Dr Joanna Shearer

Dr Shearer is an HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist who qualified from University College London in 2002, having gained an MSc in Mental Health Studies from Kings College London (Distinction) and a BSc in Psychology from Leeds University (2:1). Dr Shearer has worked in child and adolescent services and life-span services throughout her career. She worked in CAMHS supporting children and young people with mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, phobias, OCD as well as those navigating Neurodiversity, before leaving to work in Paediatrics at Great Ormond Street Hospital. She remains there part time as Clinical Lead for the North Thames Cleft Lip and Palate Service, which is a life span service run jointly with Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, the Maxillofacial Service and the Dental Service, but works across multiple surgical specialties including Plastics, ENT, Orthopaedics, Neonatal Surgery, General Surgery, Craniofacial, Renal and Spinal Surgery. Dr Shearer has previously worked with patients under Oncology, Cardiac and Respiratory Medicine and has recently completed two 6-month locum roles in Dermatology and in Chronic Pain.

Whilst much of her work at GOSH has focussed on supporting children, young people, young adults and their families to cope with the impact of having a medical condition or multiple health needs, which often results in having a visible difference, this is often within the context of having a learning disability or Neurodiversity. Dr Shearer is experienced in working closely with schools and other systems to ensure the holistic management of a young person’s needs, which ultimately impacts their quality of life. Dr Shearer has also worked privately for several years, supporting children and their families with mental health needs or who are awaiting assessments for ADHD and Autism, to help to manage their school attendance.

Dr Shearer has presented and taught nationally and internationally over her career and carried out research both in the UK and also overseas. She values her role as a scientist practitioner, ensuring that her work is evidence based.

Dr Shearer is well versed in using a variety of evidence based clinical tools, which include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Systemic Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy. She has done post-doctoral training in all of these modalities. She considers herself to be reflective, considerate of racial and cultural differences and experienced in developing a positive rapport with those she works with either face-to-face or on-line.