Health Psychology Team

Dr Christopher Bonner is a highly respected Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Behavioural (CBT) Therapist and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapist. As the Lead of the Health Psychology Team at the Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic, Christopher brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise from his academic and clinical work over the past 15 years. His leadership at the Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic centres on providing innovative, evidence-based psychological care, especially for individuals facing physical health challenges.

Christopher is an expert in Health Psychology and he is deeply passionate about supporting individuals experiencing psychological distress related to medical health diagnoses. Whilst he has significant experience in working with individuals with various physical health conditions, Christopher’s specialism lies in cancer care and in helping individuals navigate the emotional complexities of receiving a cancer diagnosis and undergoing cancer treatment. He worked for several years in a world-renowned cancer centre in London, where he provided psychological care to support patients with issues such as adjustment to illness and the many changes and challenges it often brings, treatment-related anxiety and distress, and fear of disease recurrence or disease progression. Alongside his private practice, Christopher’s current NHS role focuses on developing a new specialist cancer psychological service in the South-East of England. Though Christopher’s main area of interest is in Health Psychology, he also has significant experience in the field of Adult Mental Health and works within the General Adult Mental Health Team at the Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic.

Christopher holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, and a Masters degree in Applied Psychology with distinction from Trinity College Dublin. After relocating to the UK, Christopher was awarded a Post-Graduate Certificate in CBT Interventions from University College London, before completing his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London. He is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and holds accreditation with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BABCP).

At the heart of Christopher’s therapeutic approach is the creation of a safe, supportive and authentic connection with his clients. He is regarded as a kind and compassionate therapist who sees the therapeutic relationship as key to alleviating distress and creating positive change. From this stance, Christopher works collaboratively with his clients to develop a shared understanding of their psychological difficulties and the individual factors that may be causing and maintaining their emotional and psychological distress. Within his therapeutic work, Christopher is passionate about drawing upon the strengths and interests of clients, as well as introducing empirically supported frameworks and strategies to support them in achieving their individual goals, enhancing their emotional wellbeing and supporting their personal growth.

Christopher offers evidence-based psychological interventions in line with the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines and often integrates several therapeutic models, allowing him to tailor personalised treatment plans to meet each client’s unique needs. His approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Narrative Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). Christopher offers both individual and group therapy programmes and, as Lead of the Health Psychology team, he co-developed a bespoke group therapy programme for individuals living with new and long-term health conditions. You can find out more about this group therapy programme here.

Christopher has extensive experience in treating a variety of psychological difficulties, including:

• Adjustment Disorders
• Agoraphobia
• Chronic Pain
• Depression
• Distress related to End-of-Life
• Distress related to Physical Health Conditions
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Health Anxiety
• Low Self-Esteem
• Panic Disorder
• Perfectionism
• Phobias
• Psychosis
• Self-Harm
• Sleep Disorders
• Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
• Stress and Burnout
• Suicidal Thoughts

Beyond his direct clinical work, Christopher is passionate about education, supervision and research. He works as an Associate Clinical Tutor on the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at a London University, which involves supporting Trainee Clinical Psychologists on placement. Christopher has taught on Masters level psychology courses and has facilitated educational workshops in hospital settings. In addition, Christopher has extensive experience in supporting healthcare professionals, providing psychological skills training, clinical supervision, and reflective practice groups for doctors, nurses and allied health professionals working in cancer care. Christopher’s research includes publications on the effectiveness of digital mental health interventions and his doctoral research focused on experiences of paranoia in the general population.

“Christopher has a remarkable aptitude as a therapist, but it is also his kind and calm nature, his empathy, and feeling like he genuinely cares that make him a cut above the rest. He’s professional yet down-to-earth, takes the time to get to know you, remembers every detail you share, and carefully crafts a therapy programme that is tailor-made. He also brought structure and a clear plan to our sessions, which helped me chart my progression clearly. I saw Christopher at a particularly challenging time and his therapy was transformative for me”. Former Client

Dr Jon Davidson is an HCPC accredited Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years of clinical experience in a wide variety of psychological settings.  

He completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology and a masters degree in Health Psychology at the University of St Andrews, before undertaking his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London.  

Jon adopts a client-centred approach, working collaboratively with clients to support them to understand and overcome their difficulties. The therapeutic relationship is at the heart of his ethos as a psychologist; he values the importance of providing a safe, containing and non-judgemental environment as the basis for a positive therapeutic experience. Jon is passionate about taking a holistic view of the individual, seeing them as more than the sum of their needs and difficulties. He believes in supporting clients to draw upon their strengths and life values to promote positive wellbeing.  

Passionate about drawing upon evidence-based practice in his clinical work, Jon is trained in the use of a range of therapeutic models. This includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Systemic Therapy and Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT). Jon is skilled in adopting an integrative approach, by drawing upon multiple models to tailor therapy to suit the individual needs of each client.

Across his career to date, Jon has worked extensively with children and adults across the lifespan, alongside their families and interconnected systems such as other support services, schools and workplaces. Jon has specialist skills and experience in a variety of indirect and parent/carer support models such as Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and Non-Violent Resistance (NVR). Jon is also skilled in neurodevelopmental and cognitive assessment for young people, providing specialist assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Intellectual or Learning Disability (LD). He further has a specialist interest in working with clients with physical health difficulties.

Jon is experienced in the treatment of:  

• Anxiety disorders 
• Adjustment disorder  
• Autism
• Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Behaviours that Challenge 
• Chronic pain and other physical health conditions
• Depression
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder
• Health Anxiety
• Intellectual and Learning Disabilities
• Low Self-Esteem 
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)  
• Panic Disorder
• Perfectionism 
• Psychosis  
• Self-harm  
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Specific Phobias
• Stress and burnout

Jon’s clinical work is grounded in theory and informed by the latest evidence-base, and he works in adherence with the NICE guidelines. He is committed to delivering and maintaining the highest standards of psychological care at all times.

“Jonathan is fantastic. I found our sessions to be a very calm environment that really helped me to reset each week. Jonathan really builds a great rapport, and is very practical and realistic during the process. I could not recommend him more!” Former Client

Dr Hayley Scanlon is a clinical psychologist. She has worked within NHS and private sector organisations in a therapeutic and healthcare context for over 12 years.

Hayley completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Birmingham, and her Master’s of Research in psychology. She then completed her training in Cognitive Behavioural Interventions (PGCert) at the University of Reading, before undertaking her doctoral training in Clinical Psychology at the University of Leeds.

At the core of Hayley’s therapeutic approach is to offer a nurturing and compassionate space to develop a psychological understanding through noticing and identify maintaining patterns. Using this understanding, Hayley believes individuals and systems can break out of unhelpful cycles by using a psychological formulation to target problem areas.

Hayley currently specialises in Clinical Health working with adults and children who experience trauma and distress in the context of their mental and medical health. Alongside her work at the Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic, she works as a senior clinical psychologist in a staff support service where she offers psychological input for trauma and PTSD to systems and healthcare workers.

Prior to this, Hayley worked in child and adolescent mental health providing evidence-based interventions to young people and families, often presenting with neurodiversity such as autism and ADHD. She has extensive experience in palliative care, and working psychologically with adults and children, including working in in-patient care, secondary care, and primary care settings (IAPT).

Hayley is an integrative clinical psychologist and draws on a range of evidence-based models and interventions including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Cognitive Analytic Informed Therapy (CAT-informed), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Hayley has experience in the training and treating of:

• Depression
• Low self esteem
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety
• End of life/ palliative care
• Adjustment disorder
• Social anxiety
• Health anxiety
• Panic disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum condition (ASD)
• Occupational burnout
• Relationship problems

Dr Vallabhi Khurana is a highly specialist Clinical Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC). Vall completed her Undergraduate degree from the University of Nottingham and subsequently a Masters degree in Developmental Psychology and Clinical Practice from University College London. She then completed her doctoral training (DClinPsy) in London and qualified as a Clinical Psychologist.

Vall is a warm, compassionate and kind psychologist who places importance in creating a safe and non-judgemental therapeutic space for her clients. She strives for individuals to feel seen, heard and held in order to facilitate growth and change. Additionally, Vall’s open therapeutic stance enables her to acknowledge and respect that clients are positioned as experts on their lives, identity and culture, leading her to practice in a culturally sensitive, inclusive and non-discriminatory manner.

Promoting emotional well-being and resilience is at the core of Vall’s clinical work and she endeavors to be alongside individuals through any difficulties experienced, no matter how big or small. This approach has led Vall to believe that hope can always be built in the therapeutic relationship and process, to empower individuals to better understand themselves and navigate through life’s challenges and adversities.

Vall has extensive experience in supporting children, adolescents, parents and adults from a range of diverse backgrounds. She uses a flexible and collaborative approach to tailor assessments and interventions to the individual needs of her clients. Her clinical work is grounded in theory and evidence-based practice, whilst simultaneously being led by an individual’s own goals and hopes for support.

Vall practices integratively and has received training in a range psychological therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Systemic and Narrative Therapies. Most recently, Vall has also completed training to provide Eye-Movement and Desensitisation Therapy (EMDR).

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

• Anxiety Disorders
• Bereavement & Grief
• Behaviours that Challenge (BtC)
• Depression
• Health Anxiety
• Low Self Esteem
• Parenting
• Perinatal Trauma
• Personality Disorders
• Physical Health Conditions (Oncology)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Relationship Difficulties
• Self Harm
• Stress & Burnout

Alongside her work at The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic, Vall works at Great Ormond Street Hospital, leading on psychological care and support for children and families undergoing cancer treatment. She has a particular interest in the mind-body link and is passionate about providing psychological support in healthcare settings. Her role in this setting also includes providing bereavement support, with a focus on loss, grief and trauma.

Dr Lucy Viney is a Clinical Psychologist and Co-Founder of the Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic. Lucy initially completed a masters degree in Psychology with distinction before undertaking her doctoral training and qualifying as a Clinical Psychologist from University College London.  Across her work in the NHS, Lucy specialised in working with adults with complex mood disorders and personality disorders and her specialist knowledge of developmental psychopathology enables her to understand an individual’s psychological wellbeing from a longitudinal perspective. She is experienced in working with a range of difficulties including:

• Addiction
• Anxiety Disorders
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chronic Pain and other Physical Health Conditions
• Dementia and other Neurological Conditions
• Depression
• Low Self-Esteem
• Perfectionism
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Personality Disorders
• Psychosis
• Self-Harm
• Suicidality

Lucy is trained in a number of therapies including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapies, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing and Narrative, Systemic Therapies.  She is also a certified and experienced Schema Therapist and delivers Parenting Skills workshops.

Lucy is highly experienced in delivering both short and long-term psychological interventions and is a skilled group facilitator. Lucy has extensive experience in neuropsychological assessment and intervention for a range of conditions, including neurodegenerative illnesses such as dementia and developmental disorders including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Lucy’s clinical work is informed by theory and the latest evidence-base, and she works in adherence with the NICE guidelines. She is experienced in delivering Mental Health Awareness training programmes across both corporate and educational settings.

Lucy has an active media presence, and is regularly featured in the press, journals and other psychological literature.  Some of her recent work is listed below:

• https://www.mrporter.com/en-gb/journal/lifestyle/holidays-festive-season-alone-without-family-friends-2022-23683596
• https://sheerluxe.com/2020/07/…
• https://www.standard.co.uk/esmagazine/psychiatry-vs-psychics-london-crystal-healing-jewellery-tarot-b1095124.html
• https://metro.co.uk/2021/06/28/what-is-body-dysmorphia-and-what-treatments-are-available-14827087/
• https://edition.pagesuite-prof… (page 80-81)
• https://www.ok.co.uk/lifestyle…
• https://medicaltravelmarket.co…
• https://medicaltravelmarket.co…
• https://www.lbbonline.com/news…

Please contact Lucy at hello@thefitzroviaclinic.com for any media enquiries.

“I just wanted to say thank you to Lucy. After what feels like two years, I feel like I’ve finally gotten over my depression. I’m feeling happy again and generally positive about the future… which honestly feels amazing after so long of not feeling that way.

A lot of that is down to what I learned in our sessions and how to deal with and cope with depression. I still think back to some of the things we talked about, and they really stick with me.

So yeah, just wanted to say a proper thank you! You really helped me!” Former Client

Dr Allison Hayes is the Founder and Clinical Director of The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic. Dr Hayes is a highly respected Consultant Clinical Psychologist who has acquired a wealth of clinical experience and a track record of delivering high-quality services, having worked with an international client group in the private sector for 20-years.

Dr Hayes completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology with first class honours and later went on to be awarded her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She worked in the NHS and founded her private practice in 2003. The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic has grown out of her pursuit of establishing a centre of clinical excellence, which provides outpatient care for individuals and families with mental health challenges and emotional needs.

Dr Hayes is an optimistic, compassionate and kind psychologist who is committed to working with patients to facilitate and achieve change. She has expertise working with adolescents and adults with emotional difficulties and those with a diagnosis of personality disorder, and is further experienced in supporting individuals who present with:

• Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Adjustment Disorder
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Addiction
• Adult Survivors of Childhood Trauma
• Bereavement
• Bipolar Disorder
• Depression
• Eating Disorders
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Health Anxiety
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Personality Disorders
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Psychosis

Dr Hayes has trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapies, Compassion-Focused Therapy, The MANTRA model for Eating Disorders, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR), Radically-Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (RO-DBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).

Dr Hayes has been highly influential in the development of services for Eating Disorders and group programmes for a range of disorders. She is an experienced clinical supervisor of psychology colleagues, and delivers regular multi-disciplinary training on all aspects of mental health and psychology. Dr Hayes has facilitated a range of corporate training programmes on Stress and Emotional First Aid in the workplace.

Dr Hayes oversees recruitment of all professionals to The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic to ensure the highest clinical standards in treatment. She promotes that all work undertaken at the Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic is grounded in evidence-based practice, is adherent to the NICE guidelines, establishes treatment efficacy, and reflects the principles of The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic.

“I am extremely grateful for the care Allison showed me during our sessions. She always adapted sessions to match my needs and demonstrated a real understanding of the difficulties I was facing. Her openness and kindness meant that trust was developed very quickly, and I would have no hesitation in seeing her again should I ever need to.” Former Client

Dr Adam Kadri is a highly specialist Clinical Psychologist with several years’ experience in providing psychological therapy and assessments within a range of NHS mental health services and privately, as well as conducting academic research in Clinical Psychology, including in the development and testing of novel psychological interventions. He holds a masters degree (MSc) in Experimental Psychology from the University of Sussex and completed his professional doctorate (ClinPsyD) in Clinical Psychology at the University of East Anglia. He has also completed additional training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy at University College London.

Adam uses an integrative approach in his work that allows him to work effectively with a range of different issues, including:

• Anxiety and stress
• Depression and low mood
• Self-esteem
• Difficulties relating to significant and traumatic life events
• Grief and loss
• Interpersonal challenges
• Strange or unusual experiences
• Existential concerns and issues relating to life transitions
• Psychological adjustment to physical health difficulties

Adam also has specific experience working with individuals within the context of later life, including the assessment of and support of those living with dementia, or other cognitive issues, and their carers.

He has particular expertise and training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), alongside Systemic (or family therapy), trauma-focused approaches and Mindfulness. Adam believes in offering a compassionate and non-judgemental space to the clients he works with, where he helps them make sense of the difficulties they are experiencing within the context of their lives. He supports individuals to find new ways of relating to their experiences so that they can focus on moving towards the things that matter most to them.

Adam is registered with the Health and Care Professions council (HCPC) and ensures that all his work adheres to their strict codes of ethics and professionalism.