Dr Ana Aguirregabiria - Clinical Director
Dr Ana is a consultant clinical psychologist and family therapist, with over two decades of experience working with families.
Multi-lingual and culturally adept, she brings to every engagement a dedicated professionalism that inspires confidence, trust and respect. Her deep expertise and experience gives her a personal perspective that is uniquely insightful and helpful, allowing families to feel the difference almost as soon as they begin.
Brief Academic History
2006 - PhD Cum Laudem in Clinical Psychology, Deusto University, Spain
2003 - Training and Consultancy, Management and Leadership in Mental Health Services, Cassel H. london
1996 - Postgraduate Diploma in Family Therapy, Institute of Family Therapy, London
1995 - Postgraduate Diploma in Psychodrama, Sociodrama and Role Play, Howell Centre UK
1993 - Postgraduate Diploma in Sociodrama, Buenos Aires, Argentina
1992 - Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health (MSc), Deusto University
1992 - Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology, Deusto University
1987 - Clinical Psychology Degree, Deusto University
Supporting her are a team of highly trained and experienced specialists in their field, including clinical psychologists, family therapists, counsellors, psychiatrists as well as therapeutic practitioners such as speech and language therapists and neurofeedback specialists.
When we do not offer the specific intervention that may best meet your needs, then we will refer you to an appropriate professional. We do not ask you to fit around us: we fit around you.
Nicola Masefield- Learning and Behaviour Specialist
Nicola has 18 years’ experience of working with children and young people with speech language and communication needs within a specialist school setting, and as a independent practitioner, supporting families, schools and other professionals. Nicola has taught across Primary and Secondary and is experienced at supporting co-occurring difficulties, for example ADHD, Autism Spectrum, Pervasive Demand Avoidance, motor and sensory problems, anxiety issues and emotional needs.
A specialist in Specific Learning Difficulties with a BSc in Psychology and an MA in Autism, she has held many leadership roles including Deputy Head, Head of Behaviour, Head of House and Subject Leader. She designed and implemented policies and procedures to meet the needs of the latest Ofsted framework, especially evidencing the impact of intervention upon the individual pupil’s progress.
Nicola is very experienced in supporting parents through the Statutory Assessment process, Education Health Care Plans and identifying appropriate school placement. She can signpost the necessary services and professional input needed in order to ensure children with special educational needs meet their long-term academic, social and emotional potential.
Professional Qualifications
• MA Autism Spectrum
• Functional Behaviour Assessment Certificate
• Irlen Syndrome Screener
• Specific Learning Difficulties Certificate (OCR Level 5)
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• BSc (Hons) Psychology
Ben Wind - Assistant Clinical Psychologist
Ben is an Assistant Clinical Psychologist with experience working with children with a broad range of presenting difficulties. Ben has joined Dr Ana to deliver the Balancing Mind and Heart programme. The practice is delighted to have received an innovator’s grant from innovate UK to bring this programme to our clients.
Ben has previous received in mental health. He has worked one-to-one with high-needs children and as a leader in classes teaching social and communication skills. Ben is particularly excited by the positive psychology movement that has been undervalued in clinical practice thus far. Proactive and positive learning are just as important as retroactive care. During his degree, he developed and delivered an intervention improving interoceptive awareness (the accurate perception of body states). He is using this in delivering the Balancing Mind and Heart Programme as interoceptive awareness is necessary for learning skills to combat stress and anxiety and improve wellbeing.
Professional Qualifications
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2020 - MSc Clinical Psychology (Newcastle University)
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2020 - Clinical Course in Neurofeedback. EEG-Biofeedback
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2019 - BSc (Hons) Psychology (Newcastle University)
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2019 - BPS Graduate Member
Amelia Attwood - Senior Assistant Clinical Psychologist
Amelia has over 3 years experience as an Assistant Psychologist working with adults, children and families. She has joined Dr Ana to deliver Neurofeedback and the Balancing Heart and Mind programme.
During her time working with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Amelia co-ordinated the neurodevelopment assessment pathways for Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and ADHD. She has run groups with children and adolescents to support overcoming low mood, anxiety and self-injurious behaviour. Amelia is experienced in working with children and their families for behaviour modification and functional needs analysis. She has also supported individuals with ASC and co-morbid difficulties while working in neurodevelopment inpatient services.
While working in complex needs inpatient services Amelia developed successful intervention programmes such as reducing challenging and violent behaviour as well as increasing resiliency, self-regulation and self-esteem. She implemented a hospital wide mindfulness initiative introducing daily mindfulness exercises.
Amelia is a graduate member of the British Psychological Society and is the representative for the Faculty of Addictions on the Pre-Qualification Committee. She liaises with specialists in the field of addictions and supports research and further development in the knowledge base of addiction.
Amelia’s skills in case formulation allow for the development of person centred care and has experience working with a variety of therapeutic models on an individual and group basis. Teaching skills such as anger management, emotional regulation, social and communication skills, interpersonal effectiveness, violence reduction, resiliency building and many more.
Professional Qualifications
2020- CBT Case Formulation
2017- BPS Graduate Member
2017- BSc (Hons) Psychology (University of Southampton)