Meet our Psychologists
Take a look at the profiles of some of the psychologists who work with us, please be aware their profiles are not a comprehensive list of all concerns they can help with but do give you an overview of their experience and interests.
Wondering what's the difference between a therapist and a psychologist?
The key differences between the two are that psychologists must hold a doctorate-level degree and that their training is informed by research areas such as human behaviour, development and personality, using this research as the foundation for their treatment. Psychologists can also make a diagnosis if this is something you are looking for specifically.
Therapists and psychologists can both use talking therapies to help you work through concerns. Many (but not all) psychologists use talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This can help you become more aware of negative thinking patterns and learn positive ones.
Please be aware we are unable to prescribe medication and medication for psychological issues can only be prescribed by a GP or Psychiatrist. However, psychologists, and therapists particularly with a background in Mental Health Nursing have a good understanding of medication and can communicate with your GP to ensure this can align with your treatment goals.
All initial assessments are a standard fee of £80.00.
Dr Annie Sheldrake (HCPC)
Chartered Clinical Psychologist
Annie qualified as a Clinical Psychologist in 1991 and specialised in Neuropsychology in 1994. She had worked since 1988 in the NHS in the areas of Adult Mental Health; Older Adult Mental Health and specialist Neuropsychology services, including Traumatic Brain Injury; Stroke and Dementias. Annie spent the majority of my career working with people and their families after a traumatic brain injury caused by road traffic accidents; assaults and falls. She has developed and managed the neuropsychological service for the local Dementia and Stroke rehabilitation services, and is qualified to undertake and interpret neuropsychological tests; provide person-centred neuropsychological interventions; develop programmes to help people with behaviour that challenges and provide psychological therapeutic interventions.
Annie is particularly keen to stress in her work the importance of considering the needs of everybody following brain damage, whether this is due to injury or disease. She have developed a particular interest over the years in working with couples affected by brain injury using Emotion Focused therapy (EFT) ; Attachment theory and her knowledge of the impact of neuropsychological cognitive changes such as poor memory; attention difficulties; executive deficits etc and how these impact on peoples day to day interactions and relationship with themselves and others. She considers it her priority to assist individuals to find their own ways to be more settled with what often are lifelong and life-debilitating changes.
Fee per session: £90.00
Dr Libby Watson (HCPC)
Clinical Psychologist and Psychotherapist
I am a Clinical Psychologist and Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) Psychotherapist with 20 years’ experience in the field of adult mental health. I aim to create a safe and non-judgemental environment where individuals can feel comfortable to share and better understand their experiences, thereby reducing emotional distress and improving wellbeing.
Collaboration is at the heart of therapy: I respect you as the expert of your own experiences and for my part I bring experience in a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches (including CBT, ACT, CAT, mindfulness and body-focused approaches), through which I can help you to understand and break from unhelpful coping and self-sabotage behaviours.
I work with a range of difficulties, including anxiety, stress, depression, eating and body-image concerns, sleep problems, anger, life transitions, grief and living with neurodiversity.
Fee per session: £90.00
Dr Birgit Vote (HCPC, BABCP, EMDR Europe)
Chartered Psychologist
Birgit came to Psychology in 2002 and received a MSc in Psychology from the University of Goettingen in Germany. She has completed a Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology in the UK, which specialised in CBT and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. She is an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and on the Register of Applied Psychology Practice Supervisors (RAPPS).
Birgit is an HCPC registered Practitioner Psychologist, and is accredited by the BABCP to offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). She is also an EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner and a Schema Therapist working towards certification.
She offers individualised psychological interventions for depression and anxiety problems and therapy for complex trauma, anger and stress management, work issues, grief/loss and relationship problems. She has worked with a wide variety of people, from all walks of life and ages and background in different therapeutic settings including private practice, within the NHS and the not-for-profit sector.
Birgit is also registered with the following health insurance providers: AXA, Bupa, and Aviva and provides sessions online exclusively.
Fee per session: £120.00
Dr Charlotte Smith (HCPC)
Clinical Psychologist
I am a Clinical Psychologist offering one-to-one therapy to adults who are experiencing a wide range of difficulties. In my private practice, I support individuals with challenges such as low mood, depression, anxiety, panic, stress, burnout, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, adjusting to living with a physical health condition and navigating life transitions, including parenthood. You may also feel a general sense of dissatisfaction or unease in life without a specific problem, and that’s okay too.
Regardless of the challenges that bring you to therapy, I aim to provide a warm, compassionate, and safe space where you can explore, make sense of, and work through your difficulties at your own pace.
Before moving into private practice, I worked in an NHS Adult Community Mental Health Service. My therapeutic approach is integrative, meaning I draw on a range of evidence-based techniques, tailoring them to fit each individual’s specific needs and goals. I believe in working collaboratively with clients to help them gain a deeper understanding of their difficulties and explore pathways to change that feel meaningful to them.
In addition to my clinical work, I have a strong background in research, having completed a PhD in psychology. I have also published research in academic journals, which further informs and strengthens my practice.
Please note that I offer face-to-face and online appointments.
Fee per session: £80.00
"Excellent clinic, with a range of professionals providing a variety of services. Managed with a generous, person-centred, open-spirited ethos.
I have used the service individually as has my son, both with positive experiences. My partner and I have also taken part in group practices via the clinic such as yoga and meditation, which have also proven to be positive and enjoyable.
Very well worth it".
"I wanted to pass on my sincere thanks to you for the treatment I have received under your care.
For the first time in my life I feel in a positive frame of mind, and I cannot tell you how lovely that feels. I really do feel like a different person to that of a few months ago, and for the first time in my life, I look forward to the day ahead as opposed to fearing what grief will come my way – usually transpiring to be a mistaken belief".
"I am unable with words to really do justice to my gratitude, however it is immense and very genuine. I have suffered with anxiety, depression and stress for virtually all my life, and I now feel born again and ready to really enjoying life. This is all down to the therapy I received and the input you gave.
Thank you once again, I will gladly recommend you to anyone who is suffering in a similar way".
