Edinburgh Team

Edinburgh Team

Our services are delivered by a team of highly qualified & experienced Psychologists and mental health professionals led by Clinical Director, Sarah Gallacher. Together with her team, Sarah is passionate about creating a truly trauma informed, neurodiversity affirming and values driven psychological healthcare service in Edinburgh, where everyone can flourish.

Sarah Gallacher - Clinic Owner - Forensic Psychologist - the Purple House Clinic Edinburgh

Sarah Gallacher

Forensic Psychologist & Clinical Director

BSc (Hons), MSc, AFBPsS, MBA

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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
Mandy Walker - The Purple House Clinic Edinburgh - Administrator

Dr Alex Willis

Senior Clinical Psychologist

BSc, PhD, PGCert, MSc, DClinPsy

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Expertise and Experience

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).

 

Clinic Administration

Mandy Walker - The Purple House Clinic Edinburgh - Administrator

Mandy Walker

Clinic Administrator

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Experience & Expertise

Mandy is our clinic administrator and will be the person responding to your calls and queries.  She enjoys helping others and prides herself on being an empathic, approachable person.  Mandy has a strong background in customer service including working for NHS National Services Scotland during the pandemic.  She also excels at providing comprehensive administrative support.

Mandy is excited to be part of the Purple House Clinic Edinburgh and looks forward to welcoming all visitors in a warm and friendly manner. 

Our Associate Clinicians

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Dr Jean-Leonard Rolla

Counselling Psychologist

BSc, DCounsPsy.

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Expertise and Experience

Dr Jean-Leonard is an Associate Psychologist at Purple House Edinburgh, and registered counselling psychologist.

Dr Rolla has worked for over 10 years in a variety of services such as the adult mental health services in NHS, the Family Court and the charitable sector. He has experience in working with families, teenagers and adult clients struggling with a variety of complex mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, personality and interpersonal issues.

He is specialised in trauma (PTSD), attachment, and working with adults with emotional/ interpersonal problems with roots in clients’s childhood.

Dr Rolla uses an integrative approach to therapy informed by a range of diverse psychological models to understanding people needs and planning a psychological therapy. Main therapeutic modalities are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and systemic and attachment based therapy. He is an accredited EMDR practitioner. Dr Rolla offers supervision both in the NHS and privately.

Qualifications

2018 | DPsych in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy – ISCRA – Systemic-relational Therapy Institute, Modena

2012 | Professional qualification in Clinical Psychology – Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna

2010 | Bachelors degree in Psychology – University of Genoa

Professional Registrations & Memberships

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): PYL37098

EMDR Association UK and Ireland .

Specialisms

  • Adult Psychology (PTSD, Personality Disorders, childhood trauma, interpersonal problems).
  • Adolescent Psychology (interpersonal difficulties, development of Self, emotional issues).
  • Attachment issues and systemic family therapy (behavioural issues, conflicts, parenting difficulties). 

Main Therapeutic Approaches

  • EMDR- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (Dr Rolla is an accredited EMDR practitioner).
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
  • Psychodynamic and Attachment based therapy.
  • Systemic psychotherapy.
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Dr Ray Cabrera

Clinical Psychologist

BSc (Hons), PG Cert, DClinPsy.

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Expertise and Experience

Dr Cabrera is an Associate Psychologist at the Purple House Edinburgh.  He is a registered clinical psychologist with experience working with clients of all ages (from young children to the older people). He has worked with clients who present with mild, moderate, severe and enduring mental health difficulties such as stress, anxiety, depression, specific-phobias, single-event PTSD, complex trauma, interpersonal problems, psychosis and mental health problems related to eating. 

His core skills include carrying out psychological assessments, collaboratively developing problem-focused psychological formulations and provision of evidence-based, person-centred psychological interventions.  He is skilled in utilising specific therapies or integrating multiple modalities in order to meet the individual needs of his clients.  

 Dr Cabrera is also trained in the assessment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and has experience in the administration of various cognitive assessments across the life span.

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

 Dr Cabrera has been working in the NHS for 10 years, both in community and inpatient settings, including Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 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 Registration

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

 

Specialisms

Psychological Therapy of children, adolescents, adults and older people (anxiety, depression, complex trauma, PTSD, )

ADHD assessment of children

 

Main Therapeutic Approaches

 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Systemic Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

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Dr Hannah-Kelly Tay

Counselling Psychologist

(BSc Hons, DPsych)

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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, adults, and older adults. She is proficient in assessing her clients’ psychological presentations and creates a collaborative treatment plan which best aligns with her clients’ preferences. Dr Tay recognises that each client is unique and will benefit from tailored assessments and interventions.

Dr Tay is experienced in offering evidence-based psychological treatments for a variety of presentations.  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 a private practice setting, offering both in-person and online appointments. Dr Tay also works with the NHS, offering psychological assessment and intervention to adults experiencing complex mental health difficulties. She is
also a specialist in alleviating substance misuse difficulties, namely drug addiction and alcohol dependence. Dr Tay has also worked within CAMHS, prison, and third-sector 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, Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT), 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

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

Main Therapeutic Approaches

  • Person Centred Therapy (PCT)
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
  • Trauma-Focussed CBT (TF-CBT)
  • Schema Therapy
  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
  • Compassion-Focussed Therapy (CFT)
  • Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
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Dr Kim Kemp

Clinical Psychologist

BSc (Hons), DClinPsy.

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Expertise and experience

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).

 

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Dr Sian Armstrong

Practitioner Health Psychologist

 BSc (Hons), MSc, DPsych, CPsychol

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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), and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT).

 

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Agnes Francis

Counselling Psychologist and Psychodynamic Individual and Couple Psychotherapist

MSc, PgDip Counselling Psychology, PgDip Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

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Expertise and Experience

Agnes Francis is an Associate Psychologist at Purple House Edinburgh. She is a Registered Counselling Psychologist, Integrative Psychotherapist (Adults) and a Psychodynamic Couple and Individual Psychotherapist. Agnes is experienced in working with adolescents and adults.  She provides assessment and therapeutic intervention for a range of common psychological issues including depression, anxiety, phobias, obsessive/compulsive problems, relational difficulties and trauma.

She specialises in Adult Mental Health, having worked in the secondary mental health teams in NHS England and NHS Scotland, with a particular interest in Attachment, Trauma (PTSD) and working with adults with emotional/interpersonal problems linked to childhood.

She is skilled in working with complex presentations including dissociative conditions. Agnes holds a Master’s qualification in Applied Clinical Psychology, providing her with additional skills in assessing and understanding the cognitive aspects of a person’s functioning. Agnes is an experienced individual and couple psychodynamic psychotherapist, having been trained at the renowned Tavistock Relationships in London. Agnes utilises several therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mentalisation-Based Therapy (MBT), Dialectical-Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and Gender Affirming Therapy. She is an accredited Integrative and Psychodynamic Psychotherapist. Agnes also undertakes training and consultancy within the NHS and clinical supervision.

Mrs Francis currently holds a Counselling Psychology post in NHS Scotland, and previously she has worked for NHS England, developing a Complex Emotional Needs Pathway for clients with multiple diagnoses and severe trauma. 

 

Qualifications

2021 – PgDip. Couple and Individual Psychotherapy, Tavistock Relationships, London

2015 – PgDip. Counselling Psychology, University of Roehampton, London

2013 – PgDip. Counselling and Psychotherapy, Regent’s University, London

2010 – Masters in Applied Clinical Psychology, University of Lublin, Poland.

 

Professional Registrations & Memberships

  • Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): 042464
  • British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) – Accredited Member: 00729006

 

Specialisms

  • Attachment difficulties, including Looked After and Adopted Children.
  • Adult Psychology (PTSD, Personality Disorders, dissociative disorders, childhood trauma, interpersonal problems).
  • Gender Affirming Therapy.

 

Main Therapeutic Approaches

Mentalisation-Based Therapy (MBT); Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT); Dialectical -Behavior Therapy (DBT); Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

 

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Dr Simona Di Folco

Clinical and Counselling Psychologist and Psychotherapist (Online Therapy Only)

BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD, DClinPsy

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Expertise and Experience

Dr Simona Di Folco is an Associate Psychologist at Purple House Clinic in Edinburgh. As a Registered Clinical and Counselling Psychologist and Psychotherapist, she brings extensive expertise to clients of all ages, including adults, children, and adolescents. She provides comprehensive assessments and therapeutic interventions for a wide range of psychological issues, such as depression, anxiety, life crises, interpersonal problems, and child and adolescent behavioral and attachment issues.

Dr Di Folco is renowned for her specialisation in child and adolescent psychology, particularly in attachment and adoption. She is experienced at working with adults dealing with emotional and interpersonal issues rooted in childhood experiences. Her qualifications include accredited training in attachment assessment across various life stages—infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood—offering insights into the role of attachment in personal functioning and relationships throughout the lifespan.

Her primary therapeutic approach is psychodynamic psychotherapy. Dr Di Folco skillfully integrates therapeutic tools such as play, drawing, and art-making to facilitate the emotional expression of thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to verbalise. By creating a safe space for reflection and personal growth, she enables clients to explore and understand their unconscious mind. These techniques complement traditional verbal methods, providing a holistic path to healing and self-awareness. Her collaboration with the NHS has allowed her to translate research into practice and deliver psychodynamic therapy to children and young people in care.

 

Qualifications

  • 2017-2021- Qualification as Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist Psychodynamic Oriented, Istituto di Ortofonologia, Rome (Italy)
  • 2010-2013- PhD in Dynamic, Clinical, and Developmental Psychology, “Sapienza”, University of Rome, Rome (Italy)
  • 2007-2009- Master of Science Degree in Dynamic, Clinical, and Developmental Psychology, “Sapienza”, University of Rome, Rome (Italy)
  • 2004-2007-Bachelor of Science Degree in Science and Psychological Techniques for clinical assessment and counselling, “Sapienza”, University of Rome, Rome (Italy)

 

Professional Registrations & Memberships

  • Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): PYL043360.
  • British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy: Registered Member MBACP (00974486).
  • Ordine degli Psicologi del Lazio (Italy): 17537

 

Specialisms

  • Child/Adolescent Psychology (mental health needs, interpersonal problems, the development of the identity, attachment difficulties, adoption, children and young people in care).
  • Adult Psychology (attachment difficulties, mental health needs, interpersonal problems, life transitions).

 

Main Therapeutic Approaches

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

 

Roger Makepeace

Dr Roger Makepeace

Registered Clinical Psychologist

BA Hons, MSc, PhD, DClinPsy, PgDip, CPsychol

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Experience

Dr Makepeace is an Associate Psychologist at Purple House Edinburgh. He is a Registered Clinical Psychologist with 20 years experience working with adults. Dr Makepeace provides educational and clinical assessments for adults experiencing specific learning difficulties like dyslexia and other neurodevelopment disorders such as ADHD.  He routinely uses psychometric tests in his practice including tests of memory, attention and executive functioning. He has been part of review groups for the purposes of recommending the use of new psychological tests for practicing psychologists.

 

Dr Makepeace has worked for the NHS and Private Hospitals in community and inpatient settings providing psychological support to a range of people who have suffered from neurological trauma. He is able to carry out complex neuropsychological assessments, therapy and training in addition to cognitive rehabilitation. He uses CBT and motivational interviewing approaches in his therapeutic work and has a particular interest in positive psychology and the beneficial effects of exercise on mental well-being. He is actively involved in research at Northumbria University examining how human behaviours affect memory and cognition.

 

Qualifications

 2022 – Masters in Sport and Exercise Psychology  – Northumbria University

2013 – Post Graduate Diploma in Neuropsychology – University of Glasgow

2006 – Doctorate in Clinical Psychology – Newcastle University

2003 – PhD Neuro-rehabilitation – Newcastle University

 

Professional Registrations & Memberships

 Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)

British Psychological Society (BPS)

Division of Clinical Psychology

 

Specialist expertise

Mental health/psychological assessment, Motivational Interviewing, Neuropsychological assessment, work based and assessment of neuro-diverse conditions including ADHD and dyslexia.

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Alison McMullan

Clinical Psychologist

BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, C.Psychol

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Alison retired from the NHS in 2023.  Over the course of her career she has worked in a range of services, specializing in adult mental health, working with GPs, Psychiatrists, multi-professional teams and services, both inpatient and outpatient settings. She has been a Consultant Clinical Psychologist for many years and held a number of senior leadership and management roles both in the NHS, third sector and professionally. In addition to her clinical work she has extensive experience in teaching and supervision.

Alison has worked in private practice for many years providing assessment, therapy and medico-legal reports for a wide range of mental health problems. She specializes in adult mental health including anxiety, depression, trauma and work related problems.  She is also qualified to undertake neurodevelopmental assessments. 

Her main therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioural  Therapy.  She also draws on a range of other therapeutic approaches including Compassion Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She enjoys working collaboratively with clients, tailoring interventions to help them understand and manage their problems.

She is actively involved with the British Psychological Society and Division of Clinical Psychology and a past Chair of the Division of Clinical Psychology in Scotland. She was a National Assessor for many years involved in recruitment and selection for Consultant posts.

 

Qualifications

  • 1994 MBA (Master in Business Administration)
  • 1979 MSc Abnormal Psychology
  • 1977 BSc Hons Psychology

 

Professional Registrations and Memberships

  • HCPC: PYL18715
  • Associate Fellow of British Psychological Society (AFBPsS), Chartered Psychologist, member of Division of Clinical Psychology and Leadership and Management Faculty. Membership number 9966
  • Lifetime member of BABCP  (British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy) Membership number 781240

 

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Kirti Lawrence

Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist

BA, MProf.

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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).

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    Joanne Cook

    Occupational Therapist

    BSc, MSc

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    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)
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    Laura Timperley

    Occupational Therapist

    BSc (hons), RCOT

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    Expertise and Experience

    Laura is an Associate Occupational Therapist at Purple House Edinburgh. She is a Registered Occupational Therapist with over 10 years experience in occupational therapy (OT) and a further 10+ years within the wider health and social care sector. Laura has experience in working as an OT with late adolescents and adults in NHS, social work and private healthcare settings. She provides assessment and therapeutic interventions for people experiencing a wide range of mental health concerns and adopts a neurodivergent affirming approach. This includes people who are experiencing difficulties associated with; autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Tourettes syndrome , dyslexia, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder and other conditions. Laura currently also works in an NHS community mental health team. 

    Qualifications

    2013 – Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy (BSc Hons), First Class, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.

    Professional Registrations & Memberships

    • Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) – OT69103
    • Royal College of Occupational Therapy (RCOT)  – BT0806054
    • RCOT Specialist Section – Independent Practice (Currently in development by RCOT)​

     

    Specialisms

    • ​​​Anxiety management and somatic approaches to nervous system regulation.
    • Neurodiversity with a focus on understanding, self acceptance and life satisfaction
    • Working with people who are looking for a sense of meaning and purpose in their lives, including those who wishe to engage in cultural, religious, spiritual or other activities to enable this.

     

    Main Therapeutic Approaches

    • Occupational Therapy – person centred assessments and activity focussed interventions involving planning, analysis, grading and adapting of meaningful activities to enable increased occupational performance and quality of life. 
    • Evidence based Somatic Therapy, including mindfulness, breath-work and movement practices.
    • Sensory approaches – managing the impact of sensory stimulation.
    • Nervous System Regulation.
    • Trauma informed care.
    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – as a frame of reference.
    • Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT) skills.

     

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    Dr Leila Mackie

    Speech and Language Therapist

    BSc, MSc, PhD

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    Expertise and Experience

    Dr Leila Mackie is an Associate Speech and Language Therapist at Purple House Edinburgh who brings over 25 years
    NHS experience working with children and adolescents. She provides assessment and support for a range of
    speech, language and communication needs with particular expertise in autism, developmental language disorder, learning disability, speech sound disorders and selective mutism. She is skilled in providing thorough assessment and working with young people and their families to identify personal goals and support them to work towards these using a strengths-based approach.

    She has many years’ experience of close working in multidisciplinary team within the NHS and within Education services and thus has a good understanding of the systems within the City of Edinburgh and the Lothians. This includes close working with mainstream secondary schools as the Speech and Language Therapy Secondary School Lead and being part of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, providing assessment and support for neurodevelopmental conditions. She is knowledgeable about neurodiversity, and her practice is neurodiverse affirming.

    She has undertaken training in various approaches for supporting autism and social communication needs and has considerable experience providing support for social communication challenges. She believes strongly in
    supporting people to understand themselves in a positive way and to develop their advocacy skills, i.e.
    understanding what supports help and how to ask for these.

    She has run many parent groups and extensive experience of working closely with parents of children with
    speech language and communication needs, supporting them to know how best to support their child or young
    person.

    Qualifications
    2012- Doctorate in Philosophy, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
    1997- Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology and Therapy (BSc), with distinction, Queen Margaret University,
    Edinburgh
    1993 – Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BSc Hons 2i), University of Stirling

    Professional Registrations & Memberships

    • Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): SLO8441
    • Royal College Speech and Language Therapy (RCSLT): RC0014389

    Specialisms

    • Neurodevelopmental conditions, in particular autism and developmental language disorder
    • Speech sound disorder
    • Learning disability
    • Selective (or situational) mutism

     

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    Helen O'Reilly

    Speech and Language Therapist

    BSc (Hons), RCSLT, HCPC

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    Expertise and experience

    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)
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    Sally Dale

    Speech & Language Therapist

    BSc (hons), RCSLT, HCPC

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    Expertise and experience

    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.

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    Kirsten Smith

    Speech and Language Therapist

    MA (Hons), GDip, RCSLT, HCPC

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    Expertise and experience

    Kirsten is an Associate Speech and Language therapist within Purple House Clinic in Edinburgh. She is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. With a twelve-year background working within the NHS, Kirsten’s experience spans comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and treatment of adult communication disorders. She is skilled in conducting thorough assessments, developing individualised therapy plans and implementing evidence-based interventions that enhance quality of life and functional communication abilities.

     

    Qualifications

    • MA (Hons) Linguistics and English Language – Edinburgh University
    • GDip Speech and Language therapy – Queen Margaret University
    • Dysphagia training – NHS Lanarkshire
    • Talking Mats
    • ADOS-2 and ADI-R – Beginning with A, Autism Consultancy and Training

     

    Professional Registrations & Memberships

    • Health and Care Professions Council   (HCPC) – SL30484.
    • The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)  – RC0030983.

     

    Specialisms

    Kirsten has a specific interest in adult autism assessment and support. Having an autistic child, she is acutely aware of the need to access timely assessment, which focuses on the person’s strengths and abilities.  Kirsten has also witnessed the newfound sense of relief, understanding and self-acceptance a diagnosis later in life can have. Her work is grounded in creating a safe, non-judgmental environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their experiences.

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    Alix Dutch

    Speech and Language Therapist

    BSc (Hons), MSc, RCSLT, HCPC

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    Expertise and Experience

    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

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    Sarah Robinson

    Art Psychotherapist

    MSc, MA, Hdip Ed

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    Expertise and Experience

    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 Assocation 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  
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    Anna Wills

    Play Therapist

    BA, MSc

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    Expertise and Experience
    Anna is an Associate Play Therapist at The Purple House Clinic in Edinburgh. She is a registered Play Therapist with The British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT) which is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority. She is also a certified Parent-Child Attachment Play Practitioner (PCAP).

    Anna has over 25 years’ experience supporting families and young children in the early year’s sector where she held key worker roles across a number of early years’ settings. She has worked with children and families in the education, private and voluntary sector. She specialises in psychodynamic, non-directive and child-centred play therapy with children between the ages of 3 and 12. Anna has experience of working therapeutically with children experiencing a range of emotional, psychological and behavioural challenges. Referral reasons have included abuse, adoption and fostering, anxiety, attachment issues, bereavement, emotional, behavioural and physical regulation difficulties, depression, family breakdown, neurodevelopmental challenges and trauma.

    Anna’s approach is child-centred, playful, non-judgemental and supportive with a focus on helping the child connect with and develop an understanding of their internal world.
    She uses toys, art, games, role play and sand to help children express challenging emotions and feelings.  Anna works in a systemic way, working with parents and caregivers to support improved understanding of their child’s emotions and needs. She is trained in Parent-Child Attachment Play (PCAP) which is an early intervention model focusing on nurturing and promoting attachment security in the parent/caregiver-child relationship.

    Qualifications

    • MSc Play Therapy (MSc), with Merit, Queen Margaret University
    • BA Business Management (BA), Napier University
    • Childhood Practice (HNC), West Lothian College

    Professional Registrations & Memberships

    • British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT) – 1592
    • Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) – 3104286

    Main Therapeutic Approaches

    • Psychodynamic, child-centred, non-directive play therapy
    • Parent-child attachment play

    Clinic Location

    Located in the heart of Edinburgh's West End, our beautiful Georgian premises is located in the prestigious Rutland Square. Within easy walking distance from Haymarket and Waverley Station, two minutes from the West End tram stop and accessible by car, with on street parking available within the square and surrounding area.  

    The Purple House Clinic
    8A Rutland Square
    Edinburgh
    EH1 2AS

    The Purple House Clinic
    8A Rutland Square
    Edinburgh
    EH1 2AS

       

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