About

Sarah Gallacher is the Clinical Director of the Purple House Clinic in Edinburgh and is an HCPC registered practitioner and forensic psychologist and an associate fellow of the British Psychological Society.

Sarah has over 20 years of experience working in public services in Scotland and in private practice. She is experienced in working with both adults and adolescents / families. She has extensive experience in working with individuals experiencing a range of social, emotional, psychological and mental health related difficulties. She draws from a range of psychotherapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Sarah has developed a specific interest in neurodevelopmental conditions, specifically Autism and ADHD, as both she and her children are neurodivergent. She has experienced, first-hand, many of the associated challenges involved in navigating access to services, access to appropriate support and accommodations in an education and work context and the associated impact on mental health and wellbeing. Due to this she is focused on ensuring services delivered are accessible, inclusive, collaborative and neurodivergent affirming.

Qualifications

2022 – Master of Business Administration, University of Strathclyde.
2019 – Postgraduate Certificate in Health Research, University of Lancaster.
2005 – Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy, University of Dundee.
2000 – Master of Science in Forensic Psychology, University of Kent.
1999 – Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Psychology, University of Lincolnshire and Humberside.

Professional Registrations & Memberships

• British Psychological Society (BPS): 097760
• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): PYL19096
• EMDR UK Association: Full member

Dr Willis is the Senior Clinical Psychologist at Purple House Edinburgh. She is a registered Clinical Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society (BPS). Dr Willis has been working in NHS Scotland for over nine years, first as a psychological therapist working with adults, and later as a clinical psychologist, working with people of all ages and across a variety of settings: alongside her post at Purple House, Dr Willis works part-time within an NHS forensic inpatient unit for people with complex mental health and offending needs.

Prior to retraining as a clinical psychologist, Dr Willis completed a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience and subsequently spent 20 years working within universities as a Postdoctoral Researcher and then Lecturer in Psychology, with a focus on visual attention and executive functioning, and how these may differ in children and adults with neurodivergent conditions such as dyslexia and ADHD.

Dr Willis provides assessment and therapeutic interventions for a range of common psychological issues in young people and adults, including anxiety, anger, depression, phobias, OCD, PTSD, low self-esteem, and difficulties with emotion regulation, interpersonal functioning, and problematic substance use. She also has experience of working with adults presenting with these and more enduring difficulties such as bipolar affective disorder, psychosis / schizophrenia, and the effects of complex trauma. She is passionate about providing and promoting high-quality, person-centred, trauma-informed psychological assessment and interventions, and working in a neuroaffirming way with individuals, their families, and wider systems.

Qualifications

2021 – Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), University of Edinburgh

2017 – MSc in Psychological Therapy in Primary Care, University of Dundee (distinction)

2004 – PGCert in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, Edinburgh Napier University (distinction)

1997 – PhD in Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience), Royal Holloway College, University of London

1992 – BSc (Joint Hons) in Psychology and Biology, University of Keele

Professional Registrations & Memberships

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): PYL039687.

Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society (BPS): 682998.

Associate Member of the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABPC).

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA).

Specialisms

• Assessment of ADHD and autistic spectrum conditions in adults and young people.
• Adult psychology (anxiety, depression, phobias, OCD, PTSD, low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, interpersonal difficulties, problematic substance use, anger, violent or aggressive behaviours, psychosis, and the effects of complex trauma).

Main Therapeutic Approaches 

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT).
• Behavioural Family Therapy (BFT).
• I also draw heavily on other third-wave CBT approaches in my therapeutic work, including Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) and Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and more relational models such as Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT).

Expertise and Experience

Dr Romaniuk is a GMC-registered Associate Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at Purple House Edinburgh. She has experience working with adolescents with a wide range of neurodiversities and mental health difficulties. Her services include assessment, diagnosis,  pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, taking a holistic approach to working with young people and their families. She can support those with ADHD, anxiety, autism-associated sleep and irritability, emotional difficulties, and obsessive /compulsive issues.

Dr Romaniuk practises in an attachment- and trauma-aware way for everyone, and has particular experience working with young people on the autistic spectrum who also have mental health difficulties. As well as being able to offer and safely monitor the use of medications, she can also provide psychotherapy informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mentalization-Based therapy. She is active in clinical research, and ensures the interventions offered are in accordance with the most up to date evidence. Dr Romaniuk continues to work within the NHS, and as an academic within the universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Qualifications

2014- Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB), University of Edinburgh

2011- Doctorate in Neuroinformatics (PhD), University of Edinburgh.

2005- Masters of Science in Neuroinformatics (MSc), with distinction, University of Edinburgh.

2004- Bachelor or Science in Cybernetics (BSc(Hons)), First Class, University of Bradford

Professional Registrations & Memberships

2022- Certificate of Completion of Training, GMC Specialty Register for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

2019- Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (858817)

2015- Full Registration with General Medical Council (7421075)

Specialisms

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (mental health issues and mental illness).

Main Therapeutic Approaches

• Pharmacotherapy

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

• Mentalization-Based Therapy

Expertise
Dr Haselgrove is a senior consultant psychiatrist who has worked in the NHS for over 20 years. For the past 12 years, she has worked as a consultant psychiatrist for NHS Lothian. She has expertise in the diagnosis and management of general adult mental illness, including chronic psychotic disorders, mood disorders and neurodevelopmental conditions.  She has specific expertise in the treatment of acute and chronic psychotic disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders and neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD and autism.

Dr Haselgrove is the current chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Rehabilitation and Social Psychiatry faculty in Scotland. She completes independent psychiatric assessments for medicolegal cases and provides psychiatric treatment opinions as a designated medical practitioner for the Mental Welfare Commission. She also delivers teaching on psychotic disorders.

Medical qualifications

2004 – Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, University of Glasgow

Professional Registration
2005 – Full registration with General Medical Council (6104171)
2010 – Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (819348)
2013 – Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in general adult psychiatry

Specialisms
General adult mental health conditions

Dr Cabrera is an Associate Psychologist at the Purple House Edinburgh and a registered Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience working with clients across the lifespan, from young children through to older adults. He has supported individuals with a wide range of mental health needs, including stress, anxiety, depression, specific phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (single-event and complex trauma), interpersonal difficulties, psychosis, and eating-related mental health concerns.

In addition, Dr Cabrera has specialist experience in supporting clients with gender identity and gender diversity–related mental health difficulties, offering sensitive, inclusive, and affirming psychological care tailored to the unique experiences of each individual.

His core expertise includes conducting comprehensive psychological assessments, collaboratively developing problem-focused formulations, and delivering evidence-based, person-centred interventions. He is skilled in drawing upon specific therapeutic models as well as integrating approaches to meet the diverse needs of his clients.

Dr Cabrera is trained in the assessment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) across the lifespan (including assessment of attentional capacity and executive function), as well as the assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across the lifespan — from children to adults and late adulthood (ADOS, ADI-R, ACIA). He also has considerable experience administering a range of cognitive assessments.

His therapeutic approach is collaborative, non-judgemental, values-driven (compassionate, kind, and respectful), inclusive, trauma-informed, and neuro-affirmative.

Dr Cabrera has worked in the NHS for over a decade across both community and inpatient services. His clinical experience spans Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Adult Mental Health, Mental Health Services for Older People, and specialist services.

Qualifications

2021 – Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), Newcastle University.

2018 – Postgraduate Certificate in Low Intensity Psychological Interventions, Northumbria University.

2015 – Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology (BSc Hons), Durham University.

Professional Registrations

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): Registration no. PYL041934.

Specialisms

Psychological therapy for children, adolescents, adults, and older people (anxiety, depression, complex trauma, PTSD)

ADHD assessment across the lifespan (including assessment of attentional capacity and executive function)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessment across the lifespan — children, adults, and late adulthood (ADOS, ADI-R, ACIA)

Gender identity and gender diversity–related mental health difficulties

Main Therapeutic Approaches

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Systemic Therapy
• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Expertise and Experience

Dr Tay is an Associate Psychologist at Purple House Edinburgh. She is a Registered Practitioner Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Dr Tay has several years’ experience working with clients of all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults. She is proficient in assessing her clients’ psychological presentations and creates a collaborative treatment plan which best aligns with her clients’ preferences for therapy. Dr Tay recognises that each client is unique and will benefit from tailored assessment, formulation, and intervention.

Dr Tay is experienced in offering evidence-based psychological treatments for a variety of presentations, including Complex PTSD. She specialises in adopting a relational approach when working with developmental trauma and attachment wounds, which can manifest in emotional dysregulation or relationship difficulties in adulthood.

Dr Tay has several years’ experience working in private practice, offering both in-person and online appointments. Dr Tay also has several years’ experience working for the NHS, offering psychological assessment and intervention to adults experiencing complex mental health difficulties, such as Personality Disorders. She has worked as a Principal Psychologist for a Substance Use Service and offered specialist formulation and treatment for adults experiencing drug addiction and alcohol dependence, with recognition of how such difficulties often relate to trauma. Dr Tay also has clinical experience working within CAMHS and third-sector mental health services.

Dr Tay utilises a range of treatments which are recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focussed CBT, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Person-Centred Therapy (PCT), Schema Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy.

Qualifications

• Doctorate of Psychology in Counselling Psychology (DPsych) from Glasgow Caledonian University

Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BSc Hons) First Class from the University of Stirling

• Professional Registrations & Memberships
  Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): PYL042707
• British Psychological Society (BPS) Graduate Member
• EMDR UK Member

Specialisms
Attachment and Relational Difficulties; Childhood Trauma; PTSD and CPTSD; Addiction; Eating Disorders; Obsessive and Compulsive Disorders; Mood Disorders

Main Therapeutic Approaches

• Schema Therapy
• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Person Centred Therapy (PCT)
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

Dr Kemp is an Associate Psychologist at Purple House Edinburgh. She is a Registered Clinical Psychologist and has worked in the UK and New Zealand.  She provides assessment and therapeutic intervention for a range of common psychological issues including depression, anxiety, stress and phobias.  She specialises in working therapeutically with people with physical health problems who are receiving medical treatment.  She has experience supporting people with a range of medical diagnoses and health concerns, including chronic/persistent pain, HIV, Hepatitis C, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, burn injuries, concussion, and limb loss. She has also worked with people having risk-reducing mastectomy surgery, orthognathic (jaw) surgery, osseointegration, reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery, and people wanting to be a kidney donor.  

Dr Kemp uses several therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). She is an accredited EMDR practitioner. She also has a range of experience supervising others, presenting and lecturing, and delivering teaching and training.

Prior to working in private practice, Dr Kemp worked in the NHS for 8 years, and spent almost 5 years in New Zealand working in the public health service and for a private rehabilitation company.

Qualifications

2011 – Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), University of Edinburgh.

2003 – Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BSc Hons), University of Edinburgh.

Professional Registrations & Memberships

• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): PYL26179.
• EMDR Association UK and Ireland.

Specialisms

• Physical Health and Long Term Conditions (persistent pain and symptoms, accidents and injuries, elective surgeries).
• Adult Psychology (low mood, anxiety and stress, phobias).

Main Therapeutic Approaches 

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR – Accredited Practitioner)

Expertise and Experience

Dr Sian Armstrong is a registered Health psychologist. With professional experience working within both NHS, third sector and private healthcare settings as a Practitioner Health Psychologist, conducting psychological assessments and delivering psychotherapy. She provides therapeutic intervention for physical and mental health conditions, including chronic pain, cancer, traumatic injury, stroke rehabilitation, weight management, mood disorders, disability, anxiety, and loss.

Dr Armstrong uses several therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT). Beyond therapeutic intervention, Dr Armstrong also conducts expert witness assessments for personal injury cases and volunteers in global health projects.

Qualifications

DPsych Health Psychology (2020), Glasgow Caledonian University

MSc Health Psychology (2017), University of St. Andrews

BSc (Hons) Psychology (2015), University of Dundee

Professional Registrations & Memberships

• Health and Care Professions Council: PYL039022
• British Psychological Society: 428724
• Expert Witness Institute: 10001660

Main Therapeutic Approaches

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)

Expertise and Experience

Dr Hollie Burnett is a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience supporting individuals  living with neurological, neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions. She works within NHS Scotland and is also a Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of St Andrews.

Hollie completed her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a PhD exploring how autistic adults think and process information. Her research has helped shape understanding of cognitive and emotional differences in autism, and she continues to teach, write and present on these topics across the UK and beyond.

In her NHS role, Hollie provides supervision for complex assessments, delivers therapy, and leads the development of innovative post-diagnostic and therapeutic programmes — several of which are now used across multiple Scottish health boards.

Through her private practice, Hollie offers comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessments and specialist therapy for adults. Her approach is collaborative, compassionate and neuro-affirming, helping people understand themselves, reduce shame and build confidence in who they are.

Hollie has a particular interest in the experiences of women and girls who are often under-recognised in autism and ADHD pathways, and in conditions such as ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), and trauma, which frequently overlap with neurodivergence.

Across all her work, Hollie is passionate about improving understanding, access and outcomes for neurodivergent adults — developing compassionate, evidence-based supports that celebrate diversity and strength.

Qualifications

2024 – Autism Clinical Interview Training (ACIA).  The University of Newcastle

2022 –  ADHD Child Evaluation (ACE+) National Autism Implementation Team (NAIT): Professor Susan Young: Adult Module

2022 – Post Graduate Certificate in Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The University of Edinburgh

2018 – Adapting CBT for Autism Spectrum Disorder. National Education for Scotland (NES)

2017 – 5 Year Specialist Route Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Neurodevelopmental Alignment. The University of Edinburgh

2011 – PhD Psychology: Autism and Executive Functioning funded by The European Science Foundation. The University of Hull.

2010 –  Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). The Autism Research Centre – The University of Cambridge

2010 –  Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised (ADI-R). The Autism Research Centre – The University of Cambridge

2009 – Post Graduate Certificate in Research Training, Philosophy and Statistical Design. The University of Hull

2007 – BSc (Hons) Psychology. The University of Hull

Professional Registrations

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC):  PYL34577

Specialisms

• Autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions (e.g. Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Learning Disability)  in adults — including complex presentations
• Psychometric assessments
• Neurodiversity-affirming assessment and formulation
• Emotion regulation, anxiety and trauma in neurodivergent adults
• Executive functioning, identity and masking
• Co-occurring conditions: anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, trauma and eating difficulties
• Support for women and late-identified autistic adults
• Post-diagnostic adjustment, burnout and self-understanding

Therapeutic Approach

Dr Burnett draws on a range of evidence-based therapies, including CBT, DBT and Mindfulness, but believes therapy should fit the person — not the other way around.

Her approach is:

• Formulation-driven – building an individual understanding of each person’s experiences, strengths and needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all model.
• Collaborative and person-centred – working together to shape goals and pace therapy safely and meaningfully.
• Analytic and reflective – exploring deeper patterns, identity and emotional meaning.
• Neuro-affirming – recognising neurodiversity as a natural and valuable form of human difference.
• Compassion-focused and strengths-based – supporting self-understanding, resilience and confidence.
• Integrative – blending psychological models into a personalised, flexible approach.

Expertise and Experience

Dr David Snoddy is an Associate Psychologist at Purple House Edinburgh and an HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist with experience working with clients across the lifespan; from children through to older adults. He also currently works in the NHS as a Principal Clinical Psychologist within an Older Adult Service and has over ten years of experience working in a range of clinical roles. Dr Snoddy’s experience in adult services includes working within Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services, where he worked as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner with individuals
experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties including anxiety and depression.  He also has experience working within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in London through the Targeting Mental
Health in Schools (TaMHS) programme.

In his current role, Dr Snoddy provides assessment and therapeutic interventions for a wide range of psychological conditions including anxiety, OCD, panic, social phobia, specific phobias, PTSD, grief, and difficulties linked to neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia. He also works with individuals experiencing longer-term difficulties related to complex trauma, such as emotional dysregulation, interpersonal difficulties, negative self-concept, and feelings of shame and guilt.

Dr Snoddy is committed to providing a person-centred, trauma-informed, and collaborative approach, and strives to offer a LGBTQIA+-affirming and neuroaffirming therapeutic space. He integrates multiple evidence-based models to tailor his approach to each client’s unique needs,
recognising that people seek therapy for many different reasons; whether due to the impact of adverse childhood, lifelong experiences, current life stressors, or ongoing emotional challenges.

Qualifications

• 2020 – Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), University of Edinburgh
• 2016 – Postgraduate Certificate in Low Intensity Psychological Interventions, University
of Surrey
• 2011 – Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BSc Hons), Brunel University London

Specialisms
• Adult and Older Adult Psychology (anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, single-incident and complex trauma, grief, OCD, social phobia, emotional dysregulation, and interpersonal difficulties)
• Adjustment to health changes and neurodegenerative conditions (e.g. dementia, Parkinson’s disease)
• Compassion-focused and shame-based difficulties
• Relationship and attachment patterns
• Identity development, including LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent identity exploration

Professional Registrations & Memberships

• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) – PYL38723
• Association of Clinical Psychologists (ACP)

Main Therapeutic Approaches

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
• Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)
• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
• Systemic Therapy
• Schema Therapy

Expertise and Experience

Dr. Sharon Brown is an Associate Psychologist at Purple House Edinburgh (and Falkirk). She is a Registered and Chartered Educational Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience working as a Chartered Educational Psychologist and educator.

Dr. Brown has extensive experience working across the range of educational settings at local authority and in the independent sectors. Her practice is grounded in child-centred and relational approaches, working successfully with young people and their families to understand and help them move forward. All her work is informed by current statutory and legislative requirements with a deep understanding of education and teaching practices. She also undertakes training with external agencies and offers professional qualification assessment and supervision.

Dr. Brown has extensive skills working therapeutically with young people and children experiencing a variety of challenges including: mental health such as low mood, high arousal and activity levels, anxiety, trauma and stress. She has experience working with challenging behaviours, developmental needs and communication difficulties. Dr. Brown uses a range of evidence-informed psychological models and approaches successfully with children, young people and families including: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Solution Oriented Practice, Eye Movement and Desensitisation and Reprocessing and Positive Behaviour Support (integrated Applied Behavioural Analysis with person-centred approaches).

Across her practice, Dr. Brown uses a variety of rich assessment evidence. She has an interest in executive functions including working memory and attention, and is able to carry out psychological assessment of learning difficulties.

With current working experience in the education sector at local and national levels, she brings a unique breadth and depth of skills and experiences that enable children and young people to move forward and achieve their personal best.

Qualifications
2017- Doctorate in Educational Psychology University of Strathclyde
2009- Master of Science in Educational Psychology University of Strathclyde
2002- Post Graduate Certificate Primary Education (Dist) University of Edinburgh
2001- Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Psychology University of Stirling

Professional Registrations and Memberships
Health Cand Care Professions Council: PYL26724
British Psychological Society: 41292
General Teaching Council for Scotland: 023128

Specialisms

• Mental health
• Trauma
• Bereavement and loss
• Severe and complex needs: particular specialisms in visual impairment and
  challenging behaviours
• Specific learning difficulties
• Games-based learning approaches and executive functions

Main Therapeutic Approaches

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
• Solution Oriented Practice
• Eye Movement, Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Positive Behaviour Support (integrated Applied Behavioural Analysis with person-
  centred approaches).

Expertise and Experience

Kirti is an Associate Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist at The Purple House Clinic in Edinburgh. She is a full member of the Association of Child Psychotherapists which is regulated by the Professional Standards Authority.

After completing her post-graduate studies, she worked extensively with children and families across sectors such as Early Years, Education, Health, Social Work and the Third Sector for over 24 years. During this time, she worked with children with a wide range of emotional and behavioural difficulties. This period includes over 14 years’ experience in working with children, young people and their professional networks who were Care Experienced, in Foster Care, Kinship care, Residential Care, in Secure Units and babies whose parents were incarcerated.

She consolidated her work experience by joining the only mental health specialist training that focuses exclusively on work with children, young people (0-25) and their families and qualified as a Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist.

Kirti offers highly specialized trauma-focused, attachment-based psychotherapy treatment to children and young people (0 to 25 years).  The range of her clinical work includes working with depression, anxiety, self-harm, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, relationship difficulties, phobias, Eating Disorders, emotional regulation difficulties, issues related to gender and identity and many more but especially a wide range of neurodevelopmental difficulties often co-occuring with Autism, where the child may have complex difficulties with multiple diagnoses.

Besides short, medium and long-term treatment, she offers specialised assessments such as School Observation, State of Mind /emotional state/internal world assessments to help with planning for children and young people, as well as supervision and consultations to staff teams and organizations working with children with emotional and behavioural difficulties where the situation may be stuck, challenging, complex or puzzling. She also offers support to potential adoptive parents, foster carers, kinship carers and parents who may be struggling to manage or make sense of their child’s behaviours.

Qualifications

2020– University of East London

Master of Professional Studies in Child & Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist (MProf Ch Psych Psych)

2004– University of Northumbria and Northern School of Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy

MA in Infant Observation Studies

1989– University of Bombay

MA in English and American Literature

1985– University of Bombay

Bachor of Arts (English Honors)

Professional Registrations & Memberships

Association of Child Psychotherapists (regulated by the Public Standards Authority).

Expertise and Experience

Joanne is an associate Occupational Therapist at Purple House Edinburgh.  She is a registered Occupational Therapist and has extensive clinical experience spanning 26 years in healthcare working with adults, adolescents and children across psychiatry and medical rehabilitation.  She has experience of working in the NHS, private and third sectors.

Joanne’s focus is on improving quality of life, independence, social and emotional participation and enhancing development. She provides comprehensive assessment and therapeutic intervention with a focus on occupational performance and activities of daily living for a range of conditions such as Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (Dyspraxia), Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety and chronic pain.

Joanne has post-graduate training in developmental co-ordination disorders, assessment of motor and processing skills, and has undertaken further training in assessment and treatment of autism.

Qualifications

2024 – ADOS-2

2024 – Sensory Profile 2

2017 – MSc Occupational Therapy

2015 – Developmental Co-ordination Disorders

2001 – Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS)

1998 – BSc Occupational Therapy

Professional Registration & Memberships

• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): OT28552
• Royal College of Occupational Therapists: BT0214578

Specialisms

Developmental co-ordination disorders, autism, anxiety, chronic pain.

Main Therapeutic Approaches

• Occupational Therapy
• Activity Analysis
• Focus on Occupational Performance and Activities of Daily Living
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Expertise and Experience

Jon is an Associate Occupational Therapist at Purple House Edinburgh. He is a Registered Occupational Therapist with over 10 years experience delivering holistic care across NHS and Private services.   

Jon’s main areas of work have been as a Mental Health Occupational Therapist and Trauma Recovery Specialist. His journey into trauma therapy began as a founding member of the Major Trauma Enhanced Rehabilitation Service, created in response to the Manchester bombing at the Ariana Grande concert. The team was established on the understanding that physical recovery was only part of the healing process. Trauma survivors needed space to rebuild their sense of self, mental resilience, and confidence. That insight shaped Jon’s approach — one that integrates both physical and psychological recovery to support lasting transformation.

Today, Jon works with adults (18+) across a wide range of needs, whether recovering from major trauma, managing identity loss, improving mindset, or building mental resilience. He delivers therapy both in-person across East Lothian/Edinburgh and online.

What makes Jon’s approach different is that he doesn’t just offer support session-by-session — he educates and empowers clients to understand therapy itself. His goal is to help people become experts in their own recovery so they can live independently, confidently, and with renewed purpose.

Qualifications

2015 – Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy (BSc Hons),  University of Salford.

2015 – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Diploma

2021 & 2022 – Sensory Integration

2022 – Enhanced Psychological Informed Care

Professional Registrations & Memberships

• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) – OT71383
• Royal College of Occupational Therapy (RCOT)  – BT0812137

Specialisms 

• Occupational Rehabilitation
• Bespoke rehabilitation programmes
• Trauma recovery & identity coaching
• Education for clients on how to manage mental health independently
• Anxiety, Depression, and Emotional Regulation
• Post-Traumatic Stress & Adjustment Disorders
• Cognitive Assessments (including for conditions such as Dyspraxia)For specialisms

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Trauma informed Occupational Therapy
• Functional Rehabilitation & Identity-Focused Interventions
• Mental Health support whilst recovering from serious traumatic injury or traumatic life events

Helen is an Associate Speech and Language Therapist with The Purple House Clinic Edinburgh. She is registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. Helen is experienced working with children and young people with a range of speech, language, and communication needs, specialising in Neurodevelopmental Assessment, Paediatric Complex Needs and Augmented and Alternative Communication (AAC).

Helen has worked as part of a multidisciplinary team carrying out neurodevelopmental assessments and offering post diagnostic support tailored to the individual needs of each client. Helen provides assessment and intervention for a range of speech language and communication needs. She is a firm believer in the importance of parental involvement in their child’s intervention and collaborates closely with parents to co – produce goals and equip parents with the strategies to support their child’s communication skills.

Prior to working in private practice Helen has worked in the NHS in various health and education settings.

Qualifications:

BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy Queen Margaret University

Professional Registration and Memberships:

• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) – SL36323
• Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) – RC0036527
• More Than Words® (The Hanen Program® for Parents of Autistic Children or Children)

Sally is an Associate Speech & Language Therapist (SLT) with Purple House Clinic Edinburgh and is registered with the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists. Sally has almost 20 years experience working as an SLT within the NHS and has a special interest in working with children and young people with Autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. 

For the majority of her career, Sally has worked as part of multidisciplinary teams, carrying out neurodevelopmental assessments and working together with these teams to provide comprehensive, holistic and personally tailored support for each child and young person. Sally is skilled at adapting assessment sessions to meet the needs of each individual and allow assessment to be as stress free and enjoyable as possible.

Sally also has many years of experience in working with children who have language difficulties and speech sound disorders as well as intellectual disabilities, both in clinic and education settings. 

Sally is skilled in working with families to help them understand and support their children’s language and communication needs and neurodevelopmental differences. She is passionate about helping children and young people understand their own neurodevelopmental profiles in a positive way with greater acceptance and understanding of themselves.

Qualifications

2017 – ADOS-2 

2004 – BSc Hons Speech and Language Sciences, University of Newcastle

Professional Registrations & Memberships

• Health and Care Professions Council   (HCPC) – SL13502.
• The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)  – RC0019994.

Specialisms

Autism including presentations reflective of extreme demand avoidance / Persistant Drive for Autonomy (PDA).

Therapeutic Approaches

A range of therapeutic approaches are used according to the area of difficulty being addressed. All approaches are person centered, neurodivergent affirming and strengths based.

Alix is an Associate Speech and Language Therapist at Purple House Clinic Edinburgh. She is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.

Alix has 16 years experience working with children and young people within the NHS; including thorough assessment and intervention for a range of speech, language and communication needs. She is ADOS trained and has extensive experience conducting autism assessments as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Having worked in a wide range of health and education settings, she enjoys working with other professionals, providing joined-up care for families.

Alix specialises in working with children with neurodevelopmental differences and complex needs. She is experienced in using AAC (Alternative and Augmentative Communication) approaches to support effective communication, from use of signing and visuals through to speech generating devices. Alix has run a range of parent groups. She strongly believes in a holistic approach, working collaboratively with families to achieve specific and meaningful goals. 

Qualifications

2013 – ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)

2012 – SCERTS ® Model (comprehensive educational approach for children with ASD)

2007- Master of Science in Speech and Language Sciences (MSc), University College London.

2004- Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BSc Hons), University of Edinburgh.

Professional Registrations & Memberships

Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC): SL24556

Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT): RC0023058

Specialisms

Autism assessment and support

Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)

Supporting children and families with complex needs

Sarah is an Associate Art Psychotherapist at The Purple House Clinic in Edinburgh. She is a registered Art Psychotherapist with the Health and Care Professions Council and a member of the British Association of Art Therapists. She is also a registered member of the General Teaching Council of Scotland.  

Before training as an art psychotherapist, Sarah had over 25 years’ experience supporting children, young people and families as a teacher in the state, private and voluntary sectors. She specialises in psychodynamic, non-directive and person-centred art psychotherapy, working with children, young people and adults.  Sarah has extensive experience of working therapeutically with children and young people experiencing a range of emotional, psychological and behavioural challenges both as a teacher and art psychotherapist. Most recently, she has worked with adults living with dementia, supporting patients and their families in palliative care and delivering art psychotherapy in the outdoors. Common reasons for referral include emotional, behavioural and physical regulation difficulties, anxiety, attachment issues, bereavement, depression, and neurodevelopmental challenges. 

Art psychotherapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship. It is a non verbal outlet for emotional exploration, which can be especially beneficial for those who struggle to articulate their experiences. It offers a supportive, safe, creative and confidential space for understanding ourselves and exploring difficult feelings. Anyone can take part – you do not need to have any previous experience or skills at art making. Often people find that making art can help them to access different ways of understanding their present circumstances and the world around them. Sessions are adapted to meet each person’s individual interests and needs, and can include a wide range of different types of art making from sand and clay to charcoal, inks and paints. Through integrative methods,  art pschotherapy engages the mind, body, and spirit in ways that are distinct from verbal articulation alone. Kinesthetic, sensory, perceptual, and symbolic opportunities invite alternative modes of receptive and expressive communication, which can circumvent the limitations of language. 

Sarah approach is trauma informed and person-centred. She takes a playful and non-judgemental stance with a key focus on helping the person connect with and develop an understanding of their internal world. Where appropriate, Sarah works in a systemic way, liaising with parents and/or caregivers to support the person holistically. 

Qualifications

• MSc Art Psychotherapy (MSc), with Merit, Queen Margaret University (2024)
• BA (Hons) Interior Design Edinburgh College of Art, Edinburgh (2000) 
• Higher Diploma in Education (PGCE equivalent), Trinity College Dublin (1994)
• MA Political Science and Business Economics, Trinity College Dublin (1989)

Professional Registrations & Memberships

• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) no: AS018663
• The British Associastion of Art Therapists (BAAT) no: 51033
• The General Treaching Council of Scotlland (GTCS) no: 049470

Main Therapeutic Approaches

• Psychodynamic, person-centred art psychotherapy
• Trauma-informed and attachment focus
• Mentalisation based approach  

Expertise and Experience

Fiona is a Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology (Children and Young People) and Mindfulness Teacher (all ages) at Purple House Edinburgh. She was The Scottish Branch Chair for The British Psychological Society (2022 until 2024). Fiona is registered in the fields of both Applied Psychology (British Psychological Society Wider Psychological Workforce Register) as well as in the field of Public Health (UKPHR registered). Fiona maintains all professional requirements for regular supervision with a Clinical Psychology colleague, ensuring a high standard of practice.        

Fiona has 20 years of clinical experience (14 years NHS, 6 years private psychology settings) in working psychologically, specialising with children and adolescents, and families.  She provides assessment and therapeutic intervention for a range of common psychological issues including depression, anxiety, phobias, obsessive/compulsive problems, coming to terms with diagnoses and difficult experiences, and with child behavioural problems, eating, and sleeping related difficulties.  She specialises in Child Psychology, Attachment, Behaviours, Parenting and with emotional/interpersonal problems.

Fiona is skilled in engaging with other organisations, such as schools, as needed, for example as part of a neurodevelopmental assessment, or in providing support across settings. She has a Master’s qualification as a Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology with Children and Young People, and another Masters in Health related psychology.  Fiona uses several therapeutic approaches for children and adolescents, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), systemic, solution focused, compassion focused, parenting and behavioural approaches. She has undergone further training as a Mindfulness Teacher, and can provide this approach with individuals or groups of all ages. She provides training and consultancy for external agencies and provides external assessment and supervision to post-graduate psychology students across several universities.

Alongside working in private practice, Fiona has worked in Public Health settings, in senior roles, using her mental health passion and expertise by developing accessible strategies and campaigns to tackle prevention, inequality, and to support those who are marginalised and vulnerable. Fiona is currently a Core20Plus Ambassador, gaining amazing learning opportunities with national colleagues.  She is currently leading on an exciting project aiming to improve peer support in communities, innovative as this mental health prevention approach has been based on a trauma-informed theoretical approach, and was co-developed with lived experience contributors. Fiona has a lengthy publication list, including creating accessible needle phobia resources for NHS inform during the pandemic, and hate crime consultation for Scottish Government.

Qualifications in Psychology

2017- Masters of Science in Health related Psychology, University of Edinburgh.

2008- Masters of Science in Applied Psychology (MSc), University of Edinburgh.

2002- Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BSc Hons), 2.1, University of Edinburgh.

Qualifications in Public Health

2024 – National Population Health Fellowship (Royal Society of Public Health accredited)

2023 – PGCert Public Health (University of Glasgow)

Professional Registrations & Memberships

British Psychological Society (BPS) appointed member: 445886: Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology 

UKPHR registered Public Health professional: PR1485.

Specialisms

Child/Adolescent Applied Psychology (mental health problems, behaviour problems and parenting, attachment difficulties, interpersonal problems).

Main Therapeutic Approaches

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Systemic, solution focused, compassion focused, parenting and behavioural approaches – Children and Young People.
• Mindfulness Teacher – All ages.

Expertise and Experience
Ambreen Alam is an Associate CBT therapist at Purple House Clinic. She has extensive experience of working with adults.  Ambreen provides therapeutic intervention for common mental health problems such as Depression, recurrent depression, Generalised anxiety disorder, Obsessive compulsive disorder, Post traumatic stress disorder, Phobias and Panic. She draws on her skills from CBT and also makes use of tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Ambreen has been working in the mental health field for 19 years, including 9 years within the NHS.  She has worked as a CBT Therapist since 2019.  Ambreen has a range of experience of working in different modes of therapy delivery, ranging
from face to face, phone and video therapy and text therapy.

Ambreen is passionate about helping people and enjoys using her skills to help clients understand where their difficulties stem from, what maintains their concerns and how they can focus on the here and now. The aim is to work towards a valued and meaningful life.

Qualifications
2019- Post Graduate Certificate in Psychological Therapies-University of  Reading
2013- Post Graduate Diploma in Psychological Therapies-University of Reading
2012-Masters in Applied Psychology and Therapies- University of Salford
2010- Masters in Psychology- University of Peshawar, Pakistan

Professional Registrations & Memberships
British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies- 180097

Main Therapeutic Approaches
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment therapy.