Falkirk Team

About

Sarah Gallacher is the Clinical Director of the Purple House Clinic, Falkirk and the Purple House Clinic, Edinburgh. She 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

Expertise and Experience

Nia is an Assistant Psychologist at Purple House Edinburgh and Falkirk.  As an Assistant Psychologist, Nia is happy to answer any queries you may have about The Purple House Clinic and its various service pathways. Nia is supervised by Senior Clinical Psychologist Dr Alex Willis and may, on occasion, assist with aspects of assessments conducted within the clinic. She is also involved in the development of the clinic’s neurodevelopmental pathway, supporting The Purple House Clinic’s commitment to providing neurodivergent-affirming, trauma-informed, and person-centred care.

Nia has experience working with disadvantaged children and young people, older adults living with dementia, and adults undergoing rehabilitation following acquired and traumatic brain injuries. She also has experience planning, designing, and delivering evidence-based workshops for youth athletes, focusing on mental skills strategies to support both performance and psychological wellbeing in and beyond sport. She holds two British Psychological Society (BPS)-accredited Master’s degrees: one in Sport and
Exercise Psychology and another in Psychological Science with a Specialism
in Clinical Psychology.

Nia is passionate about supporting others and is committed to providing a warm, approachable, and thoughtful service. She values taking the time to understand each individual’s needs and helping them access the most appropriate support.

Qualifications

● MSc Psychological Science (Conversion) with Specialism in Clinical
Psychology (BPS-accredited, achieved with Distinction)
● MSc Psychology of Sport (BPS-accredited Level 1, achieved with
Distinction)
● BA (Hons) English (First Class)

Professional Registrations & Memberships

Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society (GMBPsS)

Additional Training

● ASIST Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
● Mental Health First Aid
● Dementia and Communication
● Dementia Awareness

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

Expertise and Experience

Dr Cabrera is an Associate Psychologist at the Purple House Falkirk (and 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

Anna is an Associate Psychologist at Purple House Falkirk. She is registered as a Practitioner Psychologist with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and is a member of Association of Clinical Psychologists – UK (ACP-UK). Anna completed the Statement of Equivalence in Clinical Psychology via the British Psychological Society in 2010 and after qualifying she worked with adults for 13 years in NHS Psychology service. She also has experience working in independent sector, supporting adults and delivering therapy as well as and carrying out neurodevelopmental assessments.

Anna’s main area of expertise is working with adult clients who experience distress or long-term difficulties, often within the context of difficult experiences, trauma or neurodivergence. She has experience carrying out psychological assessments and developing joint formulations of the clients’ difficulties, helping them to make sense of their experiences and finding a way forward.

Anna enjoys working collaboratively with clients providing a safe, reflective therapy space and tailoring interventions to suit their individual needs.

Anna draws from a variety of models, particularly third-wave therapy approaches.  She also has experience supervising others and is qualified to deliver neurodevelopmental assessments across lifespan.

Qualifications

• Statement of Equivalence in Clinical Psychology- British Psychological Society (2010)
• MSc Clinical Psychology – University of Gdansk, Poland (2001)

Additional training:

• STAND Attuned: Neurodiversity Affirming Schema Therapy (October 2023)
• Schema Therapy: Beyond the basics – Schema Therapy Scotland (September 2022)
• Schema Therapy: Models, methods and techniques – Schema Therapy Scotland (May 2021)

Professional Registration & Memberships

• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): PYL26413

Specialisms

Anna’s main area of interest is supporting neurodivergent adults following a recent diagnosis as well as working with those who have been late diagnosed as adults.

Main Therapeutic Approaches

• Schema Therapy (ST)
• Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Expertise and Experience
Dr Sikora is an Associate Psychologist at Purple House Falkirk. She is a Registered Clinical Psychologist. Dr Sikora is experienced in working with clients of all ages including children, adolescents and adults. She has over 14
years of experience in providing psychological therapies within the NHS.

Since qualifying as Clinical Psychologist Dr Sikora has worked mainly in paediatrics and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). She also currently works as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist within a Perinatal Mental Health Team which provides care for mothers and their babies in the perinatal period.

Dr Sikora has excellent skills in clinical assessment, formulation and providing a range of interventions to those with mild to severe mental health difficulties. She also has a focus on working with families and provides work with parents. Dr Sikora is able to work with a wide variety of difficulties including anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating difficulties and emotion regulation/behavioural difficulties. She is adept at working with considerable complexity and multiple disorders. Areas of speciality include dealing with the impacts of trauma, eating disorders and work with health conditions. Dr Sikora makes use of a range of specialist therapies and models of therapy.

Dr Sikora integrates a mixture of models driven by individualised and holistic formulation and evidence
base. She uses a collaborative approach to develop a treatment plan that suits individuals and families. She has particular interest in neurodiversity and has undergone training and service development work in adapting
therapies for neurodiversity. She also delivers trauma informed practice.

Dr Sikora is experienced in providing a range of cognitive assessments, often for complex cases and provides diagnoses such as intellectual disability/Learning Disability as appropriate. She previously worked within a neurology service, gaining in depth knowledge of a variety of neuropsychological assessments. Dr Sikora has considerable experience with providing neurodevelopmental assessment and diagnoses for conditions such as autism and ADHD. She also integrates the impact of these into clinical formulation regarding mental health difficulties.

Qualifications
2014- Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), Newcastle University.
2011- Masters of Science in Psychological Therapies in Primary Care (adult), University of Dundee / University of Stirling.
2008- Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BSc Hons), First Class, University of Stirling.

Professional Registrations & Memberships
Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC): PYL31010.

Specialisms
Child and adolescent and adult mental health with a wide variety of disorders including anxiety, trauma/PTSD,
OCD, eating difficulties and depression.

Psychological therapies for the impact of physical/health problems.

Neurodevelopmental conditions including thorough assessment, formulation of the impact of these and intervention for associated mental health difficulties.

Cognitive assessment using a range of neuropsychological assessments.

Main Therapeutic Approaches
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Trauma Focused CBT (TF CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness skills
Systemic Therapy
CBT for Eating Disorders (CBT ED)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (CBT) – trained but use skills/DBT informed therapy

Expertise and Experience

Jaclyn is an Associate Psychologist at Purple House Falkirk and is a registered Clinical Psychologist with the HCPC. She has over 15 years NHS service mainly working in Adult Mental Health but comes from a diverse background where she has extensive experience working with young adults in the 3rd sector. This includes, Who Cares? Scotland, The Princes Trust and Raleigh International, she also worked for many years as a volunteer youth worker whilst serving in the military.

In her clinical practice Jaclyn integrates various psychotherapeutic approaches to meet the needs of her clients in relation to their social, emotional, psychological and mental health related difficulties. She has extensive clinical experience working with a wide range of mental health difficulties including trauma related symptoms and working with individuals who are neurodivergent.

Jaclyn is also menopause informed in her practice and is experienced in integrating this information into psychological care to help women navigate the menopause. This can
help women feel more in control using evidence-based menopause specific strategies. Being a neurodivergent and menopausal woman herself, she has lived experience of the importance of these strategies and lifestyle choices that can enhance your quality of life.

Qualifications

• 2017 – Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at University of Glasgow
• 2014 – PhD in Health Psychology (Suicide and Self-Harm) University of
  Glasgow
• 2010 – BSc (Hons) in Psychology, 1st Class

Professional Registration & Memberships

• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): PYL35518
• International Association of Schema Therapy

Main Therapeutic Approaches

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Trauma Focused CBT
• CBT for menopause
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Compassion Focused Therapy
• Schema Therapy

Expertise and Experience

Joanne is an associate Occupational Therapist at Purple House Falkirk (and 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

Sally is an Associate Speech & Language Therapist (SLT) with Purple House Clinic Falkirk (and 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.