HMP Aylesbury TV Series - what do we think?

Following last night’s second part of the observational documentary filmed in HMP Aylesbury, young offenders institution, viewers witnessed some difficult scenes. We support the view that young offenders have often had very challenging early lives due to abuse and neglect, resulting in difficulties in developing healthy attachments and thus in self-soothing and feeling safe.  This impacts on every aspect of life: managing emotions, developing healthy relationships, dealing with stress, being able to focus and pay attention.  Things are changing very gradually and there is lots we can do to help.

We support the development of youth offender systemic approaches based around attachment which help the young persons to develop trust, to manage emotions and to gain self-confidence, rather than perpetuating the neglect they experienced in early life.

You can watch the documentary here: https://www.itv.com/itvplayer/her-majesty-s-prison-aylesbury

New experts join our team

Our practice is delighted to welcome 4 new associates to our team of expert clinical psychologists.

Dr Rachel Clarke is an accredited psychotherapist and registered social worker based in the South West of England. Rachel provides capacity assessments, cognitive assessments, parenting assessments and forensic assessments, as well as offering therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing.

Dr Maggie Cormack joins Psychology Associates offering adult mental health and therapy services also across the South West of England. Maggie has extensive experience in training and research and in recent years her clinical expertise has included community adult mental health services and cardiac rehabilitation.

Clinical psychologist Sharon Collins offers specialist services for people who are affected by complex trauma, injury related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and various difficulties. She provides assessments and interventions such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. Sharon is able to take on cases in the South West, the Midlands and also Wales.

Dr Susan Vivian-Bryne offers expert witness services for civil, criminal and child-care proceeding - specialising in assessment of risk for violence and sexual offending, personality disorder and psychopathy, cognitive functioning and mental health difficulties. Susan also provides assessments for mentally disordered offenders in secure or prison settings.

All of our psychologists are CRB checked; they are registered with the Health & Care Professions Council, and have the appropriate professional indemnity insurance.

To instruct one of our experts, to view full CV’s or to find out more about timescales please call Nicola in our Clinical Administration Team on 0845 026 7260.

The Compass Therapy Centre opens up to students this University Mental Health and Wellbeing Day

Today on University Mental Health and Wellbeing Day 2013 Psychology Associates are ensuring that individuals living and working in Higher Education throughout Devon and Cornwall are aware of our specialist services which can help individuals with personal, emotional and psychological concerns. 

The Compass Therapy Centre is run by our very own Dr Mary Welford, Clinical Director of Therapy Services and founding member of the Compassionate Mind Foundation (please see notes to editor). Mary is supported by our team of expert clinicians who work across the lifespan and also in collaboration with a range of other ethical organisations to offer a range of therapy services to help improve psychological well being.

The Centre is committed to making psychological services more accessible for people living and working close to our practice in Cornwall and offers reduced rates for therapy sessions starting from £20 per hour. The therapy sessions can help support both students and teaching professionals who are experiencing signs of anxiety, depression, stress, trauma or any other mental health issues which are affecting their academic performance, work life or  day to day lives.

Our clinicians will offer an initial consultation then based on the information discussed they will then recommend and offer the most suitable therapeutic approach.

If you would like to find out more about the therapies we offer, or if you are concerned about someone, please call us on 0845 026 7260.