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.
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.
I have a particular interest in autism spectrum conditions (ASC) which were the subject of my doctoral thesis at University College London.
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.
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.
I offer support with a range of difficulties including:
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anxiety
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low mood
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school refusal
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difficulty managing emotions
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challenging behaviour
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sleep / toileting issues
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neurodevelopmental conditions
My work is based on approaches including:
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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.
02.
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.
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 in my private practice in the near future.
03.
I work with a broad range of presentations including:
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depression
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anxiety
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OCD
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panic
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relationship difficulties
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problems at work
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generally feeling stuck in life
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.
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.
What to expect
Following initial contact I will usually arrange a brief telephone conversation to hear a bit more about the difficulties you are seeking support with. There is no fee for this. This preliminary conversation allows us both to get a sense of whether I can offer the right sort of help and we are a good fit.
We will then arrange an initial assessment meeting in order for me to get a more detailed understanding of what you would like support with / what the difficulties are. This meeting will last about an hour for an individual, or about an hour and a half if I am meeting you together as a family.
Then we will make a plan together, which may involve:
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regular therapy sessions
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further assessment and feedback
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school observation / consultation for a child or young person.
Contact
Dr Michele McKenner
Tel: 07812 579315
Dr Michele McKenner, Psychology
@BodyWorksWest
11 Lambton Place
London W11 2SH
Please bear in mind that internet email is not secure before sharing sensitive information.
I am happy to arrange a free telephone call to discuss your concerns in more detail.