Leicester Team
The Clinical Director of our Leicester clinic is Clinical Psychologist, Dr Vicki Edwards. The operational team is led by Sue Edwards (Operations Manager) and Kerry Beet (Clinic Manager). Clinical services are delivered by Dr Edwards and a team of highly qualified and experienced Psychologists and mental health professionals. Please click on the profiles below for further information.

Dr Vicki Edwards
Clinical Psychologist & Clinical Director
BSc (Hons), PGDipPsy, DClinPsy, CPsychol.
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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.

Kerry Beet
Clinic Manager
–
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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.

Sue Edwards
Operations Manager
Certificate of Qualification in Social Work (CQSW), University of Birmingham.
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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.

Rebecca Seal
Office Administrator
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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.

Mia Clarke
Junior Office Administrator
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Judy Dutfield
Office Administrator
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Judy Dutfield has joined Purple House Clinic as an office administrator, she has many years of experience in admin roles and customer facing roles. She will be a friendly voice at the end of the phone and greeting you into the clinic.
Our Associate Clinicians

Dr Sarah Jane Knight
Clinical Psychologist
BA (Hons), DClinPsy, CPsychol.
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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.

Dr Elizabeth Pennington
Consultant Clinical Psychologist & Accredited Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner
BSc (Hons), PhD, DClinPsy, CPsychol
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Expertise and Experience
Dr Elisabeth Pennington, known as Liz, is a 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

Beckie Agami
Practitioner Psychologist
BSc (Hons), MSc, CPsychol.
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Expertise and Experience
Beckie is an Associate Psychologist at Purple House Clinic, Leicester. She is a Chartered member of the British
Psychological Society (BPS) and is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Beckie has over twenty years experience as a psychologist. She initially worked with young people, then adults, in a range of forensic settings; though now works outside of these services too, including with families and younger children.
Beckie has experience of working with a wide range of difficulties and presenting problems including emotional problems (such as anxiety, depression, anger), relationship difficulties, impulsivity, stress, trauma, self-harm and aggression. She has specialised in working with those with personality difficulties, particularly where these link to a risk of harm to themselves or others. She has extensive experience of working with adults who have experienced childhood attachment difficulties and trauma, which continue to impact them into adulthood.
Beckie has experience of providing individual and group treatments; of supervising others; of service evaluation/clinical governance, and service development. Beckie has a particular interest in emotional well-being, trauma, attachment and parenting. Her approach is informed by a number of evidence based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), Schema Therapy, Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Eye Movement and Desensitisation Therapy (EMDR). From many years of working with individuals with complex and often lifelong difficulties, she believes that no one size fits all, and draws on a range of approaches to find what works for her clients. Beckie recognises the importance of the therapeutic relationship, and the need for clients to develop trust in order to make therapy meaningful. She takes a client-led, empathic, transparent and non-judgemental approach to her work, recognising the inherent complexity of life.
Qualifications
2001 – Masters of Science in Forensic Psychology (MSc), with Distinction, University of Leicester.
1998 – Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BSc Hons), University of Leeds.
Professional Registrations & Memberships
Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC): PYL01701
British Psychological Society (BPS): 094092
EMDR Association UK and Ireland.
Specialisms
Forensic psychology and risk assessment.
Personality disorder.
Mental health and wellbeing – mental health difficulties, emotional regulation, interpersonal/relational
difficulties, trauma and childhood trauma.
Staff support and supervision, and service development.
Main Therapeutic Approaches
A client-centred, integrative approach incorporating elements of:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
EMDR- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing
Compassion Focussed Therapy
Schema Therapy

Dr Catherine Sutton
Clinical Psychologist
DClinPsy, CPsychol.
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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.

Amanda Wheelan
EMDR Therapist
BA (Hons)
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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

Victoria Bayes
Occupational Therapist with Post Graduate Certification in Sensory Integration
BSc (Hons), PGCert.
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Expertise and Experience
Victoria Bayes is an Associate Clinician at The Purple House Clinic in Leicester. She is an Occupational Therapist who is a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and is registered with the Health and Care
Professions Council.
Victoria has thirteen years’ experience working as an Occupational Therapist. Victoria has worked within the area of mental health, predominantly with individuals who have experienced trauma. However, she has also worked with individuals who have a diagnosis of autism, anxiety and depressive disorders, learning disabilities, psychotic disorders and eating disorders. As an Occupational Therapist, Victoria uses her skills of observation, an understanding of the nature of activities and the environment to understand how a person may be managing within their day to day activities. Victoria uses this understanding to make recommendations or adjustments which may support the person to participate in life more effectively.
Victoria was awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Sensory Integration, which has provided her with the additional skills to assess, formulate, recommend and provide intervention to address sensory processing needs.
As an Occupational Therapist who specialises in Sensory Integration, Victoria understands how an individual’s engagement in and experience of everyday activities develops the sensory systems and shapes our sensory preferences and choice of activities. For some individuals, engaging in everyday activities can become challenging or overwhelming due to a difficulty processing sensory input from the environment. Victoria gains benefit from sharing this understanding with both the individuals and families that she works with.
Victoria has an interest in understanding the impact of trauma on both the senses and on an individuls day to day life. Victoria also has an interest in understanding neurodiversity and neuro-affirming approaches, for example considering how the environment can impact on an individual’s sensory preferences and their
participation in daily life.
Victoria has also provided training, supervision, led service development initiatives with members of staff and presented at conferences.
Qualifications
2023 In Progress – Certification in Ayres Sensory Integration, including the Evaluation of Ayres Sensory Integration, ASI WISE Ltd.
2021 – BUSS Informed Practitioner, Building Underdeveloped Sensorimotor Systems in Children who have experienced Developmental Trauma, BUSS Model Ltd.
2018- Postgraduate Certificate in Sensory Integration (PGCert), with Distinction, University of Ulster.
2010- Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy (BSc Hons), First Class, University of Northampton.
Professional Registrations & Memberships
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): OT61933.
Royal College of Occupational Therapists: BT0802005.
Sensory Integration Network: 28417187.
Specialisms
Childhood trauma
Children with emotional regulation difficulties
Autism
Sensory Processing across the Lifespan
Sensory Processing and Trauma.
Main Therapeutic Approaches
Graded activity
Goal setting
Meaningful activity
Ayres’ Sensory Integration
BUSS Model

Dr Jodie Goddard
Clinical Psychologist
BSc (Hons), DClinPsy.
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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

Laura Hall
Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (Autism Spectrum Disorders)
BSc Hons SLT, MEd Autism
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Expertise and Experience
Laura is an associate Speech and Language Therapist at Purple House Leicester, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. 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) and neurodevelopmental conditions. She has many years’ experience in delivering high-quality diagnostic assessments within NICE guidelines for children and
adolescents 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. Laura qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist in 2002 and has experience of working across a range of clinical and educational settings.
From 2007 to 2024 she worked as a Specialist SLT for ASD within the NHS. As part of this role, she completed additional post-qualification training in the assessment and support for neurodivergent individuals, (including
the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 and Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised). Alongside a numberof short courses, she also holds a Master’s qualification in the special educational needs of Autistic children. As
part of her extensive work within the field of ASD, Laura has also developed skills and experience and completed training in working with children with ADHD, attachment difficulties and sensory processing differences. Laura is trained in a number of assessment and support approaches for autistic individuals and their families, including PACT and SCERTS. Laura has delivered training around neurodivergence to families, professionals and educational settings.
Laura currently works as an independent SLT and her main role is as part of a team to assess for neurodevelopmental presentations, where she strives to offer positive experiences for neurodivergent individuals undergoing assessment, and their families. Laura has a particular interest in the experiences of autistic females and also the presentation of ASD and ADHD together.
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
Neurodevelopmental conditions, including ADHD
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

Grant Weselby
Clinical Psychologist
BSc (Hons), MSc ClinPsy, PgDip
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Expertise and Experience
Mr Weselby is an associate Clinical Psychologist at the Purple House in Leicester. He is a registered Clinical Psychologist with 29 years NHS experience working with adults experiencing mental health issues. He provides assessment and therapeutic intervention for a wide range of psychological issues and distress, including people with traumatic experiences (relating to childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence etc) and people who have experienced some form of loss (of a loved one, a relationship or a significant role loss). From a diagnostic perspective, he has worked extensively with people experiencing; Personality Disorder, Depression, various forms of anxiety disorder (including, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, OCD and Social Phobia), Schizophrenia, Bi-polar Affective Disorder and developmental disorders including Autistic Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and Tourette’s Syndrome. In addition, he also has a post graduate Diploma in Personal Construct Psychotherapy and has been practicing with this approach for 25 years. The combination of extensive Clinical Psychology practice experience and Personal Construct Psychology allows Mr Weselby to offer a highly tailored therapeutic experience particularly where the persons experience is complex and challenging.
As a practitioner Mr Weselby places emphasis on the centrality of understanding and making sense of a person’s experience in the context of a positive therapeutic relationship as the basis for successful therapeutic work.
Qualifications
2004 – Post Graduate Diploma in Personal Construct Psychotherapy, PCP Education and Training
1996 – Master of Science in Clinical Psychology (MSc.ClinPsy.), University of Leicester
1989 – Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BSc. Hons), University of Birmingham
Professional Registrations & Memberships
Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC): PLY21928
Coventry Constructivist Centre (CCC)
Specialisms
Adult Psychology (Full spectrum of adult mental health problems)
Main Therapeutic Approaches
Personal Construct Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Compassion Focused Therapy & Mindfulness based approaches

Dr Emma Harper
Clinical Psychologist
BSc (Hons), DClinPsy.
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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

Dr Debbie Allen
Consultant Clinical Psychologist
BSc Hons, PG Cert, DClinPsy, CPsychol.
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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.

Dr Katie Fanning
Clinical Psychologist
BSc (Hons), MSc, DClinPSsy
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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.

Dr Kate Arron
Clinical Psychologist
BSc (Hons), DClinPsy, CPsychol.
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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

Dr Lynne Taylor
Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist
BSc Hons, MA, D.Psych.Psych
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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.

David Walton
Consultant Counselling Psychologist
BSc Hons, MSc, APDCP
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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.

Dr Vidya Fatania
Clinical Psychologist
BSc (Hons), MSc, DClinPsy
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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).

Dr Edward Rainbow
Men's Mental Health Practitioner
BMBS, MRCGP, MSc BSLM Diplomate in Lifestyle Medicine
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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

Dr Samantha Lewis
Clinical Psychologist
BSc (Hons), DClinPsy, CPsychol
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Expertise and Experience
Dr Samantha Lewis is an Associate Psychologist at Purple House Leicester and provides diagnostic assessments for Autism and / or ADHD for clients over the age of 17 years. She is a Clinical Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and a Chartered Psychologist. Dr Lewis is experienced in working with clients who are neuro-divergent (for example Autistic or have ADHD) or who wish to explore whether they may be. She has particular interests in the overlap between the two diagnoses, how they present in women and understanding a person’s neuro developmental differences within the context of their life.
Dr Lewis qualified as a Clinical Psychologist in 1999 and worked in the NHS until the end of 2022. She initially worked with adults with severe and enduring mental health difficulties and then was part of setting up one of the first community NHS neuro-developmental services for adults which offered diagnostic assessments for Autism and ADHD and follow up input and support. She was a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Clinical lead in the team and worked there for 19 years. Alongside assessments and follow up work with clients she has also run training and consultancy on Autism and ADHD and offers clinical supervision to different clinicians.
Alongside working in the NHS, Dr Lewis has worked in private practice for about 10 years specialising in Adult Autism and ADHD. She is trained to administer the ADOS-2 and D.I.S.C.O assessment tools and carry out ADHD assessments. She has additional training in the area of Autism and women and is also committed to developing an approach to Autism diagnostic assessment that is neuro-affirmative and that promotes positive Autistic identity.
Qualifications
1999- Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), University of East Anglia.
1993- Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BSc Hons), University of Northumbria.
Professional Registrations & Memberships
Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC): PYL16512.
British Psychological Society (BPS): 73108
Special Interests
Adult Neuro-developmental diagnoses: Autism, ADHD and Tourette’s Syndrome.
Annette Willett
Specialist Occupational Therapist
Dip COT, BSc Hons, MRCOT
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Expertise and Experience
Annette Willett is an Occupational Therapist, member of the Royal college of Occupational Therapists, and is registered with the health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). She has over 39nyears of clinical experience, 34 of those within the NHS mental health services.
Annette’s clinical experience in the NHS prior was diverse within mental health, but most was with CAMHS outpatient service es, specialising more latterly in the fields of Autism and ADHD. Annette has extensive experience of working with parents around their child’s presentation. She has also offered group work experience for both assessment and treatment interventions. Annette has also
been a team leader within the NHS and gained important management insights and skills from this role.
Annette has offered clinical teaching to OT graduate courses, and to Clinical Psychology Doctorate and Medical trainees at the University of Leicester. She was instrumental in setting up clinical practice placements for OT students as well as being a supervisor herself for students on placement. As part of her post graduate BSc Hons in health sciences degree, Annette undertook a qualitative
study on the use of play therapy with severely deprived children and has been involved in reflective practice and work discussion groups throughout her career.
Annette is experienced in the ADOS-2 and has delivered these assessments now for 12 years. She is also qualified in the ADI-R and the ADHD Diva interview training (Kings College London), which expands her range of clinical assessment skills. Annette has offered online training to delegates on
both adult and child ADHD assessment skills.
Annette has training and applied clinical experience in sensory differences, and completed level 1 of the sensory integration pathway with Ulster University in 2020 as part of the MSc SI pathway. She upholds high levels of professionalism and is known to be a positive communicator.
Annette has offered her time as a volunteer peer support worker for Turning Point, for many years, offering individualised telephone support to clients who are managing a relative or family member who uses drugs or alcohol.
Annette receives regular supervision and updates her CPD portfolio. She also offers supervision to others.
Professional registrations and memberships
Member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists
Member of the Sensory Integration Network
Member of the Health and Care professional Council (HCPC) OT15323
Member of the Autism Practitioner Network
Leicester Clinic Location
Please use the phone number or email address below to contact our Leicester clinic:
The Crescent
'The Crescent', a notable Leicester landmark, is where the Purple House Clinic, Leicester is proudly located. Here, we offer all of our mental health services and neurodevelopmental screens, assessments for Autism and ADHD. We work with both adults and children. Our assessments are thorough, follow the NICE guidelines and are delivered by specialist clinicians with expertise in Neurodivergent assessments.
Neurodiverse Assessment Clinic
The Purple House Clinic
The Crescent
12 King Street
Leicester
LE1 6RX