Meet the Team

Dr Graham Simpson-Adkins

Lead Clinical Psychologist BSc, DClinPsy, CPsychol

Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society

Managing Director

Dr Graham Simpson-Adkins is a HCPC Registered Clinical Psychologist, with experience of working with a wide range of mental health difficulties. Graham has a BSc (hons) in Neuropsychology and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Lancaster.

Graham is experienced in working with children, young people and adults, but also specialises in working with people with cognitive or learning disabilities and autism.

Graham has gained knowledge and competence in a range of psychological models including: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; EMDR; Narrative Therapy; Cognitive Analytic Therapy; Systemic Therapy; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; Compassion Focussed Therapy; Dialectical Behaviour Therapy; Solution Focused Therapy; Psychodynamic approaches; and Positive Behavioural Support.

Graham has a long-standing interest in the impact of trauma and adversity, having previously acted as subject area expert in Adverse Childhood Experiences within the NHS and having worked in public health, developing and supporting local community-based strategies for responding to and preventing adversity in childhood. Graham also co-produced a national Department of Health programme, developing best practice guidance for implementing routine enquiry about various forms of trauma and adversity in childhood and has contributed to parliamentary enquiries into the impact of adversity in childhood. Graham is trained to provide NICE recommended evidence-based interventions to support people experiencing the impacts of trauma.

Areas of Expertise

Adults
Children
Intellectual/ Learning Disabilities
Autism
Psychological therapy
Working with the impacts of abuse and trauma
Mental Health assessment and treatment
Identity and personality issues
Post-Traumatic Stress
Cognitive Assessment
Risk Assessment
Capacity Assessment
Service development and organisational consultation

Academic/Professional Qualifications

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology - University of Lancaster
BSc Neuropsychology – University of Central Lancashire

Further Relevant Training

EMDR Therapy Training - Level 3
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) 2 training
DISCO assessment training
Level 2 training in Narrative Therapy - Institute of Narrative Therapy
Incredible Years Facilitator Training
Triple P Accredited Training

Publications

Larkin, W., Simpson-Adkins, G. & Banner, L. (2017). Implementing Routine Enquiry about Adverse Childhood Experiences, Sexual Abuse and Sexual Exploitation: Implementation Guide. Department of Health, UK, Manuscript in preparation
Larkin, W. & Simpson-Adkins, G. (2018). Enquiring About Childhood Adversity and Trauma. IN Young Minds, Addressing Adversity. Young Minds
Simpson-Adkins, G. & Daiches, A. (2017). Exploring the impact of asking parents about their experiences of adversity in childhood: a thematic analysis. The International Journal of Child Abuse and Neglect. Manuscript in preparation
Simpson-Adkins, G. & Daiches, A.(2018). How Do Children Make Sense of their Parent’s Mental Health Difficulties: A Meta-Synthesis. Journal of Child and Family Studies
Simpson-Adkins, G., & Daiches, A. (2015). What clinical and ethical implications need to be considered by a clinical psychologist when selecting a pre-trial therapy intervention for vulnerable or intimidated witnesses? Clinical Psychology Forum, 2015(272), 34-38.
Simpson-Adkins, G. & Skirrow, P. (2012). Online support for people with prospective memory difficulties. Clinical Psychology Forum, 2012(233

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Dr James Taylor

Senior Clinical Psychologist BSc, MSc, DClinPsy

Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society

Dr James Taylor is a HCPC Registered Clinical Psychologist, working both in private practice and the NHS. He completed a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and a MSc in Applied Forensic Psychology at the University of York, before completing his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Lancaster University.

James has experience of working with a wide range of mental health and learning difficulties across the lifespan, and specialises in working with people with long term identity and personality difficulties, including those who come into contact with criminal justice services due to offending or other problematic behaviour. His approaches to therapy are trauma and attachment informed, working alongside people to understand how adverse or traumatic experiences have impacted on their current mental health or relationship difficulties.

James has gained knowledge and received training in a range of psychological models with a particular interest in Schema Therapy and Cognitive Analytic Therapy. His practice and training as a clinical psychologist allows him to incorporate a range of therapy models or theory, which enables him to provide a tailored approach to meeting your specific needs. Other models that have informed James’s practice include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, EMDR, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mentalisation Based Therapy.

James has a particular interest in working with people who have received a diagnosis of ‘personality disorder’. Throughout his career, James has dedicated his work to understanding and supporting people to work through experiences of trauma or other difficult life experiences which have contributed to the personal or relational issues which have lead to these diagnoses. He completed his doctoral thesis on the impact of personality disorder diagnoses on individuals in NHS settings.

Areas of Expertise

Adults
Young people/adolescents
Psychological therapy
Working with the impacts of abuse & trauma
Forensic settings
Mental Health assessment and treatment
Identity and personality issues
Post-Traumatic Stress
Cognitive Assessment
Risk Assessment

Academic/Professional Qualifications

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Lancaster University
MSc Applied Forensic Psychology University of York
BSc (Hons) Psychology University of York

Further Relevant Training

EMDR Therapy Training – Level 2
Schema Therapy - Foundation and Advanced Skills (to be completed in October 2020)
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy Foundation Skills
RAID Training Course
WAIS and WAIS interpretation training
HCR-20 risk assessment training

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Dr Lucinda Mawdsley

Senior Clinical Psychologist BSc, MSc, DClinPsy

Dr Mawdsley is a clinical psychologist with experience working with individuals and families across the lifespan with a range of mental health difficulties. She holds a BSc (Hons) degree and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), both from the University of Liverpool. She is a registered practitioner psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (PYL039147).

Lucinda draws on a range of therapy models to offer bespoke treatment based on each individual’s needs and goals. Therapy models used include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), compassion focused therapy (CFT), cognitive analytic therapy (CAT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing). Lucinda’s doctoral thesis involved exploring carer distress and delivering an ACT group for family members or carers of individuals experiencing psychosis.

Accessing therapy can be daunting, and Lucinda provides a compassionate and open approach to support people to feel comfortable and at ease. In the NHS, Lucinda works within an Early Intervention Team, providing input to individuals experiencing a first episode of psychosis. This work involves working directly on experiences of psychosis, but also working with many other presentations such as PTSD and complex PTSD, OCD, depression, anxiety, dissociation, personality difficulties and relational difficulties. She is currently completing a diploma in cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp).

Areas of expertise:

Post-traumatic stress and complex trauma presentations
Depression
Anxiety
OCD
Psychosis
Emotional regulation difficulties
Relational difficulties
Personality difficulties

Relevant training:

I have accessed further training in the following areas:

Compassion focused therapy workshops
Cognitive behavioural therapy workshops
Workshop on dissociation
PTSD Trauma and Beyond: 3 Day CBT Master Class
Workshop in trauma-focused CBT for psychosis (TF-CBTp)
EMDR training
Diploma in cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp) with the University of Manchester and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust– ongoing

Relevant publications
For publications please visit https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lucinda-Mawdsley

Dr Jade Scott

Senior Clinical Psychologist BSc, ClinPsyD

Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society

Dr Jade Scott is a highly skilled clinical psychologist with extensive experience in addressing mental health difficulties across all age groups. She holds a BSc (hons) degree in Psychology and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (D.Clin.Psy) from the University of Liverpool. Jade's expertise includes parent-infant interventions and psychological interventions for issues such as trauma, post-traumatic stress, relational difficulties, personality difficulties, pre- and postnatal difficulties, depression, anxiety, and emotional regulation difficulties.

In addition to her private practice, Jade also works within the NHS, specializing in prenatal and postnatal mental health. She is fully trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, a highly effective treatment for trauma-related disorders.

Jade has pursued further training in various therapeutic approaches, including Video Interactive Guidance (VIG), Circle of Security International, Attachment Narrative Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) for perinatal distress, HCR-20 risk assessment, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Jade's research contributions include publications in reputable journals, such as The Journal of Adult Protection and Psychology of Addictive Behaviours, covering topics ranging from the operationalization of deprivation of liberty safeguards to practitioners' experiences of the Mental Capacity Act.

Jade's dedication and expertise make her a highly sought-after clinical psychologist, providing compassionate and effective mental health support to individuals of all ages.

Dr Jade Scott is a registered practitioner psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC: PYL039695).

Areas of expertise:

Adults
Parent-infant psychotherapy
Trauma
Post-traumatic stress
Relational difficulties
Personality difficulties
Pre-natal and postnatal difficulties (postnatal depression, anxiety, maternal obsessive-compulsive disorder, bonding difficulties)
Depression
Anxiety
Emotional regulation difficulties

Relevant training

EMDR Therapy – Level 4
Video Interactive Guidance (VIG)
Circle of Security International
Attachment Narrative Therapy
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) for perinatal distress
HCR-20 risk assessment
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Relevant publications

Scott, J., Weatherhead, S., & Manthorpe, J. (2021). Operationalising the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) in support of brain injury survivors–views from practice. The Journal of Adult Protection, 23(4), 238-252.
Scott, Jade, Stephen Weatherhead, Gavin Daker-White, Jill Manthorpe, and Marsha Mawson. "Practitioners’ experiences of the mental capacity act: a systematic review." The Journal of Adult Protection 22, no. 4 (2020): 227-244.
Robinson, E., Oldham, M., Sharps, M., Cunliffe, A., Scott, J., Clark, E., ... & Field, M. (2016). Social imitation of alcohol consumption and ingratiation motives in young adults. Psychology of addictive behaviors, 30(4), 442.
Hardman, C. A., Rogers, P. J., Dallas, R., Scott, J., Ruddock, H. K., & Robinson, E. (2015). “Food addiction is real”. The effects of exposure to this message on self-diagnosed food addiction and eating behaviour. Appetite, 91, 179-184.
Hardman, C. A., Ruddock, H. K., Dallas, R., Scott, J., Rogers, P. J., & Robinson, E. (2014). Food addiction, myth or reality? The effects of priming beliefs about food addiction on self-diagnosis and consumption. Appetite, (83), 355.
Hardman, C. A., Scott, J., Field, M., & Jones, A. (2014). To eat or not to eat. The effects of expectancy on reactivity to food cues. Appetite, 76, 153-160.

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Dr Lauren Atherton

Senior Clinical Psychologist BA., BSc., PGCert., DClinPsy

Dr Lauren Atherton has a range of experience working with people of all ages experiencing a variety of mental health difficulties. She has a BSc (hons.) undergraduate degree in Psychology, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Low Intenisty Psychological Therapy (PG Cert.) and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (D.Clin.Psy).

Lauren specialises in supporting individuals with a broad spectrum of mental health concerns and practices in both private and NHS settings. Her primary area of expertise is in perinatal mental health. Lauren is dedicated to helping individuals to navigate a range of antenatal and postnatal challenges including difficulties such as postnatal depression, perinatal anxiety and perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder, in addition to supporting parent-infant relationships.

Lauren has a warm and compassionate approach and strives to create a safe therapeutic space for people to explore their concerns. She draws on range of psychological therapy models in her work including Compassion Focussed Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy and Systemic Family approaches.

Lauren's aim is to provide a welcoming atmosphere where individuals can feel secure exploring their concerns. Drawing from a repertoire of evidence-based models including Compassion Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and Systemic Family approaches, Lauren's approach is to tailor interventions to suit specific needs.

Lauren's areas of expertise extend to helping adults (16 years +) to navigate depression, anxiety, complex trauma, post-traumatic stress, relational difficulties, attachment issues, and challenges related to emotional regulation. She is committed to empowering individuals on their mental health journey and supporting people to feel more closely connected to their personal values, hopes and goals.

Health and Care Professions Council registered Practitioner Psychologist (PYL039943)

Areas of expertise :

Depression
Anxiety
Complex trauma and post-traumatic stress
Relational difficulties
Pre-natal and postnatal difficulties (postnatal depression, perinatal anxiety, maternal
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, parent-infant relationship)
Attachment
Emotional regulation difficulties

Academic/professional qualifications:

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology – University of Liverpool
Post Graduate Certificate in Low Intensity Psychological Therapy – University of Nottingham
BSc Psychology – The Open University

Further Relevant Training

Circle of Security Parenting, Circle of Security International
Introduction to Attachment Narrative Therapy
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy Essential Skills (March 2023) and Enhanced Skills

(TBC February 2024)

Compassion Focussed Therapy workshops
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy workshops

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Dr Hannah Nicholson

Clinical Psychologist BSc., MSc., DClinPsy

Dr Hannah Nicholson has extensive experience of working with individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan, who are experiencing a range of mental health difficulties. She has a BSc (hons) undergraduate degree in Psychology, a MSc (distinction) in Applied Clinical Psychology, and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (D.Clin.Psy).

Hannah works privately and in the NHS. In her NHS post she specialises in working with individuals and families in the perinatal and postnatal period, supporting pregnant individuals, new parents, and families with infants up to their second birthday. Her expertise in the NHS encompasses a broad spectrum of mental health challenges, including postnatal depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, perinatal anxiety, trauma and PTSD, and parent-infant bonding/attachment difficulties.

Hannah’s doctoral thesis was titled ‘meaning making in motherhood’ and explores adult women’s journey to posttraumatic growth in motherhood, following childhood sexual abuse.

This specialised knowledge underscores her skilled perspective on trauma-informed approaches, posttraumatic growth, personal journeys, and the exploration of self and identity. In her therapeutic practice Dr Nicholson adopts a compassionate and empowering approach to therapy, tailoring interventions to an individuals’ presentation, preference, and need. She draws on a range of psychological therapy models, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Analytic Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Systemic Family Approaches. Dr Nicholson is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a NICE recommended therapy for trauma related difficulties.

Dr Nicholson ensures a comprehensive and personalised therapy experience, to help people to connect to their personal life values, and goals.

Health and Care Professions Council registered Practitioner Psychologist : PYL041502

Areas of expertise

Parent-infant psychotherapy
Trauma and posttraumatic growth
Post-traumatic stress
Relational difficulties
Personality difficulties
Pre-natal and postnatal difficulties (postnatal depression, anxiety, maternal obsessive- compulsive disorder, bonding difficulties, attachment difficulties, birth and perinatal trauma, among others)
Depression
Anxiety
Emotional regulation or literacy difficulties
Grief, loss, and adjustment
Formulation and exploration of life values and goals

Academic/professional qualifications

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology – University of Liverpool
MSc Applied Clinical Psychology- University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN)
BSc Psychology – University of Liverpool

Further Relevant Training

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)- Level 4
Attachment Narrative Therapy (ANT)
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) workshops including for perinatal distress.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) workshops including for perinatal loss
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) for perinatal distress
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for perinatal loss
Working with Couples in the perinatal period (Tavistock)
Mindfulness for health and long-term condition management
Perinatal Clinical Psychology Training (HEE funded)- Parent-infant relationship difficulties, emotional regulation difficulties, perinatal eating disorders, complex interventions in perinatal practice

Publications

Taylor, P, McDonald, J., Smith, M., Nicholson, H., & Forrester, R (2019). Distinguishing people with current, past, and no history of non-suicidal self-injury: Shame, social comparison, and self-concept integration. The Journal of Affective Disorders.
Blythin, S., Nicholson, H., Dickson, J., Fox, F & Taylor, P (2017). Experiences of Shame and Guilt in Clinical Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa Presentations: A Systematic Review. The Journal of psychology & psychotherapy: Theory, research & practice
Hughes, M., Knowles, S., Nicholson, H & Taylor, P (2017). Exploring the factors that contribute to an increased risk of self-harm and suicide in alternative subcultures: a systematic review. The Journal of Clinical Psychology
Nicholson, H & Harkness, L (2014). A timeline of policy for the provision of dementia care: England (2001-2013). Dementia Action Alliance

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Dr Alex Cookson

Consultant Clinical Psychologist BSC, MSC, D.CLIN PSY, C.PSYCHOL

Dr Alex Cookson is a dedicated HCPC Registered Consultant Clinical Psychologist specialising in addressing the impact of adversity, trauma, and a wide range of psychological difficulties.

Alex is also an expert in working with people with learning disability and autism. Dr Cookson possesses a Master of Science in Personality Disorder and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Liverpool. She also holds a Master of Science in Clinical Applications of Psychology from Bolton Institute and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education in Inclusive Education (People with Learning Disabilities) from Bolton Institute. With this broad skill set, Dr Cookson offers individual and group therapies, consultation, teaching and training, supervision, research, and personal and organisational coaching.

Alex is a highly skilled and experienced clinician who brings a wealth of expertise to her role as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist. With her comprehensive training and qualifications, she offers a diverse range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Analytic Informed Therapy (CAT), and Mentalizing Based Therapy (MBT), among many others. Alex is a qualified Positive Behaviour Support Coach. She has also played a vital role in service innovation, including the development of adapted therapies for people with learning disabilities.

Alex's approach is characterised by compassion and a commitment to promoting positive change and well-being. With her experience, leadership skills, and commitment to delivering high-quality care, she is a trusted Consultant Clinical Psychologist who offers a empathetic and evidence-based approach to addressing various mental health challenges.

Areas of expertise

Extensive experience as a clinical leader both at a local team and system wide level
Ability to provide clear strategic awareness and vision to enable transformation and change
Qualified Mentalising Based Therapy practitioner and Positive Behaviour Support Coach
Skilled mediator and communicator
Innovator in design and development of service provision and research
Enthusiastic and driven leader and practitioner
Wide range of clinical experience including working with developmental trauma and adverse childhood experiences, behaviours that challenge, offending/risk of offending, self harm, identity and systems (staff teams and families)

Academic/Professional Qualifications

Master of Science - Personality Disorder - University of Central Lancashire
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology - University of Liverpool
Master of Science - Clinical Applications of Psychology - Bolton Institute
Post Graduate Certificate in Education - Inclusive Education (People with Learning Disabilities) - Bolton Institute
Bachelor of Science - Psychology - Bolton Institute