of working within the NHS in a senior role as a Principal Clinical Psychologist.

I work within a range of models and I am trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). I also draw on systemic and attachment theories, mindfulness, Cognitive Analytical Therapy (CAT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to inform my practice.

One of the most important factors in meaningful therapy is the relationship between therapist and client. I offer short and longer term therapy, starting with specialist assessment and drawing on appropriate models to develop a shared understanding of your experiences. From a position of hope and compassion we would think together about finding ways forward.

I work within an LGBTQ+ Affirmative practice.

Dr Jon Chatfield, Senior Clinical Psychologist

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology PsychD, MSc Forensic Psychology, BA (Hons) Social Psychology. EMDR Cert.

Specialisms: Psychological Assessment, PTSD & Complex Trauma, Interpersonal and Personality Difficulties, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Clinical Supervision and Professional Consultation

I am a Clinical Psychologist, accredited with HCPC. I have over a decade’s experience of working with people across the lifespan, in a range of inpatient, community, and forensic settings; specialising in adult mental health. I have extensive experience or working with staff teams both in the NHS and other organisations, in a consultative capacity, and regularly provide clinical supervision to other psychologists and therapists in both NHS and private roles.

I have experience in a variety of therapeutic approaches, but most commonly draw on Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT), Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and aspects of Schema-Focussed Therapy (SFT).

The quality of the therapeutic relationship is extremely important to me, as is creating a safe and creative environment in which psychological change can occur. I use a range of therapeutic tools in my work, including diagrams, letters and creative activities, as I believe that therapy should be unique to you as a person, rather than your diagnosis or the symptoms you are experiencing.

Roxanna Jones, Psychotherapist

BA Hons (Psychology and Ancient History), MEd (Psychology of Education), PGDip (Mental Health Practice), PGDip (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). EMDR Cert.

Specialisms: Eating Disorders, Phobias, Complex Trauma & Anxiety-Related Problems

I am a BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist and have experience working for over nine years as a mental health practitioner in public, private and charitable sectors, working with a variety of clinical presentations. I value working with a diverse client base and welcome all clients seeking a non-judgemental and safe place for support with their mental health.

I am a warm, curious and empathetic therapist who enjoys working with individuals holistically. I approach therapy as a cooperative process to best support people in connecting to their innate strengths and to enable them to bring about positive changes. I work with a wide range of mental health presentations. These include individuals experiencing a wide variety of anxiety and mood disorders such as depression, low self-esteem, post-traumatic stress disorder, work related stress, OCD, health anxiety, panic disorder, social and specific phobias. With a focus on the CBT framework, I also incorporate a variety of therapeutic models into my practice such as Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy and Mindfulness.

I have specialist experience working with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and medical phobias (for example, dental phobia). Furthermore, I have a particular interest in working with social phobias, low self-esteem and managing depression by improving interpersonal relationships.

Shona Cooke, Psychotherapist

MSc Politics of Rights. PG diploma in Social Work. PG diploma in Psychological Therapy (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), EMDR Cert.

Specialisms: Anxiety, Depression, Peri-Menopause

I am a BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT).
I have enjoyed working within the field of mental health for over twenty years within the voluntary sector and in community mental health services within the NHS.

I enjoy working transdiagnostically, working with the person rather than the diagnosis. I aim to help people to understand the link between their symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, and potential underlying causes, such as low self-esteem. My approach involves working alongside clients to develop practical strategies or 'tools' that will support them to overcome their difficulties. My work draws on approaches such as CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and EMDR.

I work with a range of problems including anxiety, OCD and depression and PTSD amongst others. I particularly have an interest in working with women who are in the menopause transition. I really value being able to support women to manage the anxiety and depression that can accompany this period along, or other transitions, in order to develop new coping strategies that will allow them to adapt and flourish.

I also have an interest in working with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD). GAD can be extremely distressing and often people can wait many years before having this recognised. I enjoy helping clients to get a better understanding of this diagnosis and tools for managing the excessive and uncontrollable worry that is typical of GAD.

Dr Hannah Smith, Senior Counselling Psychologist, Systemic Practitioner

Dr Hannah Clements, Senior Clinical Psychologist

Naomi Davis, Senior Psychotherapist and Eating Disorder Specialist

BA (Hons), MSc Psychology, PsychD Counselling Psychology, PG Cert. Systemic Approaches

Specialisms: Interpersonal difficulties; problems in couple and/or family relationships, anxiety, low mood/depression; trauma and complex trauma; sense of self/identity and self-esteem difficulties, distress associated with physical health conditions, Children and Young People, and Clinical Supervision.

I am an HCPC registered psychologist and family and systemic practitioner, currently working in the NHS as a Senior Psychologist. I am a compassionate therapist, who prioritises the therapeutic relationship – the most vital foundation of any therapy. I work in a collaborative, creative and flexible way, and through thorough assessment aim to provide a shared understanding of difficulties. I take a holistic view and understand difficulties as occurring in the broader contexts of someone's life, at a particular point in time.

Treatment is shaped by our understanding of the problem, your preferred ways of working and goals for therapy. I draw upon a range of therapeutic models, in order to best meet your needs as an individual, couple, parent/carer or family. This includes systemic approaches, brief psychodynamic therapy (e.g. Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy), narrative therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) ‘third wave’ CBT i.e.mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), compassion focused therapy (CFT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).

I have valued working with adults, couples, parents/carers, families and children and adolescents across the lifespan. I have worked within primary and secondary care, in CAMHS, paediatric (medical) and school settings. I have also enjoyed facilitating groups with adolescents (e.g. ACT, DBT) & parent/carers (e.g. the Incredible Years, Non Violence Resistance). I have learned a great deal from my clients over the years, which has shaped my practice.

I have worked with a variety of problems, including complex and inter-related difficulties, such as: low mood/depression; anxiety (i.e. OCD, health anxiety, phobias); sense of self/identity issues; loss & grief; auditory & visual experiences; emotion dysregulation & self-harm; eating difficulties; problems associated with / underpinned by neurodevelopmental difficulties (e.g. autism and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); complex trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and stress in interpersonal relationships.

I have worked within rich and diverse communities. I maintain an approach that is respectful, sensitive and curious to clients’ individual (including gender and sexuality) identities and social, cultural and religious contexts. I try to help clients to tell their stories in meaningful and empowering ways, in order to work towards living a fulfilling life that is based on their values, and what is most important to them.

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Occupational Therapy, PGDip Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (with specialism in Eating Disorders)

Specialisms: Eating Disorders, Body Image Issues, Yo-Yo Dieting, Perfectionism, OCD and Low Self-Esteem

I have a core training in CBT and have experience of working with a range of common mental health difficulties including anxiety, low mood, OCD, Panic, low self-esteem and Body Dysmorphia (BDD) amongst others. I have also been working as a specialist Eating Disorder Therapist for the NHS for the past 5 years and continue to be employed in this role as a senior therapist. I am experienced in the Maudsley model of Anorexia Nervosa for adults (MANTRA) and specialist supportive clinical management (SSCM) which are NICE guidelines recommended treatments for eating disorders. I have a core profession as an Occupational Therapist and am HCPC and RCOT accredited. I provide psychological therapy that draws on the latest evidence and is tailored to your current needs or difficulties.

I specialise in work that supports the treatment of people aged 16 years and older with all kinds of body-image or appearance related issues, eating-related difficulties and distress; whether this fits within diagnoses such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, or has been about turning to eating as a way to cope with other life difficulties and distress. I am also competent and experienced in supporting people with struggles associated with these difficulties including, body image issues, low self-esteem, perfectionism, anxiety and depression.

My therapeutic style is centred around compassion, respect and empathy and I value working collaboratively to support your wellbeing and individual aspirations. I can support you to build confidence or find freedom from food anxiety, guilt and shame and create a sense of self-worth that is not based on eating habits, body shape, weight or size.

Dr Selina Thorrington, Clinical Psychologist

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsychD)

Specialisms: Psychological assessment and formulation, trauma, mood and anxiety-related problems, severe and enduring mental health.

I have over 15 years of experience working with mental health within the NHS. Currently, I work privately and in the NHS, in a consultancy role. I have experience of working in a wide range of settings including private mental health services, adult secondary care, early intervention services and forensic acute care. This means that I have experience working with various issues and problems ranging from common mental health problems like anxiety and depression to complex trauma / PTSD and severe and enduring mental health problems.

I draw from a number of psychological models to inform my practice including Compassionate Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) and Schema Focused Therapy (SFT). I offer specialist assessment, short and longer term therapy.

From a compassionate and curious stance, I will work alongside you to explore what may feel challenging or confusing from your past and present in order to develop a shared understanding of what is impacting on you now. From this place of deeper understanding you can start to move towards the things that are important to you.

Bsc Hons (Psychology), Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), Accredited Schema Therapist, EMDR Cert., DBT Cert. ADI-R, ADOS II and DISCO Trained.

Specialisms: Specialist psychological assessment and formulation, assessment and formulation of Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC, children and adults), PTSD and Complex PTSD, Complex Emotional / Interpersonal Difficulties, Reflective Practice, Clinical Supervision and Psychological Consultation.

I am HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist. I have experience of working with clients experiencing a wide range of complex difficulties, across the lifespan. I have worked in the NHS for over 15 years within secure, forensic, inpatient rehabilitation, acute and community settings with children and adults. I am experienced in providing evidence based psychological assessment and interventions, neurodevelopmental assessment, clinical supervision, specialist consultation, teaching and training to teams in clinical practice, and teaching on the Doctoral programme.

I have used my psychological experience to support person-centred and meaningful service transformation. I am experienced in facilitating therapeutic groups in the community and in secure settings. In relation to comprehensive assessments, I have experience in gathering information sensitively and accurately and producing clear and helpful psychological reports for people and families.

I draw on a range of psychological models and frameworks according to a persons presentation and needs. These include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), attachment theory, Schema Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Compassion Focused approaches. I value working collaboratively and inclusively, with compassion and focus, in order to help people move forward.

Kyo Gbondo, Psychotherapist

BSc (Psychology), PGCert (Low Intensity Psychological Interventions), PGDip (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)

Specialisms: OCD, BDD and Young People

I am a BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) currently offering Private therapy, whilst also working part-time in the NHS. My experience ranges from working in both primary and secondary care mental health services for over 10 years. I have worked with young people, adults and older adults. This includes working in a specialist psychiatric service, in prison services and in the community, delivering person-centred care. I have extensive experience working with people experiencing depression and anxiety disorders such as Stress including work-related stress, Health Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-traumatic Stress disorder and Panic to name a few. I am also experienced in working with Body Dysmorphia (BDD) and various eating disorders.

I am compassionate in my approach and believe in working collaboratively to achieve your goals. We will work together to help you make sense of your difficulties and help you to find practical ways to overcome them.

I have a specialist interest in working with young adults (16 - 30 years). I am really passionate about working with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and have helped many people overcome the difficulties associated with OCD throughout my career.

Annabel Robb, Psychotherapist

Marie-Louise Lowcock, Psychotherapist

BSc Hons (Social Sciences:Psychology), BSc Hons (OT),

EMDR Cert.

Specialisms: Trauma, Anxiety and Depression

I am an integrative therapist with a core profession in Occupational Therapy. I am HCPC and RCOT accredited. I am currently employed in the NHS as a Senior Occupational Therapist and have over 11 years experience of working within mental health services. This has included both acute and community settings and has spanned across working age and later life age groups. I have experience of supporting people with a wide range of difficulties ranging from severe and enduring mental health conditions to common mental health difficulties such as depression, burnout, stress management, anxiety, trauma, OCD, loss and bereavement and more.

I work in an integrative way, which means that I can draw upon many therapeutic approaches within my work such as Occupational Therapy, CBT, and EMDR, amongst others.

I am passionate about working collaboratively with clients to help support their recovery following illness, in re-engagement in meaningful activities, routines, goals, and in rediscovering a life that is once again fulfilling. Witnessing the transformation clients can make is incredibly rewarding.

Training: MA Art Psychotherapy, EMDR, DBT, Family Interventions, Polyvegal Therapy, Supervision

Specialisms: Depression, Anxiety, Low self-esteem, Mood Disorders, Complex Trauma, Enduring Mental Health Problems, Learning Disabilities, Autism, Foster & Adoption Attachments.

I am a Psychotherapist trained in EMDR. My core profession is an Psychodynamic Art Psychotherapist, who is psychodynamically trained. I am registered with the HCPC and BAAT.

Over the past 10 years I have worked within the private and public sectors with adults, young people and children. Such settings include community based clinics, schools, social services, hospitals, forensic settings and supported housing/ placements. In the past 5 years I have also provided Clinical Supervision to fellow psychotherapists, trainees, as well as Reflective Practice to mental health teams.

I have a great deal of experience working with individuals who have been exposed to trauma in their past, which in turn manifests in a felt separateness from others and complex emotional responses to the world around them. I have specific experience working with children who have experienced neglect or abuse, along with adult survivors. I also have experience of working with children and adults with Autism and ADHD.

I tend to work integratively using a combination of talking therapy and EMDR or Art Psychotherapy. Often people can approach Art Therapy with an assumption that artwork must be created in each session which can feel a daunting and intimidating prospect. However, there are no set expectations other than building a therapeutic relationship and navigating your challenges together.