Trauma Team

Dr Emily Alteirac (nee Smyth) is a Co-Founder of The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic and Team Lead of our specialist Trauma Team. As a highly experienced Clinical Psychologist, Dialectical Behaviour Therapist, Cognitive Behaviour Therapist, and Integrative Psychotherapist, she brings over a decade of clinical expertise spanning private, public, and charitable sectors.

Dr Alteirac holds a Master’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Integrative Psychotherapy, a Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and a Postdoctoral Certificate in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). She was also awarded her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Royal Holloway, University of London, where she specialised in treating Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) with refugees and survivors of torture. Her doctoral research was innovative in examining the relationship between trauma and psychosis in refugees.

Building on her clinical and research expertise, Dr Alteirac went on to work as a Trial Psychologist on the Study of Trauma and Recovery (STAR): an NIHR-funded multi-site Randomised Controlled Trial led by internationally-renowned experts at The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London and University of Oxford. This pioneering trial was the first of its kind to deliver trauma-focused therapy to individuals with psychosis, challenging long-held clinical assumptions and paving the way for integrated trauma treatment in this population.

Dr Alteirac’s commitment to advancing the field of psychology is further reflected in her research contributions. They include published work in neuropsychology examining multisensory detection tasks for screening cognitive impairment, a systematic review on the prevalence of psychosis in refugees, and an empirical study exploring the relationship between complex victimisation trauma and psychosis in refugees compared to non-refugees.

Alongside her trauma specialism, Dr Alteirac has extensive experience in the treatment of complex and enduring mental health difficulties stemming from her work across Personality Disorder services. Since 2012, she has delivered specialist DBT, supporting populations who present with severe emotion dysregulation and high risk presentations. At The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic, Dr Alteirac thus also sits within our specialist DBT team, providing individual DBT therapy, running DBT Skills Groups, and facilitating DBT Consultation meetings.

Central to Dr Alteirac’s approach is the creation of a safe, trustworthy, and authentic therapeutic relationship. Her testimonials speak to her genuine care, commitment, warmth, approachability and non-judgmental nature – qualities that form the foundation of her work. She believes deeply in the power of kindness, empathy, and validation, and maintains an unwavering belief in people’s capacity for change and growth, regardless of complexity. Dr Alteirac focuses on recognising each person’s unique strengths and in creating a collaborative process at all times that is approached as a partnership. She advocates that while therapy often involves tackling emotionally heavy and challenging subjects, it can coexist alongside the use of humour, positive experiences, and celebrations of therapeutic progress.

Dr Alteirac is highly experienced in delivering integrative, formulation-driven and evidence-based treatment that is tailored to each person’s individual needs. She also provides specialist clinical supervision and consultation to multidisciplinary professionals, career and educational consultation services, and has training resources showcased by the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies. She works with a broad range of difficulties, including:

• Adjustment Disorder
• Agoraphobia
• Behaviours that Challenge (BtC)
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Depression
• Dissociation
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Grief and Bereavement
• Health Anxiety
• Hoarding
• Low Self-Esteem
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Panic Disorder
• Personality Disorders
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD & C-PTSD)
• Psychosis
• Self-Harm
• Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
• Specific Phobias
• Suicidality

Dr Alteirac draws on a range of therapeutic models including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based therapies, Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and numerous trauma-specific interventions including Imagery Rescripting (ImRes). She is also trained in delivering relational, person-centered psychotherapy, offering a reflective and exploratory approach where more suitable. This breadth enables her to create highly personalised treatment plans.

Dr Alteirac offers both short- and long-term interventions and is experienced in working across cultures and languages with interpreters. Her practice is grounded in theory, informed by the latest research, and delivered in line with NICE guidelines to ensure the highest standards of psychological care.

“The early stages showed me that Emily truly cares about helping other people. I was hesitant to start sessions, but Emily remained consistent with reaching out and always remained patient and understanding. The depth and structure of the sessions was incredible, I’ve never worked with a therapist who has left me feeling like I understand and appreciate who I am to such a level.” Former Client

Dr Kate Watchorn is a highly skilled Clinical Psychologist, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).  Kate completed an undergraduate Psychology degree with first class honours, before undertaking her doctoral training and qualifying as a Clinical Psychologist from University College London. 

Kate has substantial experience working across a wide range of NHS settings including child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), inpatient and community adult mental health, perinatal, psychosis and specialist trauma services for refugees. Alongside her private clinic, Kate currently works in the NHS as part of a London CAMHS team, specialising in supporting families and children spanning the full age range from early years to adolescents. Kate is especially passionate about supporting parents with the transition to parenthood, to enable them to develop positive relationships with their babies.  

Kate values a systemic approach and likes to involve partners or family members in treatment where appropriate. Understanding the wider context of her client’s experience is fundamental to her practice. Kate has substantial experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds and is sensitive to the role of cultural identity, gender, race, sexual orientation and all forms of difference. Kate has a warm, compassionate, and non-judgemental style. She believes the therapeutic relationship is fundamental and strives to create a space in which clients feel empowered to create positive changes in therapy.  

Kate’s clinical work is grounded in theory and informed by the latest evidence-base, in adherence with the NICE guidelines. She takes a formulation driven approach, coming to a shared understanding of difficulties with her clients before collaboratively developing a bespoke treatment plan. Kate has training in a range of therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Systemic and Family Therapies, Trauma Focused Therapy, brief psychodynamic approaches and evidence-based parenting programmes. Kate is also skilled in conducting formal neurodevelopmental assessments for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). 

She is experienced in working with a range of difficulties including (but not limited to): 

• Anxiety Disorders
• Behaviours that Challenge 
• Depression 
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Health Anxiety
• Low Self-Esteem 
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 
• Panic Disorder
• Parenting difficulties 
• Perfectionism 
• Perinatal Trauma
• Personality Disorders 
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 
• Psychosis 
• Relationship Difficulties  
• Self-Harm 
• Specific Phobias
• Sleep Disorders
• Stress and burnout  
• Suicidality 

“This therapy did nothing short of changing my life. Kate went above and beyond to support me in understanding why I felt how I felt after having my baby. I have been able to work through some of my unresolved childhood trauma which has helped me massively. Not only did Kate help me understand that I was not alone in this process but also how to cope. My relationship with my daughter has greatly improved as I am starting to understand her better without being so harsh on myself. I will always be thankful to Kate for getting me back on track.” Former Client

Dr Heather Westwood is a highly skilled Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and Research Psychologist who has worked in mental health settings in the UK for over twelve years.

Heather completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Newcastle University before going on to study for a Post Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Studies at The University of Southampton, for which she gained a Distinction. Heather then completed a research PhD at King’s College London, focusing on the relationship between autism and anorexia nervosa. Heather achieved the Elsevier Outstanding PhD Thesis Prize for exceptional doctoral work in recognition for her studies. Wanting to shift her focus more to clinical work, Heather then completed her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Royal Holloway University of London, from which she gained HCPC registration as a Clinical Psychologist.

As a therapist, building rapport and creating a safe, judgement-free, and empathic space is at the core of what Heather does. Heather very much believes that being “in therapy” is an active, rather than a passive process and works collaboratively with her clients to ensure they are getting as much out of the therapeutic relationship and process as they can. This includes developing a shared understanding of a client’s difficulties through a comprehensive assessment process and working together to implement evidence-based interventions to address factors that may have led to and are maintaining these difficulties.

Heather specialises in the treatment of adults with eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other atypical presentations. Alongside her work with The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic, Heather holds a senior leadership position in an adult eating disorder service within the NHS. Heather is passionate about drawing on evidenced approaches within her practice, in line with current NICE guidelines. Heather draws upon several therapeutic approaches within her work, including Schema Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and “third-wave” approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion-Focused Therapy.

Outside of eating disorders, Heather has an interest in trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is skilled at treating trauma in the context of eating disorders and other presenting problems. Heather has extensive experience of treating a range of mental health problems including:

• depression
• anxiety disorders (including generalised anxiety, health anxiety, social anxiety, panic, and phobias)
• obsessive-compulsive disorder
• eating disorders (including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder)
• post-traumatic stress disorder and complex post-traumatic stress disorder
• low self-esteem
• personality disorders

Heather has extensive experience of working with autistic people and is experienced in delivering CBT to address symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Heather can tailor treatment accordingly for neurodivergent individuals.

Outside of her clinical work, Heather maintains her interest in academia and research and continues to conduct empirical research and to publish high-quality papers, working with some of the most prestigious researchers within the eating disorder field.

“Heather, thank you, most of all, for all your guidance and help: you have immensely improved my sense of myself, and how I approach adversity, and have illuminated much I didn’t know needed illuminating. So, thank you so much for being a fantastic therapist – I couldn’t have asked for more! (. . .) I’m just very glad that I reached out to Fitzrovia and was connected with you in the end!” Former Client

Dr Jasmine Shingadia is a Principal Counselling Psychologist and a Clinical Lead holding registrations with the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC). After graduating with first-class honours in Psychology, she pursued her doctoral training, emerging as a qualified Counselling Psychologist. Jasmine has considerable specialist knowledge and experience in various mental health conditions, having delivered evidence-based therapies and interventions to adults and adolescents in NHS clinical settings and the private sector.

Jasmine’s passion lies in assisting individuals to make sense of themselves and their lives, fostering growth and achieving their full potential. Central to her approach is the therapeutic relationship based on respect and equality, prioritising empowered choices in healing and growth. Providing a secure, non-judgemental space to explore thoughts and feelings, Jasmine offers attentiveness, empathy, and respect whilst providing evidence-based interventions. Acknowledging the significance of social and relational contexts, she has had the privilege of aiding individuals from diverse backgrounds in achieving their personal and emotional well-being goals.

Specialising notably in eating disorders, Jasmine’s expertise is underscored by her work at leading NHS and private eating disorder services with both adults and adolescents. Her proficiency extends to the treatment of various eating disorders, including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, Other Specified Eating Disorders (OSFED), and Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Additionally, she is adept at working with individuals on the autism spectrum, tailoring therapy to their specific needs. Her doctoral thesis, delving into the impact of social media on body image and eating, informs her practice by integrating the latest clinical research in this domain. Beyond her specialisation in eating disorders, Jasmine is highly experienced in a range of mental health conditions, including:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• OCD
• Panic
• Body Dysmorphia
• Personality Disorders
• Trauma and PTSD
• Emotional and Relationship difficulties

Jasmine works integratively to ensure a customised and holistic approach that aligns with each client’s needs. Her repertoire includes various therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, MANTRA, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Cognitive Analytical Therapy.

Jasmine is the Principal Psychologist and Clinical Lead for a primary care service dedicated to severe mental health conditions. In this role, she holds clinical responsibility and leadership, delivering high-quality specialist psychological interventions and treatments while addressing physical health and social care needs. Passionate about mitigating social and racial disparities in local communities, Jasmine proactively works to prevent gaps in services for those who require them most. She ardently advocates for a vision of care aligned with the NHS long-term plan and Community Mental Health Framework, focusing on establishing a revitalised purpose and identity for community mental health services with an ‘open door policy’ to accessible joined-up care.

“I am incredibly grateful for the support I received at The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic in my journey overcoming an eating disorder. What I appreciated most was the methodical and thoughtful approach Jasmine took, as well as being given the choice to explore the type of treatment that felt right for me. The therapy was holistic, combining talking sessions with additional resources to educate me about nutrition and meal planning, which made me feel supported both emotionally and practically.” Former Client

Dr Richard Pomfret is a Counselling Psychologist with extensive experience of psychological assessment and treatment for individuals with a wide range of emotional difficulties, mental-health problems and life challenges. Richard is registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). Richard completed his undergraduate degree in Humanities at Nottingham Trent University. Following a career in the technology sector , Richard made the decision to change path and retrain as a psychologist. Richard completed a postgraduate diploma course in Psychology followed by a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology at City University, London.

Richard has worked in the NHS since 2015 and currently works for a specialist Behavioural Addictions service. Richard’s doctoral research focused on internet addiction and he specialises in habit change, helping treat those with a variety of addictive behaviours, including gambling, gaming, shopping and pornography. Richard has helped clients in coaching & performance, including phobias around public speaking/performance, test anxiety, sports anxiety and stress management skills. Richard has experience working with adolescents and adults, including supporting parents of young people with Behaviours that Challenge (BtC). Additionally, he has worked in a NHS Psychodermatology service, providing psychological treatment for skin disorders. Richard has experience working with:

• Addiction (including Gambling, Gaming, shopping, pornography)
• Anxiety Disorders
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder
• Coaching & Performance Related Issues
• Depression
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder
• Low Self-esteem
• Panic Disorder
• Phobias
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Social Anxiety Disorders
• Skin Disorders
• Stress

As a Counselling Psychologist, Richard draws on an integrative, evidence-based approach.This can include a range of techniques or theories in order to tailor therapy to the needs of the client. He is trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Psychodynamic, Person-centred and Non-Violent Resistance (NVR) therapies. Additionally, he has experience using Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and Compassion-focused Therapy (CFT). He has a warm and compassionate approach, challenging when appropriate and always solution-focused.

Dr Cara Eilender is a Clinical Psychologist who has worked in mental health for 10 years. Cara is a registered practitioner with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) and has a plethora of experience within a variety of different mental health services.  

Cara completed her undergraduate degree and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at University College London (UCL), during which she specialised in Avoidant and Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).  Over this time, Cara has acquired substantial experience of providing highly specialised and evidence-based therapies, individually tailored to clients with a variety of needs.   

Cara holds expertise in Eating Disorders, having worked within national teams. She has worked in the Feeding and Eating Disorder Service at Great Ormond Street Hospital, and the National Eating Disorder Service at the Maudsley Hospital. She has experience of working both with children/adolescence and adults and provides treatment for Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder and ARFID. Cara has also been part of the validation study of the Pica, ARFID and Rumination Disorder Interview. A tool that is now largely used within NHS services to provide accurate ARFID diagnosis. She has also co-authored several publications in peer-reviewed journals. 

In the last years, Cara has specialised in working with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), particularly with refugees and asylum seekers. In her trauma focused work she uses a variety of different evidence-based interventions, for which she has been extensively trained. Cara delivers trauma focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Tf-CBT), Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and believes in the importance of treatments that are supported by national guidelines and are informed by the latest research.  

Cara believes in compassion being at the heart of any therapeutic intervention she delivers. She is passionate about giving her clients a voice and empowering them to find their own resilience when endeavouring to improve their mental health. With that in mind, Cara strives to find each person’s unique skillset and strengths. Fundamental to Cara’s approach is the collaboration with her clients. She believes in the important of designing and co-creating a therapeutic space in which the client can feel heard and seen. Cara places great emphasis of developing a safe, trustworthy and authentic therapeutic relationship, in which all emotions are welcome and met without judgement.   

Welcome! Thank you for landing here. The decision to begin or restart therapy is a brave one and finding a therapist you connect to and feel safe with is important.

Dr. Ama Hagan is a skilled HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist. She has over 9 years of experience working with adults, children and families experiencing a range of difficulties such as depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, psychosis, stress, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and personality disorders. She has worked across NHS, local authority, and private settings as well as the charity sector and third sector community organisations. Ama completed her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at University College London and her master’s degree in Clinical & Forensic Psychology at King’s College London. She then completed a doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London (DClinPsy) where she became a qualified Clinical Psychologist. Ama currently practices within clinical and community settings with marginalised and racialised groups.

Ama focuses on building trusted relationships with clients and creating a protected space to explore their experiences, thoughts, feelings and identities in a safe, non-judgmental environment. She offers a space to be yourself and to explore your difficulties with care, compassion and kindness.

Dr Hagan uses an integrative, holistic, person-centred approach using evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Narrative, Systemic and Acceptance and Commitment Therapies. She also integrates learning and wisdom derived from lived experiences and our social, cultural and political world. Ama works collaboratively with her clients to make sense of their difficulties, strengths, experiences and personalities arise in the context of their intersectional identity and the culture, family and systems they live in.

Ama can work flexibly either in person or online, to continue to connect with clients who have hectic work and home schedules.

Ama is experienced in working with a range of difficulties including (but not limited to):

• Anxiety Disorders
• Bereavement & Grief
• Depression
• Low Self Esteem
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Parenting
• Personality Disorders
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Psychosis
• Relationship Difficulties
• Self-Harm
• Stress
• Trauma

Dr Frances Maclennan is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and has worked for the NHS for more than 20 years.  She has huge experience working with complex presentations in a range of settings.  She has worked in adult mental health settings in the community, hospital and prison.  She has a particular interest in trauma and complex trauma, personality disorder and neuro-developmental presentations including Autism and ADHD.  She is trained in a range of therapeutic models including schema therapy and EMDR.  She provides assessments, formulations and interventions. She teaches and provides training for a number of universities and organisations.

• Anxiety Disorders
• Behaviours that Challenge
• Depression
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Health Anxiety
• Life transitions (including school transitions)
• Low Self-Esteem
• Loss and Bereavement
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Panic Disorder
• Parental Illness
• Parenting difficulties
• Perfectionism
• Perinatal Trauma
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Relationship Difficulties
• Self-Harm
• Sexual Abuse and Trauma
• Specific Phobias
• Stress and burnout