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