Clinical Psychologist
Dr Kirren
Welcome
I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist with over 18 years experience of working in clinical mental health settings, including inpatient and outpatient clinical services. I undertook my clinical training in 2004, at the prestigious University of Oxford. I am an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (AFBPsS), a title given as recognition of several years’ experience and contribution to the field of clinical psychology. I have worked with both children and adults in the NHS, within private healthcare, with schools, with Local Authorities, and with the Family Courts.
My
Philosophy
In line with clinical psychology philosophy, I work by integrating science, psychological theory, and clinical skills/knowledge to
my everyday practice of helping others. I have experience of working with people from all walks of life who have been struggling with complex psychological difficulties, often for many years.
My Work
Clinical Assessment
My work always begins with a robust clinical assessment, I use a combination of methods to obtain a comprehensive understanding (including psychometric testing where appropriate) of how past and present factors contribute to the development of psychological problems. This clinical assessment helps identify the right treatment intervention.
Treatment Interventions
Upon the conclusion of the clinical assessment, I utilise a range of psychological interventions that are well evidenced, clinically proven, in line with national treatment guidelines, and suited to the individual profile and problem. Follow up consultations last 50 to 60 minutes. The number and frequency of sessions will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and there is no commitment required to attend a set number of sessions.
Expert Witness
I have worked with the Family Courts for 12 years, assessing parents and children in Public and Private Law proceedings. This work has included psychological assessment, risk assessment, cognitive and capacity assessments. As well as assessment I have provided treatment planning for children and their parents who have complex needs.
Supervision
Over the course of my career I have provided supervision within the NHS, in IAPT Services, to trainee clinical psychologist, and Clinical Psychologists in independent practice. I have a breadth and depth of experience that supports a wide range of approaches to help our clients, with a special emphasis on formulations and obstacles to change. I also have considerable experience in Child Protection issues.
Teaching & Training
I provide teaching, training, and workshops to a wide range of professionals. I have provided workshops and talks on a range of topics relevant to mental health. The material I deliver is evidence-based and links with the theory and practice of clinical psychology, as well as taking into account positive psychological principles. I have provided these services to state and independent schools, as well as professional organisations.
Press & Media
As a qualified and highly experienced Clinical Psychologist I work with the media and entertainment industries. I contribute comments for the press on a wide range of topics. relating to psychology, wellbeing, and lifestyle. Themes have included children and young people’s mental health, adult mental health, relationships, and drugs and alcohol. As well as providing comments and tips for the press, I write and share articles on my own blog (link in menu).
Testimonials
Blog
Emotional Wellbeing During Covid-19
The Covid-19 crisis has affected us all in many different ways, physically, emotionally, economically, socially, and psychologically. We have all been dealing with the challenges brought by this virus, including possible illness, and the obstacles and interruptions to...
Proven Ways To Deal With Panic attacks
Panic Attacks!!! Your heart pounds. You sweat. Your hands shake and you’re certain that this is it, you’re done for. You’ve come face-to-face with… nothing actually. That’s the nasty thing about panic disorder – it doesn’t have to be triggered by anything specific....
Practical Tips To Overcome Perfectionism
Do you strive for flawlessness in all parts of your life?Do you set unattainable standards for yourself?Here are some ways to reduce the many pitfalls that come from striving for perfection... Perfectionism represents a mental roadblock in which sufferers deem their...
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – OCD
We all experience unwanted thoughts, some of which cause us distress, most of the time we manage this distress, and get past the thought. Other times we might become so distressed we feel unable to manage, and obsess over what we’ve just thought and in some cases this...
Social Media & Teenagers
If you were born before the 1990s then social media simply wasn’t a thing. Chances are, you’re probably grateful. Who would want every moment of their life – especially during the painful roller coaster of teenage years – paraded in front of the world? It can seem...
Dealing With Social Anxiety
Social anxiety (a.k.a. social phobia) is a fear that makes its sufferers feel like they’re going to screw up or embarrass themselves in public. This can get quite severe, causing you to have panic attacks not only when you’re in public, but also just at the thought of...