Leicester Team

Expertise and Experience

Dr Vicki Edwards is Director of The Purple House Clinic, Leicester. Dr Edwards is a Clinical Psychologist, Chartered member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). She has over fifteen years  of NHS experience working in a specialist team within a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS).

Dr Edwards has expertise in working with children who have attachment difficulties, and their carers i.e. foster carers, residential staff.

Dr Edwards sees clients for a wide range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, complex trauma and child behavioural problems.

Dr Edwards also has extensive experience of providing consultation and training to professionals, for example, foster carers, social workers, and teachers in areas such as attachment, self-harm, mental health and sexual abuse.

Dr Edwards has post-qualification training in attachment therapy, group therapy and supervision. She is a BPS accredited Clinical Supervisor. Dr Edwards has written and published within this area of research and presented at National and International conferences on the topic of child maltreatment.

Qualifications

2003 – Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), University of Leicester.

1998 – Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (PGDipPsy), University of Nottingham.

1991 – Bachelor of Science (BSc Nursing), University of Southampton.

Professional Registrations & Memberships

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): PYL03877

British Psychological Society (BPS): 088327

Division of Clinical Psychology and subdivision of Children, Young People & Families.

BPS Accredited Supervisor.

Specialisms

Child/Adolescent Psychology – mental health problems, behavioural problems, parenting and family difficulties.

Attachment difficulties, including Looked After and Adopted Children. Work with carers and professionals.

Family & Relationship difficulties.

Adult Psychology – PTSD, relationship difficulties, childhood trauma.

Main Therapeutic Approaches

An integrated approach that is client-centred – focusing on building resilience, working with strengths and developing understanding of difficulties in order to develop full potential.

Post-qualification training in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (Attachment therapy), Group Therapy and Clinical Supervision.

Sue Edwards has been employed as the Operations Director of Purple House Leicester since July 2021. Sue previously worked as a social worker with children and families for over 30 years and was a fostering service manager for 8 years until she retired.  Sue has extensive knowledge and expertise of working with children and young people in the care system and supporting families.

Sue has developed many strengths during her career and is a professional, energetic and solution focused manager.  She is a reflective practitioner and committed to her own professional development as a manager she is a strong leader and is passionate about her work, and is driven to achieve excellence in her work at Purple House Leicester.

As Operations Director she is responsible for ensuring that Purple House Clinic Leicester delivers a high quality service which meets the regulatory requirements.

About Amy

Amy has over 20 years of administrative experience in the private healthcare and recruitment industries. Amy’s role at The Purple House Clinic Leicester is a very varied one, overseeing the smooth running of the business day-to-day, and ensuring that clients receive a professional and helpful service. Amy is an empathic and considerate person, who always strives to do her best for everyone who contacts our service.

At the Purple House Clinic we are committed to providing excellence in service, and all of our administrative staff undertake continual development and training in areas such as data protection, information governance, safeguarding, customer service, health and safety, first aid etc.

Expertise and Experience

Mark is a chartered Clinical Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, and is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council as a Practitioner Psychologist. He is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. 

Prior to training as a clinical psychologist, Mark worked in primary care mental health services, using CBT-based interventions with adults who had common mental health problems. Since qualifying, he has worked in an inpatient assessment unit for children with moderate-severe intellectual disability (ID) and challenging behaviour, a community CAMHS team, a specialist CAMHS ID team, and a special school for autistic children. He has led autism diagnostic teams in the NHS and third sector. In addition to his role as an Associate at Purple House, he carries out teaching and research at the University of Nottingham, where he is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology.  

Mark has undertaken additional training in family therapy-based approaches, compassion focused therapy, and has foundational accreditation in Theraplay. He has also undertaken post-qualification training in supervision and facilitating reflective practice groups. Furthermore, he has undertaken specialist training in autism assessment using the ADOS-2 and ADI-R. 

Mark has published in peer reviewed journals on developmental and relational approaches to working with people with ID or ASD and their families. In 2021, he co-authored a book entitled ‘Meeting emotional needs in intellectual disability: The developmental approach’, which was published by Hogrefe. 

Qualifications

2022 – Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE), University of Nottingham

2015 – Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), University of Sheffield

2012 – Master of Research in Clinical Psychology (MRes), University of Birmingham

2010 – Postgraduate Certificate in Psychological Therapies (PG Cert), University of Nottingham

2009 – Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BSc Hons), First Class, University of Leicester

Professional Registrations and Memberships

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): PYL 32272

British Psychological Society: 241376

Specialisms

I specialise in working with children and young people with neurodevelopmental conditions and their families. I mainly offer psychological assessments, with a focus on autism. 

Main Therapeutic Approaches

My main therapeutic approach is based on an integrative approach to family therapy called Attachment Narrative Therapy, however I also draw on other approaches, such as Theraplay and compassion-focused therapy, where appropriate. 

 Expertise and Experience 

Dr Catherine Horn, known as Kate, is a Clinical Psychologist. She is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) who regulate to ensure the quality and safety of all Clinical Psychologists, and is also chartered with the British Psychological Society (BPS). Kate has over 14 years’ experience of working in the NHS with children and families, adults and older adults.

Kate offers assessments tailored to the needs of individuals, couples and families for a range of mental health difficulties such as depression, anxiety, adjustment to life events, and relationship problems. She works using an integrated approach drawing on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-focused and Systemic therapies and is a qualified Systemic Practitioner. Kate works with people affected by trauma, including abuse, loss, bereavement and accidents and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Kate is experienced in providing clinical supervision and has completed accredited supervisor training. She has training and experience in facilitating reflective practice groups for staff and is an honorary lecturer at the University of Leicester.

Qualifications

2015 – EMDR Parts 1, 2 & 3, Sandi Richmann, University of Leicester.

2007 – Advanced Certificate in Systemic Practice with Families and Couples, Birkbeck, University of London.

2004 – Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (D.Clin.Psy.), University of Leicester.

Professional Registrations & Memberships

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): PYL17247

British Psychological Society (BPS): 129365

EMDR Association England & Ireland

Association for Family Therapy membership number: N9000065756

Specialisms

Adult Psychology (mental health problems, interpersonal and relationship difficulties).

Child & Adolescent Psychology (mental health problems, behaviour problems and parenting).

Main Therapeutic Approaches

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) – Accredited Practitioner.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Systemic practice with couples and individuals.

Expertise and Experience

Dr Sarah Jane Knight is a Clinical Psychologist. She is a Chartered member of the British Psychological Society and is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. Dr Knight has over fifteen years of experience working in a range of NHS settings with children, families, and adults.

Dr Knight offers assessment and therapeutic intervention tailored to the needs of individuals and their family for a range of psychological difficulties including anxiety, depression, obsessions/compulsions, adjustment to life events, relational and interpersonal difficulties, and difficulties associated with complex trauma. She draws upon several models in her work, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), family/systemic therapies, and psychodynamic/psychoanalytic ideas, in order to use an integrative approach that is client-centred to facilitate meaningful understanding and changes.

Further to qualification in 2008, Dr Knight has worked in various settings in the NHS, including Early Intervention for Psychosis, Assertive Outreach and Rehabilitation and Recovery teams within Adult Mental Health, and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). She therefore has extensive experience and clinical practice of working therapeutically with a variety of mental health presentations and concerns.

Dr Knight has completed additional post-qualification training in the assessment of Neurodevelopmental Conditions.

Dr Knight is experienced in providing clinical supervision and has completed accredited supervisor training. She has training and experience in facilitating reflective practice groups, and is an honorary lecturer at the University of Leicester.

Qualifications

2008 – Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (D.Clin.Psy.), University of Leicester.

2001 – BA (Hons) Psychology with Social Sciences (BPS accredited), Nottingham Trent University.

Professional Registrations & Memberships

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): PYL01948

British Psychological Society (BPS): 165331

Specialisms

Child & Adolescent Psychology – mental health problems, behavioural problems, parenting and family difficulties.

Adult Psychology – mental health problems, interpersonal / relational difficulties, childhood trauma.

Assessment and intervention with Neurodevelopmental Conditions.

Psychosis.

Staff support and consultation.

Main Therapeutic Approaches

An integrated approach that is client-centred.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy.

Compassion focussed Therapy.

Systemic approaches.

Psychodynamic Approaches.

Expertise and Experience 

I am a (Health Care Professions Council) state registered Dramatherapist. I qualified in 2005. I am also a Certified Theraplay Practitioner and Clinical Supervisor. I am also trained to first level DDP (Dyadic Developmental Practice). I am a member of the British Association of Dramatherapists and The Theraplay Institute and follow their ethical guidelines. I have a current Enhanced DBS Certificate.

I have worked across the full spectrum, with 9 years experience specialising in Parent and Child, including trauma cases, children from adoption and foster placements and children with learning difficulties. I have taught this format to Dramatherapy students at Anglia Ruskin and have extensive knowledge of the use of creative methods for professional development and supervision with professionals from all areas including teachers and teaching assistants. I am currently supporting Theraplay Practitioners in gaining qualifications from Foundational to fully Certified and have also supported Dramatherapy students during their training. 

I firmly believe that the creative approaches to therapy can be extremely helpful in allowing  access to ‘places’ that were not given time/space or a voice as a child. I work sensitively and intuitively so that these important feelings can be fully expressed at an individual’s own pace. Additionally, within the Theraplay sessions, the four dimensions from the Theraplay model are used in a more directive approach, specifically to promote feelings of safety, security and a shared experience. Techniques are modelled and encouraged that parents/guardians can use within everyday life.

I feel that using integrated Dramatherapy, Theraplay and Creative Supervision techniques in certain cases, such as children with varying learning difficulties, allows both individuals and family groups to surmount the sometimes overwhelmingly apparent conflict and lack of communication whilst achieving a satisfactory outcome. These disciplines, often combined, are key to enabling people to move forward, mitigate developmental delay and help to resolve issues. 

Dramatherapist / Theraplay Therapist

– Present (9 years)

Freelance around Northamptonshire including schools councils, care homes, charities and privately.
Current / recent clients from Kidsaid, Rowan Gate Special School, Northamptonshire and Sandwell County Councils, and the Northamptonshire County Theraplay Service. 

Supervisor

I support Teachers, Social Workers, Arts Therapists and Music Therapists across several counties either face to face or via Skype.

Trainer

I supervise students who are gaining qualifications in Dramatherapy and Theraplay and have extensive knowledge in guiding students to formal qualifications. I have assisted with the delivery of Theraplay training courses.

Higher Education Lecturer

– Present (3 years 2 months)

I have provided lectures on ‘Working with Families’ for M.A. Dramatherapy students at Anglia Ruskin University.

Qualifications 

N.N.E.B. {July 1977} 

Further Education Teaching Certificate {August 2001}

Certificate in Management Studies {April 2005}

Bachelor of Arts (BA) hons

BA combined honours Drama with Psychology

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Masters in Dramatherapy                

Post Graduate Diploma

Certified Theraplay Practitioner                         

Certified Group Theraplay Trainer {2015}     

Diploma in Creative Approaches to Supervision

Training / CPD

Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy {level 1}

Neuro Dramatic Play

Certificate of Reliability MIM method { Dyadic Emotional Interaction Style scoring}

Looked after children and Attachment

Sensory Attachment Intervention 

Expertise and Experience

Donna Gooding is a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist and is registered with the United Kingdom Councils for Psychotherapists (UKCP). Donna is an EMDR therapist and trained in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, alongside this Donna has continued to extend her training and has an interest in Attachment Based Family Therapy and Non-Violent Resistance Therapy.

Donna has 12 years of experience working in an NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), working initially within a Mental Health Team, before moving into a Specialist Eating Disorder Team. Donna qualified as a social worker in 2008 and initially worked within the local authority with looked after children, adoptive families, and foster carers and within the youth offending service.

 Donna has extensive experience of clinical practice and working therapeutically with a variety of mental health presentations and concerns, including eating concerns/disorder, developmental and intergenerational trauma, child behavioural problems, anxiety, mood concerns, neurodiversity, interpersonal struggles, family difficulties and couple therapy. 

 Donna offers systemic assessments and formulation which considers family interactional patterns/relationships, life scripts and the wider context including cultural considerations. This enables Donna to create specific therapeutic inventions in collaboration with persons who access therapy.  

 Donna has a special interest in trauma, relationships and attachment and an appreciation of the impact of context on a person’s life and relationships. 

 Donna offers systemic supervision and has completed a post graduate certificate in supervision of evidence-based practice.

 Donna offers reflective practice and team training, with a focus on trauma, team formulation and understanding distress.

Qualifications

2017: Postgrad cert in evidence based supervision- University of Derby

2013: MSc Family and Systemic Psychotherapy- University of Leeds

2012: Postgrad Diploma in Systemic Practice- Birkbeck University London

2011: Postgrad Cert in Systemic Practice- Birkbeck University London

2008: BA (Hons) in Social Work- Demontfort University Leicester

Professional registration and memberships:

Health Care Professional Council (HCPC) 

United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)

Member of the Association of Family Therapists (AFT)  

Social Work England.

Specialisms

Relationships, attachment, and relationship difficulties. 

Trauma and complex trauma / developmental trauma

Eating disorders and associated difficulties. 

Child and adolescent mental health, including anxiety, obsessions and compulsions, mood. 

Behavioural concerns and parenting. 

Bereavement and loss.

Transitions and life events, divorce, separation, moving away, blended families.

Main therapeutic approaches

Systemic Psychotherapy

EMDR

Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy

Narrative Therapy

Attachment Based Family Therapy

Non-violent resistance therapy

Expertise and Experience

Amanda is an Associate Therapist in EMDR at Purple House Leicester. Amanda has 13 years’ experience of working within both the Local Authority and within specialist voluntary sector services. 

During her Social Work career Amanda has gained extensive experience of working with children and young people who have experienced significant trauma(s) in their lives. Amanda has worked across specialist teams providing therapy and support to children who have experienced Childhood Sexual Abuse, and Local Authority teams providing therapeutic interventions to children looked after, children subject to special guardianship orders and adopted children and their families. 

Amanda is a warm, empathic, enthusiastic, and committed practitioner.  Although Amanda has experience of working with children of all ages, she particularly enjoys and has an affinity to working with adolescents.

Amanda’s approach is predominately relational and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). A relational approach to interventions allows Amanda to form authentic, respectful relationships with the children and families she works with, and to create spaces of emotional safety and containment in which to consider presenting issues. This provides a firm foundation on which EMDR therapy can be considered to facilitate positive change.

Amanda is fully trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and offers this as part of her journey towards full accreditation, under consultant supervision.   Amanda believes that we continue to learn and grow throughout our life journey, and she will shortly be undertaking further training in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP).

Qualifications

2008- BA (Hons) Social Work- De Montfort University, Leicester

Professional Registrations & Memberships

Social Work England Registration No: SW86125

Nagalro registration No: 2508

EMDR Association UK and Ireland.

Specialisms

Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA)

Trauma

Attachment difficulties, including children Looked After and Adopted Children.

Families who have experienced grief and loss.

Main Therapeutic Approaches 

Relational

EMDR – Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing.

Narrative Therapy

Expertise and Experience

Dr Hartas is an Associate Psychologist at Purple House Leicester. She is a Registered Educational Psychologist and a Chartered Psychologist. Dr Hartas is experienced in working with clients of all ages – adults, children and adolescents.  She provides psycho-educational assessments and advice for a wide range of learning and behavioural and social/emotional difficulties, including dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, ADHD, autistic spectrum difficulties and social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. She is an active researcher who has published extensively in the field of educational psychology and thus her psychological practice is underpinned by up-to-date research evidence. Dr Hartas offers expert advice to parents and schools on educational placements appropriate for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. She has experience with advising students with special educational needs and disabilities in academia and offers information on Disabled Student Allowance and other learning support available in Higher Education.

After obtaining her PhD from the University of Illinois in Chicago, Dr Hartas worked at the Kennedy Krieger Institute at Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, USA) with a focus on developmental disabilities and disability provision for disadvantaged children with a wide range of developmental and learning difficulties. Her practical work has developed in parallel with her research and teaching in the areas of Special Educational Needs and Disability at an undergraduate and postgraduate level. She has extensively researched and published on children’s language, behaviour and learning and the interplay between academic achievement and family factors.

Qualifications

1995 – PhD Special Education/Educational Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA.

1993 – MA Special Education/Educational Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA.

1991 – BA Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA.

Professional Registrations & Memberships

Health and Care Professions Council (PYL25357).

British Psychological Society (083460).

Specialisms

Specific learning difficulties – dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – ADHD.

Social, emotional, behavioural difficulties.

Autistic Spectrum Disorders – ASD.

Expertise and Experience

Dr Tilbury is an Associate Psychologist at Purple House, Leicester.  She is a Registered Clinical Psychologist.  Dr Tilbury is experienced in working with clients of all ages – adults, children and adolescents.  She provides assessment and therapeutic intervention for a range of common psychological issues, including developmental and intergenerational trauma, child behavioural problems, anxiety, depression, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), interpersonal struggles, family difficulties and couple therapy.  She specialises in Child Psychology, Attachment theory, Trauma informed approaches, Ego state work, Dissociative disorders and psychodynamic approaches considering conscious and unconscious factors in childhood and adult experiences.  Dr Tilbury utilises several therapeutic approaches including Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Approaches, Psychodynamic approaches and Ego State therapy.  She is working towards her accreditation in both EMDR and DDP under consultant supervision.

Alongside working in private practice, Dr Tilbury works in the NHS as a clinical lead for a team working with looked after and adopted children.  She has been working as a Clinical Psychologist since 2012 in a specialist mental health team.

Qualifications

2012 – Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), University of Leicester.

2007 – Master of Arts in Psychology (MA Hons), First Class, University of Glasgow.

Professional Registrations & Memberships

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): PYL28786.

EMDR Association UK and Ireland.

Specialisms

Child/Adolescent Psychology (mental health, behaviour problems, and relationships).

Attachment difficulties, including Looked After and Adopted Children.

Adult Psychology (PTSD, Interpersonal Difficulties, childhood trauma).

Main Therapeutic Approaches

EMDR – Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing.

DDP – Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy.

CBT – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Group Analysis.

Psychodynamic Approaches.

Expertise and Experience

Dr Jodie Goddard is a Registered Clinical Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). She is experienced in working with clients across the lifespan; children, adolescents and adults.

Dr Goddard has experience of working therapeutically using an integrative psychological approach, drawing on aspects of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment Theory, Cognitive Analytic Therapy, Systemic models, Behavioural Theory and Psychodynamic principles. She is also skilled in working systemically with couples, parents/carers and families.

Dr Goddard provides assessment and therapeutic intervention for a range of emotional difficulties, including anxiety, depression, phobias, attachment difficulties, post-traumatic stress, chronic pain, trauma, obsessive/compulsive problems, adjustment difficulties, child behavioural problem, visible difference concerns and the psychological impact of illness and injury. She also has experience of providing therapeutic intervention for both children and adults who have Aspergers and/or ADHD.

Dr Goddard specialises in Child Psychology; working with children and young people who are experiencing psychological distress (associated with either mental health difficulties or physical health problems). She has particular experience in working with children and young people diagnosed with chronic and life-limiting physical health conditions. Dr Goddard is also experienced in working with children, young people and their carers who experience psychological trauma in response to illness and injury (including road traffic accidents and burn injuries). Dr Goddard is experienced in providing training, consultation, reflective practice and supervision to members of staff, and has completed Supervisor Training and Recognition training.

Currently, Dr Goddard works as a Clinical Psychologist in Birmingham’s Children’s Hospital, as well as part-time in private practice.

Qualifications

2014 – Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), University of Leicester.

2006 – Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology (BSc Hons), upper second class, University of Leicester.

Professional Registrations & Memberships

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): PYL31078

Specialisms

Child/Adolescent Psychology (mental health problems, behaviour problems and parenting).

Paediatric Psychology (psychological impact of physical health and injury, feeding difficulties, chronic constipation, chronic pain and medically unexplained symptoms).

Main Therapeutic Approaches

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

Compassion Focused Therapy

Mindfulness

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Expertise and Experience

Dr Daniel is a Clinical Psychologist registered with the British Psychological Society and the Health and Care Professions Council. He has over 10 years of experience working in mental health and hospital settings in the UK and South Africa. He currently works with clients that are experiencing mental health, emotional and family difficulties. He has experience of working with adolescents and adults. Dr Daniel has extensive expertise in assessment and therapeutic treatment including individual, couple, group work and consultation. He uses a range of different psychological approaches in his work including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, EMDR, Integrated Cognitive Therapy, and Schema Informed Cognitive Therapy.

He currently holds a part-time post in the NHS where he is working with young people and families. He has previously held an NHS post working with adults with common mental health problems. He was working in the private and state health system in South Africa prior to moving to the UK. His broad experience of working in different settings with different cultures has enabled him to gain a deeper understanding of psychological difficulties and an ability to work across cultural differences and contexts. In addition to his clinical work, Dr Daniel provides consultation, supervision and training and he has published material related to offending and psychometrics. His approach is very thorough and forward thinking and he has a specific interest in Affective Disorders.

Qualifications

2014 – Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (D.Clin.Psy), University of East Anglia, UK.

2009 – Master of Social Science in Psychology (Domestic Violence), University of Cape Town, South Africa.

2003 – BA Hons Psychology, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa.

2001 – BA Psychology, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Professional Registrations & Memberships

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): PYL31686

British Psychological Society (BPS): 191537

British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): 160013

Specialisms

Adolescent Psychology (Assessment and Formulation, Mood Disorders).

Adult Psychology (Affective Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Interpersonal / Relationship problems).

Main Therapeutic Approaches

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).

Integrated Cognitive Therapy.

EMDR- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (currently completing accreditation).

Schema Informed Cognitive Therapy.

Expertise and Experience

Dr Harper is a Registered Clinical Psychologist, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and Chartered with the British Psychological Society (BPS). Dr Harper works with clients of all ages; she has particular expertise in working with children and young people. Dr Harper provides assessment and therapeutic intervention for a range of common psychological difficulties including depression, anxiety, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and child behavioural problems.  Dr Harper is highly experienced in working with children and young people presenting with Autistic Spectrum Conditions and behavioural difficulties and/or co-morbid mental health difficulties. She also has a particular interest in working with individuals presenting with obsessive-compulsive difficulties (OCD).

Dr Harper utilises a range of therapeutic approaches but has particular expertise in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Following qualification as a Clinical Psychologist, Dr Harper has undergone further training in the assessment of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and in the assessment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She has also received further training in clinical supervision.

Prior to working in private practice, Dr Harper worked in the NHS for over 11 years, her most recent post being in Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

Qualifications

2013 – Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (D.Clin.Psy.), University of Nottingham.

2005 – Foundation Certificate in Counselling Skills, Loughborough College.

2003 – Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology (BSc. Hons.), 2:1 University of Wales Institute, Cardiff.

Professional Registrations & Memberships

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): PYL29399

British Psychological Society (BPS): 041637

Specialisms

Child and Adolescent Psychology (mental health problems, behaviour problems and parenting).

Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and co-morbid mental health problems.

Main Therapeutic Approaches

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

EMDR

Expertise and Experience

Dr Allen is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with 22 years’ experience of supporting people who have experienced mental health difficulties and who may be experiencing difficulties with substance use. She is an HCPC Registered Clinical Psychologist and a Chartered Psychologist.

Dr Allen is experienced in working with adults, families and couples.  She provides assessment and therapeutic intervention for a range of common psychological issues including depression, anxiety, phobias, obsessive/compulsive problems and trauma.  She specialises in supporting healing when adults are survivors of childhood Trauma (PTSD), understanding and managing voice hearing, difficult inter-personal relationships, along with managing the aftermath of relationships where one partner may have been abusive. 

Dr Allen has experience in supporting people in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, including supporting people related to their concerns due to Covid-19 and in developing strategies to manage Long Covid.  Dr Allen has experience in supporting family members where enduring mental health problems affect the family and/or when a family member may be struggling with addictions.  She has undergone training in Behavioural Family Therapy. 

Dr Allen has specialisms in supporting couples develop healthy relationships when one member of the couple may have experienced childhood abuse.  She has skills in complex case presentations and working with adults with emotional/interpersonal problems linked to childhood abuse or trauma.  Dr Allen utilises several therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT), Behavioural Family Therapy (BFT) and Narrative approaches.  

When not working at The Purple House Clinic, Dr Allen works within the NHS, offering Clinical Psychology interventions to people with severe and enduring mental health problems.  She also undertakes clinical supervision for other health professionals and Trainee Psychologists.  Dr Allen has published extensively in peer reviewed Journals and has contributed a book chapter designed to guide healthcare professionals in supporting people with severe and enduring mental health problems who can be hard to engage in treatment.  Dr Allen has presented at numerous Conferences and has delivered training to organisations aimed to support healthcare professionals understand and manage the emotional impact of undertaking quality healthcare.  Dr Allen has delivered post-incident support to NHS employees during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Qualifications

2012 – Post-Graduate Certificate in Compassion Focussed Therapy (PGCert), University of Derby.

2005 – Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), University of Sheffield.

2001 – Certificate in Alcohol and Drugs Counselling, University of Leicester.

1998 – Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BSc Hons), Upper Second Class Degree, University of Hull.

Professional Registrations & Memberships

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): PYL01853

British Psychological Society (BPS): 077417.

Main Therapeutic Approaches

Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT).

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Behavioural Family Therapy (BFT).

Narrative approaches.

 Expertise and Experience 

Kate Arron is a Clinical Psychologist who works predominantly with children, young people and their families. She is a chartered member of the British Psychological Society and is registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council as a Practitioner Psychologist. 

Since qualifying, Kate has enjoyed working as a Clinical Psychologist for approximately fifteen years in community child and adolescent services in the NHS and within the charity sector. At The Purple House Clinic, Kate provides psychological assessment and therapeutic intervention for a range of childhood difficulties including anxiety, phobias, low mood, obsessive/compulsive problems and other emotional and behavioural difficulties. Kate is also highly experienced in working with young people with neurodevelopmental differences and is part of a team of clinicians at The Purple House Clinic offering assessment for possible autism. 

Kate draws from a range of psychological models to inform her work, including family/systemic therapies, narrative therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), compassion-focused therapy (CFT) and attachment theory. This allows Kate to use an integrative approach that is family-centred and tailored to the young person and their family’s needs.

Since completing her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Birmingham, Kate has gained further post-qualification training in the delivery of the Positive Parenting Programme, and completed specialist training in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Dialetical Behaviour Therapy, autism assessment using the ADOS-2 and ADI-R and the Child Assessment of Play and Attachment. 

When not working at The Purple House Clinic, Kate also works within the NHS, offering psychological perspectives and interventions to parents and staff within neonatal settings.  She is also experienced in providing training, consultation, clinical supervision and reflective practice to members of staff. In her career, Kate has published in peer reviewed journals and delivered talks at international conferences on the psychological impact of genetic conditions and treatments for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.  

Qualifications

2005 – Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), University of Birmingham.

2003 – Master of Philosophy (MA), University of Birmingham 

1997 – Bachelor of Science (BSc Hons), Psychology (BPS accredited), University of Leeds.

Professional Registrations and Memberships

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): PYL 02007

British Psychological Society (BPS): 090637

Specialisms

Child & Adolescent Psychology – mental health problems, emotional and behavioural problems, parenting and family difficulties.

Assessment and intervention with neurodevelopmental conditions.

Staff support and consultation.

Main Therapeutic Approaches

Systemic / Family approaches

Compassion Focussed Therapy

Psychodynamic approaches

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

 Expertise and Experience 

Nakita is an Associate therapist in counselling and EMDR at Purple House Leicester. Nakita has 12 years experience working therapeutically inclusive of working within the NHS and within specialist voluntary sector services. Nakita is experienced working with clients across the lifespan; children, adolescents and children. 

During her therapy career Nakita has gained extensive experience of working with clients whom have experienced trauma(s) in their lives and working across specialist sectors providing therapy to clients whom have experienced childhood sexual abuse. 

Nakita provides assessment and therapeutic intervention for a range of emotional difficulties including; emotional effects from trauma such as anxiety or phobias, post traumatic stress, attachment difficulties, loss and depression. 

Nakita specialises in providing therapeutic treatment to clients affected by trauma within their lives and predominantly uses Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) approach. Nakita is fully trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and offers this as part of her journey towards full accreditation, under consultation supervision. 

Nakita continues to broaden her therapeutic practice and is currently training in the delivery of MBCT exploring the use of mindfulness within her therapeutic practice. Nakita further hopes to undertake further training in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP).

Qualifications

BA (hons) in Humanistic Counselling Practice – The University of Nottingham (2011)

EMDR core training parts 1-4 – delivered by an EMDR Europe Accredited trainer (2014)

Person Centred Experiential Counselling for Depression – The University of Nottingham (2020)

EMDR with children and adolescent’s parts 1 and 2- delivered by an EMDR Europe Accredited trainer (2021)

Professional Registrations and Memberships

Accredited member of the BACP

Member of the EMDR Association UK

Specialisms

Trauma 

Childhood sexual abuse 

Depression

Grief and loss

Main Therapeutic Approaches

Person Centred Counselling 

Eye Movement Desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)

 Expertise and Experience 

Dr Vidya Fatania is an Associate Clinical Psychologist at Purple House Clinic, Leicester. She is a Clinical Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and is experienced in working with clients of all ages – adults, adolescents and children.  

Vidya provides assessment and therapeutic intervention for a range of psychological issues including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, low mood, phobias and child emotional and behavioural struggles. She specialises in Child Psychology, attachment theory, trauma informed approaches, dissociative conditions, relational/intrafamilial discord and supporting emotional regulation in young people and within families/networks. 

Vidya utilises several therapeutic approaches including Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy/Practice (DDP), Systemic approaches, Narrative approaches and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). She is also an Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapist with additional Child EMDR Training.  Vidya has worked in the NHS for over 10 years, including 8 years within Looked After and Adopted Children’s Services. In addition to working with Purple House Clinic, Vidya works in the NHS as a Clinical Psychologist in a service for children who are in care, adopted or homeless. Vidya works holistically with families & children and provides consultation, supervision, reflective practice and teaching/training to the wider systems around a child. 

Qualifications

2017 – Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), University of Lincoln.

2012 – Masters of Science in Clinical Forensic Psychology, with Merit, Kings College London.

2010 – Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BSc Hons), Upper Second Class, Aston University.

Professional Registrations and Memberships

Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC): PYL34516

Specialisms

Child/Adolescent Psychology (mental health, emotional and behavioural support)

Attachment theory (therapeutic parenting/carer work, building attunement and attachment in parent/carer-child relationships)

Trauma informed work (PTSD, complex and chronic traumas, developmental trauma, dissociation)

Working with children in care and adopted children

Main Therapeutic Approaches

EMDR Therapist – Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing

Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP).

Systemic and Narrative Approaches

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

 Expertise and Experience 

Dr Ed Rainbow is an experienced practicing GP specialising Lifestyle Medicine and men’s mental health.  He is also an educator and firmly believes in non-drug approaches to all health issues, particularly mental health and wellbeing. 

Dr Rainbow currently practices as an NHS GP and has done since 2016.  He also teaches medical students and GP trainees about diverse areas including communication, diagnosis and patient-centred approaches.

Dr Rainbow has a relaxed, empathetic and humorous approach which his patients find helpful for their complex situations.  He provides clear explanations and plans to help improve the difficulties they are facing.

Qualifications

Graduate Entry Medicine, BMBS – The University of Nottingham 2006-2010

Member of the Royal College of GPs – Royal College of General Practitioners 2013-2016

Diplomate, Lifestyle Medicine – British Society of Lifestyle Medicine 2021

ADHD Diagnosis and Management – UKAAN 2021

Specialisms

Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Lifestyle Medicine (non-drug) management

Adult Mental Health assessment, diagnosis and Lifestyle Medicine (non-drug) management

Educational group courses

 Expertise and Experience 

Helen Molesdale is an Associate Occupational Therapist at Purple House Clinic Leicester.  Helen has been trained to work with clients of all ages, with mental and physical health issues.  Helen provides holistic assessments and occupational therapy to help individuals to overcome challenges, to enable them to participate in activities, and to improve their sense of wellbeing.  She is passionate about helping people to live their best life whether it be in their school, work, home, social life or with their hobbies/interests.  Helen is also a Specialist Rehabilitation Clinician in a Long-term Conditions Rehabilitation Team in the NHS, a Guest Lecturer at Coventry University and a Clinical Educator for students training to be health care professionals and for occupational therapists who are returning to practice.    

Helen has worked in occupational therapy since 2004 and has a vast array of experience, in acute hospitals and the community, in the following specialities – Learning Disability & Autism, Visual Impairment, Dementia, Older Person’s Mental Health, Critical Care (Covid-19, Trauma, Cardio-Respiratory, Post-operative & Renal), Acute Cardio-Respiratory & Respiratory, Heart Failure & Long-covid Rehabilitation. 

Qualifications

08/2010 – First Class Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Occupational Therapy 

09/2021 – Mental Health First Aider 

Professional Registrations and Memberships

Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC): OT62270

Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT): BT0801919

Specialisms

• Mental Health Adults & Older People: anxiety management, coping with depression, low self-esteem/confidence, employment & social skills, reduced self-care skills, memory difficulties, finding fulfilling roles.
• Respiratory, Heart Failure & Long-covid Rehabilitation: improved fitness & strength and learn to live well with the long-term condition. 
• Children & Young People: to support with learning self-care skills, going to school/college, having fun & social skills. 

Main Therapeutic Approaches

Graded activity 

Adaptation 

Health promotion & life coaching 

Reminiscence therapy 

Social prescribing 

Cognitive behavioural 

Sensory processing & integration

 Expertise and Experience 

Dr Elisabeth Pennington, known as Liz, is an Associate Psychologist at Purple House Leicester. Liz has over 15 years of experience as a clinical psychologist working in the NHS supporting adults with severe and enduring mental health difficulties. She is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist with the British Psychological Society and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).  

Liz is experienced in working with adults and adolescents. She provides assessment and therapeutic intervention for a range of mental health difficulties including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, adjustment to life events and trauma.  She specialises in supporting the healing of survivors of childhood trauma, sexual trauma, and intimate partner violence. 

In her therapy work, Liz uses an integrative approach that allows the flexibility to focus on the whole of the individual and the best fit for their needs. The therapeutic approaches that she uses focus on the healing power of healthy connectedness between our bodies, minds, and the people that surround us. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), which alleviates the distress arising from traumatic memories by tapping into the natural instinct to heal, where reconnection with the body and sense of self are key to recovery. 

Liz is also an accredited Practitioner in Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT). CAT is a relational approach that draws upon ideas from cognitive and psychoanalytic therapies. At its heart is a compassionate and shared understanding of how painful or restrictive patterns in the present, in the context of relationships with the self and others, invariably tell a story of an individual’s means of surviving their past. Through this understanding, new ways of being can be explored and relief from distress achieved – as well as personal growth. 

Liz is an advocate for trauma-informed practice, across all healthcare settings, where shaping practice to mitigate the negative impact of trauma on the capacity to feel safe and trust, allows for the development of more robust relationships between health services and individuals, as well as communities.

Qualifications

2013 – Standard Accredited Training in EMDR, Richman EMDR Training/ University of Leicester.

2013 – PGDip: Cognitive Analytic Therapy Practitioner Diploma, Sheffield Hallam University/ ACAT

2007 – DClinPsy : Practitioner Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, University of Leicester.

2003 – PhD Psychology, University of Warwick

1997 – BSc (Hons) Psychology, 2:1, University of Warwick

Professional Registrations and Memberships

Health Care Professions Council (HCPC): PYL19181

British Psychological Society (BPS):  84755

Member of the Association for Cognitive Analytic Therapy (ACAT)

Specialisms

Relationship Difficulties/ Interpersonal Difficulties

Trauma/ PTSD/ Complex PTSD

Specialist interest in the association between trauma & Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia and pain disorders.  

Personality Disorders

Main Theraputic Approaches

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)

Body-based approaches/ Somatic Psychology