Chartered Clinical Psychologist

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offering assessment & treatment 

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to children, families and adults

in Notting Hill, West London

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**currently working via the Zoom app**

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About

Dr Michele McKenner

I am a chartered clinical psychologist with extensive experience of working with adults, children and families in a variety of NHS settings. 

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Alongside my work in private practice, I currently work on an NHS inpatient unit for children with mental health and behavioural difficulties.  I have previously worked as part of an NHS Community Team supporting adults with complex mental health issues. 

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I have a particular interest in autism spectrum conditions (ASC) which were the subject of my doctoral thesis at University College London. 

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Prior to becoming a clinical psychologist I studied modern languages at Wadham College, Oxford and then law at the College of Law, qualifying as a solicitor in 1999.  I spent 13 years working as a lawyer in the City and then in the field of entertainment prior to retraining as a clinical psychologist. 

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Qualifications and memberships:

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• Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) - PYL 33244

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• Chartered Clinical Psychologist registered with the British Psychological Society

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• Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from University College London (UCL)

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• MSc in Experimental Psychology from University of Sussex

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• Qualified solicitor with postgraduate diploma in law and diploma in law from College of Law, London

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• BA Hons in French and Italian from University of Oxford, Wadham College

01.

Working with children and families

I offer support with a range of difficulties including:

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• anxiety

• low mood

• school refusal

• difficulty managing emotions 

• challenging behaviour

• sleep / toileting issues

• neurodevelopmental conditions

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My work is based on approaches including:

• ​Parenting Strategies - based on Social Learning Theory and Attachment Theory - aimed at promoting a secure attachment relationship between parent and child, increasing prosocial behaviour and reducing oppositional / challenging behaviour, maximising parental sensitivity to their child's needs.  

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• Systemic Family Therapy - which aims to: promote mutual understanding between family members, provide a safe space in which to express and explore difficult thoughts & feelings, acknowledge family strengths and build on these to allow for positive change in relationships and lives. 

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• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) - which aims to help children and young people manage problems by changing the way they behave and think.

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• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) - which aims to support young people to maximise their potential to lead a life which is rich and meaningful to them.   

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02.

Autism 

Spectrum Conditions: assessment

and

support

I have specialist training in the assessment of Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and extensive experience of working with children with ASC and supporting parents to care for children with ASC.

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I am trained in the administration of autism assessment tools:

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• The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)

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• The Developmental, Dimensional & Diagnostic Interview (3Di)

I aim to be offering multi-disciplinary ASC assessments, working together with a Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, in my private practice in the near future.

03.

Working with adults

I work with a broad range of presentations including:

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• depression

• anxiety

• OCD

• panic 

• relationship difficulties

• problems at work

• generally feeling stuck in life 

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Prior to becoming a clinical psychologist I worked for many years as a solicitor, in the City and then in the field of entertainment. 

I have first hand experience of working in demanding, high powered environments and the impact that these pressures can have on psychological well-being.

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I work with a range of therapeutic models / approaches including:

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• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) - which aims to maximise your potential to lead a life which is rich and meaningful to you. 

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• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) - which aims to help you manage problems by changing the way you behave and think.

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• Psychodynamic perspective - considers any unhelpful patterns of relating to others that may stem from early childhood experiences. 

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• Systemic / narrative perspective - supports you to identify and acknowledge strengths, knowledge and skills that can help you to confront life's obstacles and build resilience.