Leicester Team

Expertise and Experience

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

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

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

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

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

Qualifications

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

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

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

Professional Registrations & Memberships

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): PYL03877

British Psychological Society (BPS): 088327

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

BPS Accredited Supervisor.

Specialisms

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

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

Family & Relationship difficulties.

Adult Psychology – PTSD, relationship difficulties, childhood trauma.

Main Therapeutic Approaches

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

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

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

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

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

Expertise and Experience

Rebecca Seal has joined Purple House Clinic as an office administrator, she has multiple years of experience in admin roles particularly in accounting and legal services, and will be a welcoming and helpful voice on the other end of the phone.

Expertise and Experience

Kerry Beet is employed at Purple House Leicester as the clinic manager. Kerry has extensive experience in various finance roles and is AAT qualified. She has previously managed teams and proved to be a strong leader and a role model for the members of her team.

Expertise and Experience
Dr Elisabeth Pennington, known as Liz, is an employed Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Purple
House Leicester. She specialises in transforming the experiences of people whose lives have
been impacted by trauma.
Liz works with young people and adults, providing assessment and therapeutic interventions for
a range of mental health difficulties including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
depression, relationship difficulties, and adjustment to life events. She also works with young
people and their families via the Adoption Support Fund – a fund established because many
families need therapeutic support following adoption.
Liz’s interest in trauma has led her to specialise in working with survivors of childhood trauma,
sexual trauma, and intimate partner violence. She also works with individuals whose jobs are
risky, or they are regularly exposed to traumatic situations, or privy to distressing information,
such as the police and healthcare staff.
Liz is an advocate for trauma-informed practice, where shaping practice to mitigate the negative
impact of trauma on the capacity to feel safe and trust, allows for the development of more
robust relationships between the health and care sector, and individuals, as well as communities.
In an exciting new venture, Purple House has partnered with a third party in an initiative to reduce
serious crime and violence. Research evidence indicates that many offenders have undiagnosed
mental health conditions – and there is a strong relationship between offending behaviour and
early trauma. Liz is involved in training and supporting staff on the programme, as well as
offering case consultation and therapy.
In her therapy work, Liz uses an integrative approach that allows the flexibility to focus on the
whole of the individual and the best fit for their needs. The therapeutic approaches that she uses
focus on the healing power of healthy connectedness between our bodies, minds, and the people
that surround us. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR),
which alleviates the distress arising from traumatic memories by tapping into the instinct to heal,
where reconnection with the body and sense of self are key to recovery.
Liz is also an accredited Practitioner in Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT). CAT is a relational
approach that draws upon ideas from cognitive and psychoanalytic therapies. At its heart is a
compassionate and shared understanding of how painful patterns in relationships invariably tell
a story of an individual’s means of surviving their past. Through this understanding, new ways of
being can be explored and relief from distress achieved – as well as personal growth.
Liz is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist with the British Psychological Society and registered with
the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Qualifications
2013 – Standard Accredited Training in EMDR, Richman EMDR Training/ University of Leicester.
2013 – PGDip: Cognitive Analytic Therapy Practitioner Diploma, Sheffield Hallam University/
ACAT
2007 – DClinPsy : Practitioner Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, University of Leicester.
2003 – PhD Psychology, University of Warwick
1997 – BSc (Hons) Psychology, 2:1, University of Warwick

Professional Registrations and Memberships
Health Care Professions Council (HCPC): PYL19181
British Psychological Society (BPS): 84755
Member of the Association for Cognitive Analytic Therapy (ACAT)
Specialisms
Relationship Difficulties/ Interpersonal Difficulties
Trauma/ PTSD/ Complex PTSD
Specialist interest in the association the association between trauma & Chronic Fatigue,
Fibromyalgia and pain disorders.
Personality Disorders

Main Therapeutic Approaches
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)
Body-based approaches/ Somatic Psychology

Expertise and Experience

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

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

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

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

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

Qualifications

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

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

Professional Registrations & Memberships

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): PYL01948

British Psychological Society (BPS): 165331

Specialisms

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

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

Assessment and intervention with Neurodevelopmental Conditions.

Psychosis.

Staff support and consultation.

Main Therapeutic Approaches

An integrated approach that is client-centred.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy.

Compassion focussed Therapy.

Systemic approaches.

Psychodynamic Approaches.

Expertise and Experience 

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

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

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

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

Dramatherapist / Theraplay Therapist

– Present (9 years)

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

Supervisor

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

Trainer

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

Higher Education Lecturer

– Present (3 years 2 months)

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

Qualifications 

N.N.E.B. {July 1977} 

Further Education Teaching Certificate {August 2001}

Certificate in Management Studies {April 2005}

Bachelor of Arts (BA) hons

BA combined honours Drama with Psychology

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Masters in Dramatherapy                

Post Graduate Diploma

Certified Theraplay Practitioner                         

Certified Group Theraplay Trainer {2015}     

Diploma in Creative Approaches to Supervision

Training / CPD

Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy {level 1}

Neuro Dramatic Play

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

Looked after children and Attachment

Sensory Attachment Intervention 

Expertise and Experience

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

Alongside the work within Purple House Donna continues her role as
Systemic Lead and Associate Professor at The University of Leicester.

Donna has 14 years’ experience of working within an NHS Child and
Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), working initially within a Mental
Health Team, before moving into a Specialist Eating Disorder Team and
intensive crisis team.

Before training as a psychotherapist Donna qualified as a social worker in
2008 and worked within the local authority with looked after children,
adoptive families, and foster carers.
Donna has extensive experience of clinical practice and working
therapeutically with a variety of mental health presentations and concerns,
including eating concerns/disorder, developmental and intergenerational
trauma, anxiety, mood concerns, interpersonal struggles, family difficulties
and relational therapy.

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

Donna has a special interest in trauma, relationships and attachment and
an appreciation of the impact of context on a person’s life and
relationships.
Donna provides individual sessions, relational sessions and family sessions.
Donna offers systemic supervision and has completed a post graduate
certificate in supervision of evidence-based practice. Donna offers
reflective practice and team training, with a focus on trauma, team
formulation and understanding distress in context.

Qualifications
2017: Postgrad cert in evidence based supervision- University of Derby
2013: MSc Family and Systemic Psychotherapy- University of Leeds
2012: Postgrad Diploma in Systemic Practice- Birkbeck University London
2011: Postgrad Cert in Systemic Practice- Birkbeck University London
2008: BA (Hons) in Social Work- De Montfort University Leicester
Professional registration and memberships:
Health Care Professional Council (HCPC)
United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
Member of the Association of Family Therapists (AFT)
Social Work England.

Specialisms
Relationships, attachment, and associated difficulties.
Trauma and complex trauma / developmental trauma
Eating disorders and associated difficulties.
Child and adolescent mental health, including anxiety, obsessions and
compulsions, mood.
Behavioural concerns and parenting concerns.
Bereavement and loss.
Transitions and life events, divorce, separation, moving away, blended
families.

Main therapeutic approaches
Systemic Psychotherapy
EMDR
Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy
Narrative Therapy
Attachment Based Family Therapy
Non-violent resistance therapy

Expertise and Experience

Amanda is an Associate Therapist in EMDR at Purple House Leicester.
Amanda has 16 years’ experience of working within both the Local Authority
and within specialist voluntary sector services. 
During her Social Work career Amanda has gained extensive experience of
working with children and young people who have experienced significant
trauma(s) in their lives. Amanda has worked across specialist teams
providing therapy and support to children who have experienced
Childhood Sexual Abuse, and Local Authority teams providing therapeutic
interventions to children looked after, children subject to special
guardianship orders and adopted children and their families. 
Amanda is a warm, empathic, enthusiastic, and committed practitioner. 
Amanda’s approach is predominately relational and Eye Movement
Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). A relational approach to
interventions allows Amanda to form authentic, respectful relationships
with the adults and children and families that she works with. Creating
spaces of emotional safety and containment in which to consider
presenting issues. This provides a firm foundation on which EMDR therapy
can be considered to facilitate positive change.
Amanda is fully trained and accredited in Eye Movement Desensitisation
and Reprocessing (EMDR) for children, adolescents and adults.

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

Professional Registrations & Memberships
Social Work England Registration No: SW86125
Nagalro registration No: 2508
EMDR Association UK and Ireland.

Specialisms
Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA)
Trauma
Attachment difficulties, including children Looked After and Adopted
Children.
Families who have experienced grief and loss. 

Main Therapeutic Approaches 
Relational
EMDR – Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing.
Narrative Therapy

Expertise and Experience

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

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

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

Qualifications

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

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

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

Professional Registrations & Memberships

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): PYL17247

British Psychological Society (BPS): 129365

EMDR Association England & Ireland

Association for Family Therapy membership number: N9000065756

Specialisms

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

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

Main Therapeutic Approaches

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

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Systemic practice with couples and individuals.

Expertise and Experience

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

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

Qualifications

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

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

Professional Registrations & Memberships

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): PYL28786.

EMDR Association UK and Ireland.

Specialisms

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

Attachment difficulties, including Looked After and Adopted Children.

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

Main Therapeutic Approaches

EMDR – Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing.

DDP – Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy.

CBT – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Group Analysis.

Psychodynamic Approaches.

Expertise and Experience

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

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

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

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

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

Qualifications

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

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

Professional Registrations & Memberships

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): PYL31078

Specialisms

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

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

Main Therapeutic Approaches

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

Compassion Focused Therapy

Mindfulness

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Expertise and Experience

Laura Hall is an Associate Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) at Purple House Leicester, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.  Laura is an extremely experienced SLT and has worked with children of all ages with speech, language and communication needs and she is a Highly Specialist SLT for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She has many years’ experience in delivering high-quality diagnostic assessments for children to determine if they are Autistic. She is also skilled in supporting children and their families with communication needs as part of ASD in the home and in educational settings. Alongside a number of short courses, Laura also holds a Master’s qualification in the special educational needs of children with Autism. As part of her extensive work within the field of ASD, Laura has also developed skills in working with children with ADHD, attachment difficulties and sensory processing differences.

Laura’s main role is as part of a team to assess for ASD, where she strives to offer positive experiences for neurodiverse individuals undergoing assessment, and their families.

 Alongside her work in private practice, Laura continues to work within the NHS as a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist for ASD and has worked for the NHS as an SLT for over 21 years.

 Qualifications

2009- MEd Special Education Autism (Distinction), University of Birmingham

2002- BSc (Hons) in Speech and Language Therapy, University of Central England.

Professional Registrations & Memberships

Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC): SL09086

Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT): RC0018512

Specialisms

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Main Therapeutic Approaches

Autism diagnostic assessment, including ADOS-2

Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy (PACT)

Social Communication, Emotional Regulation and Transactional Support (SCERTS)

Other ASD specific support and strategies

Expertise and Experience

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

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

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

Qualifications

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

2005 – Foundation Certificate in Counselling Skills, Loughborough College.

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

Professional Registrations & Memberships

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): PYL29399

British Psychological Society (BPS): 041637

Specialisms

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

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

Main Therapeutic Approaches

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

EMDR

Expertise and Experience

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

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

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

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

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

Qualifications

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

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

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

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

Professional Registrations & Memberships

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): PYL01853

British Psychological Society (BPS): 077417.

Main Therapeutic Approaches

Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT).

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Behavioural Family Therapy (BFT).

Narrative approaches.

 Expertise and Experience 

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

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

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

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

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

Qualifications

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

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

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

Professional Registrations and Memberships

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): PYL 02007

British Psychological Society (BPS): 090637

Specialisms

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

Assessment and intervention with neurodevelopmental conditions.

Staff support and consultation.

Main Therapeutic Approaches

Systemic / Family approaches

Compassion Focussed Therapy

Psychodynamic approaches

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

 Expertise and Experience 

Dr Taylor is an Associate Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist at Purple House. She is a Registered Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, (Association of Child Psychotherapists, ACP, which is regulated by the Professional Standards Authority, PSA).

 Dr Taylor is qualified and experienced in working with children, adolescents and young adults (0-25 years old), parents and providing supervision and consultation to professionals.  She provides assessment and therapeutic intervention for a range of common psychological issues including low mood and depression, anxiety, school refusal and attachment concerns.  She is skilled in working with complex presentations including developmental trauma (including looked after and adopted children, children and families who are refugees), concerns around self-harm and suicidal thoughts, risky and unsafe behaviour, chronic and acute behavioural and emotional difficulties.

 Prior to working in private practice, Dr Taylor worked in the NHS for 21 years, including 10 years as a qualified Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist in CAMHS.  In addition to her work in Purple House, Dr Taylor is currently Chair of the Association of Child Psychotherapists, which regulates and upholds standards in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy in the NHS, private and third sector.

Qualifications:

D.Psych.Psych, Doctorate in Child Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, University of East London, 2009-17.

MA (Distinction) Psychoanalytic Observational Studies, University of East London, 2005-2009.

BSc Psychology 2(i), University of Wales Swansea, 1998-2001.

Professional Registrations & Memberships

Association of Child Psychotherapists, ACP (which is regulated by the Professional Standards Authority, PSA)

Specialisms

Infant, child and adolescent psychotherapy

Attachment difficulties, including Looked After and Adopted Children.

Low mood, depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicidal thoughts

 Main Therapeutic Approaches

Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy (including assessment, consultation work, brief work, parent and child sessions, supporting parents and carers, short-term individual psychotherapy, longer term psychotherapy and intensive psychotherapy.

 Expertise and Experience 

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

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

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

Qualifications

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

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

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

Professional Registrations and Memberships

Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC): PYL34516

Specialisms

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

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

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

Working with children in care and adopted children

Main Therapeutic Approaches

EMDR Therapist – Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing

Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP).

Systemic and Narrative Approaches

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

 Expertise and Experience 

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

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

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

Qualifications

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

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

Diplomate, Lifestyle Medicine – British Society of Lifestyle Medicine 2021

ADHD Diagnosis and Management – UKAAN 2021

Specialisms

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

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

Educational group courses

 Expertise and Experience 

Dr Katie Fanning is an associate at Purple House Clinic Leicester. She is a Clinical Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)). Dr Fanning has experience post qualification of 15 years working within the NHS and within private practice over the past several years. Dr Fanning has worked with clients of all ages and has experience within both Child and adolescent Mental Health services and Specialist Adults Provisions, working within mental health services and Neurodivergent populations. 

Dr Fanning has specialist interests and experience providing assessment and therapeutic intervention for a range of psychological difficulties in particular assessment around developmental trauma and attachment and trauma related difficulties from childhood through to adulthood. Her therapeutic approaches include attachment-based therapy, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR).

Dr Fanning is trained and specialises in the assessment of Autism across both children and adults, she has extensive experience within NHS services providing quality assessments in line with NICE guidance. Her aim is to provide a comprehensive, meaningful assessment for individuals and their support networks. This can then be used to develop an understanding around an individual’s support needs and can provide guidance moving forwards.

Dr Fanning has experience of providing supervision and consultation within the NHS and social care services. She has led on the development and facilitation of reflective practice groups across services, working with professional groups, Multi-disciplinary Teams and Care Providers. Support has included complex case discussion, psychological formulation, reflection on clinical practice and understanding systemic influences and challenges.

Expertise and Experience

David Walton is an Associate Psychologist at Purple House Clinic, Leicester.  He is a Registered Counselling Psychologist with the Health and Care Professionals Council.  Mr Walton is experienced in working with adults and as worked in the NHS since 2001.  He provides assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic intervention for a range of common psychological issues including depression, anxiety, phobias, obsessive/compulsive problems, trauma, and issues related to neurodevelopmental conditions. 

As well as working more generically, Mr Walton specialises in the identification, diagnosis and support for people who have neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  He has specialised in this area for the last 12 years.

Prior to working in private practice, Mr Walton worked in the NHS for 23 years, this included initial roles working with people who have Learning Disabilities, Eating Disorders, Long-term Mental Health conditions, Older Adults, Clinical Health Psychology at Northampton General Hospital, and Acute Mental Health in Northampton Community Mental Health Team.  Mr Walton has more recently worked, and for the last 12 years in a specialist NHS team for adults with Autism, ADHD and Tourette’s Syndrome.  Most recently Mr Walton has been the Consultant Clinical Lead for the team.  This role included overseeing a large multi-disciplinary team of nearly 30 staff including other Specialist Psychologists, Specialist Occupational Therapists, Clinical Specialist Nurses, Support Workers and a large Administration team.  The role included considerable management, service design and development, clinical governance and supervision, management and support of the team.

Qualifications

2007 – Advanced Practitioner Diploma in Counselling Psychology (APDCP), London Metropolitan University.

2004 – Masters in Counselling Psychology (MSc), with merit, London Metropolitan University

2000 – Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BSc Hons), Upper Second Class, Northampton University

Professional Registrations & Memberships

Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC): PYL22429

Specialisms

Specialist adult assessment, diagnosis and treatment of Autism.

Specialist adult assessment, diagnosis and treatment for ADHD.

Psychological therapy for people with neurodevelopmental diagnoses.

Adult psychology and psychological therapy incorporating ACT, CBT and Systemic approaches. 

Main Therapeutic Approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Systemic Therapy approaches.