Neurodivergent Team

Dr Samir Pathan is a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years’ experience across a variety of primary and secondary care mental health services in England. Samir completed an undergraduate degree in psychology and criminology, followed by a Master’s degree in psychological research methods at University College London. Later he qualified as a Clinical Psychologist at the University of East Anglia. 

Samir has a particular interest in neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He is qualified to provide diagnostic assessments for ASD and is employed as a Senior Clinical Psychologist in an adult autism service in the NHS. 

In addition to his neurodevelopmental expertise, Samir is passionate about providing high quality, evidence based psychological therapies to clients across the lifespan. Samir utilises an integrative, person-centred approach to therapy, working alongside clients to tailor interventions that are in line with their personal values and goals. 

Samir offers short and long-term psychological interventions utilising therapeutic modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion Focussed Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy. Samir’s clinical practice is underpinned by robust, collaboratively developed formulations that are created with clients at their own pace. Psychological therapy is built on rapport and trust, and Samir provides a judgement free and safe space for clients to explore their difficulties. 

Samir values working with people involved in a client’s life when appropriate. He has previously worked within family therapy clinics and is open to family and network participation in sessions. Samir is also experienced in providing consultations to other professionals and organisations. 

Samir provides support for a range of presentations such as: 

• Formal diagnostic assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder 
• Autism post-diagnosis support (for individuals, couples, families, care providers and other professionals) 
• Anxiety Disorders 
• Depression 
• Stress and burnout 
• Trauma 
• Emotion regulation difficulties 
• Psychosis 
• PTSD
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder  
• Relationship and interpersonal difficulties  
• Personality Disorder 
• Self-harm 
• Phobias

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 Frankie Washington is a Clinical Psychologist, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and has over 8 years of experience working in private inpatient services, charitable organisations, community outpatient clinics, hospitals, and forensic secure units. Within her experience Frankie has worked with patients of different ages across the lifespan but has specialist experience working with adolescents, young adults and their families.  

Frankie takes a relational approach to therapy and believes a strong therapeutic relationship is pivotal to reducing psychological distress and bringing about change. She recognises the bravery in choosing to attend therapy and adopts a gentle and compassionate approach to understanding each individual experience. She specialises in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for a range of disorders but also has experience in third-wave treatments which include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).

Frankie is always working with a young person through a systemic lens and likes to involve family members in treatment where possible with the intention of providing a more holistic package of care. Frankie can integrate psychological theory from different therapeutic models within her clinical practice.  

Frankie also has considerable experience working with those with neurodevelopmental difficulties, such as autism and can tailor treatment where necessary in relation to their social communication needs. In her final year of training Frankie specialised in working with those who present with severe and enduring mental health difficulties which included patients with high levels of suicide risk and forensic backgrounds. Through this experience she has developed skills in carrying out complex psychological assessments and adapting different treatment approaches for comorbid difficulties. 

 She has experience and training in the treatment of: 

•  Anxiety disorders (including generalised anxiety, health anxiety, social anxiety, panic and phobias) 
• Adjustment disorder 
• Bipolar disorder 
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) 
• Low mood/depression 
• Emotion dysregulation 
• Interpersonal/relationship difficulties 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 
• Psychosis

“I would like to thank Frankie for the time she gave me and for facilitating my therapy sessions. Despite being online, the sessions were extremely personal, and I felt that I gained an enormous amount by engaging with the 12-week programme. From being able to explore relationships and family issues, I’ve grown significantly and feel much more comfortable when tackling personal challenges.” 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 Mirko Esposito is an HCPC accredited Clinical Psychologist and Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. He is a Principal Clinical Psychologist within the NHS and has worked in a range of mental health settings in the UK for over ten years.

Mirko completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology and a master’s in the Psychology of Cognitive Processes (MRes) in Italy, before undertaking his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) at University College London. 

Mirko aims to translate evidence-based interventions into the therapeutic space. Instrumental to this practice is an accurate assessment and formulation process, which he tailors to the individual needs of his clients. He values co-creating therapy as a safe, insightful, and transformative experience. 

Mirko is trained in a range of therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Systemic Therapies, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). He is fluent in English and Italian and delivers treatment in both languages. 

To date, Mirko has accrued extensive experience in working with adults with eating disorders, as well as supporting clients with body image, perfectionism, self-esteem, and relational difficulties. He has worked with individuals across the lifespan and is highly experienced in treating a wide variety of disorders including: 

• General Anxiety Disorders 
• Depression  
• Eating Disorders 
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder 
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder 
• Personality Disorders 
• Acute work stress, burnout and moral injury

Alongside his clinical work, Mirko is passionate about academia and clinical research. In his role as a Senior Lecturer and Clinical Tutor on the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at University College of London, he continues to be actively involved in the teaching, training, and supervision of aspiring Clinical Psychologists.

“Working with Mirko has been incredibly helpful. His therapeutic approach is patient, empathetic, and grounded in kindness. What stood out most to me was the structure he brings to each session, creating a sense of continuity that allowed me to build on insights and deepen my self-understanding over time. He strikes a thoughtful balance between being gently direct and offering meaningful reflections, often helping me see things from perspectives I hadn’t considered before. His questions are thought-provoking and consistently led to valuable personal insights.” Former Client