Meet the Expert Team at Neuropsychology Dorset
At Neuropsychology Dorset, our team of experienced clinical psychologists are dedicated to provide personalised, compassionate care for individuals of all ages. With expertise in neuropsychological assessment, diagnosis, and therapy, our specialists offer support for a wide range of cognitive and emotional needs.
Our collaborative approach ensures each client receives high-quality, evidence-based care tailored to their unique needs.
Chartered Clinical Psychologist | CEO
BSc (Hons), MSc, DClinPsych, CPsychol
I have worked within mental health and neurodivergence since 2011. My roles have consisted of supporting people across the lifespan, within the NHS, charitable sectors, and private organisations.
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My passion is neurodivergence and helping people in this area. This is what led to creating NeuroDirect as well as Neuropsychology Dorset. I specialise in diagnostic assessment of Autism and ADHD. I have experience of conducting assessments, providing psychological therapy for autistic people, and delivering training to professionals. I have worked in the NHS adult autism diagnostic service. The assessments I conduct privately match the protocol of an NHS assessment and adhere to NICE guidance for diagnostic assessments.
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With regards to therapy, I’m particularly interested in working with anxiety, depression, and trauma. I tailor therapy to best meet the needs of the person in front of me. My approach is therefore informed by Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Dr Yasmin Drew
Clinical Psychologist
BSc(Hons), DClinPsych
I am a Clinical Psychologist who is registered as a Practitioner Psychologist with the HCPC. I have worked in a range of health services over the last ten years including neuropsychology, adult mental health, pain management and family therapy.
I work with individuals across the lifespan who might be experiencing relationship difficulties, anxiety and depression. I am flexible in my approach to assessment and therapy and often use third-wave CBT therapy models like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) in my work. My clinical practice is ultimately guided by the needs of my clients.
I currently work in Clinical Neuropsychology NHS services. I am particularly passionate about supporting those living with neurological conditions or acquired brain injury. I can also support someone to understand their thinking skills (cognition), and think about what might help if there have been any changes. I am a firm believer that family and/or significant others benefit from help and support when they are caring for someone with an acquired brain injury or neurological condition.
Jo Mengell
Occupational Therapist & Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner
BSc (Hons)
Since graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy, I have gained over 20 years of experience working as an OT in the NHS and private practice. My work has spanned a variety of settings, including supporting people with learning disabilities, mental health challenges and neurodiverse conditions including Autism, Dyspraxia and ADHD.
I currently work as a specialist OT and diagnostician for an adult Autism Service. I am passionate about supporting people as they explore being Autistic for the first time and discover how to thrive in all areas of their life. I have a particular interest in helping people to understand and overcome social communication and sensory challenges. I am qualified as an Advanced Practitioner in Sensory Integration therapy and have over 10 years experience of using this approach in practice. I am also able to provide assessment and diagnosis for adult Dyspraxia. In addition to assessment, I enjoy working alongside people to develop skills and coping strategies to flourish in all areas of daily life, education or employment.
As an experienced trainer, I regularly deliver training to professionals, carers and those who have been recently diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Condition.
Anna Marie
Registered Nutritionist & Mindfulness Coach
BSc (Hons), MSc
I am an AFN registered associate nutritionist with degrees in both Psychology and Nutrition, as well as a recognised mindfulness teacher certification. Alongside these qualifications, I have gained years’ experience working within mental health, ASC and staff wellbeing. I have supported individuals across the lifespan, within the NHS, private sector, and my own business.
I am trained to deliver personalised coaching, utilising in the evidence base. My mindfulness coaching is founded in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), giving me the ability to adapt the content to your individual needs and experience.
My nutrition coaching is individually tailored to you, considering long term brain and body health as well as short term goals. I have experience with weight loss and disordered eating, but whatever the goal, I aim for you to leave with the knowledge and confidence to understand your own diet and nutritional needs.
Kate Cartwright
Occupational Therapist & Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner
BSc (Hons)
I have over 22 years’ experience as an Occupational Therapist, both in the NHS, overseas and in private practice, specialising for 12 years in an NHS Autism Service. I have worked in a variety of settings including physical, mental health, neurodiverse services and vocational rehabilitation.
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I am an Advanced Practitioner in Sensory Integration, with over 10 years’ experience of delivering sensory assessments and interventions. I am passionate about exploring the impact of receiving a new diagnosis in adult life with people and finding coping strategies and acceptance. I like to work with people to help maximise their strengths and reduce challenges and distress.
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I regularly provide DCD/Dyspraxia assessments and interventions for adults and adolescents. I offer workplace/educational setting assessments and advise employers on reasonable adjustments. I deliver training on neurodiversity to a variety of groups including professionals, carers, employers and people newly diagnosed.
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I am a registered member of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as well as a member of the British Association of Occupational Therapy. I am an active member of a specialist section with the College of OT and enjoy keeping up to date with the latest clinical evidence.
Dr Jessica Matcham
Clinical Psychologist
BSc(Hons), MSc, DClinPsych
Everybody experiences psychological distress but sometimes this can get in the way of us living our lives. When this happens, talking therapy can help us to reflect on how we got to where we are and explore ways of moving forward. As a Clinical Psychologist I have experience helping people with a range of difficulties including anxiety, depression and low mood, phobias, OCD, trauma, low self-esteem and grief. I have particular interest and expertise working with adults with Learning Disabilities and Autism, and have worked in physical health settings with individuals who have been affected by cancer.
My therapeutic approach is integrative and draws on principles from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). My experience extends to assessing and diagnosing Autism and I am able to provide post-diagnostic support where necessary. During sessions I will create a safe space for you to reflect, build on your strengths and enhance skills for nurturing your own wellbeing. This will be done collaboratively, compassionately and at a pace you feel comfortable with.
Dr Theo Roberts
Clinical Psychologist
BA, MSc, DClinPsych
I first qualified as a Clinical Psychologist in France over 15 years ago, before moving to the UK where I completed further training. I have worked in acute inpatient and community mental health, mental health rehabilitation, pain management, acquired brain injury and dementia. Building on my experience, I have a strong interest in helping people live well with long term conditions, and overcome adverse life experiences.
In providing therapy to people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), I have connected with the strengths and challenges of living with a neurodevelopmental difference in a neurotypical world. I have developed a further interest in helping people make sense of their experience of autism by offering autism diagnostic assessments with supportive guidance for individuals with ASD. I also have a specialist interest in neuropsychology, both in conducting assessments and providing individualised feedback and support for people who have an acquired brain injury or a neurological condition.
In therapy, I work using a range of approaches, mainly Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion-focused Therapy, and systemic approaches. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) which I practise when suited in therapy.
Mandy Dodds
Chartered Clinical Psychologist
BSc (SW), Hons Psych, MA ClinPsych, CPsychol
I have over 20 years’ experience working in NHS mental health services. I specialise in diagnostic assessment for adults presenting with neurodiversity and mental health difficulties. I worked within an NHS autism diagnostic service for 8 years. In this role I was responsible for training other professionals in diagnostic assessment, offering consultation and training to other professionals working with neurodiverse clients as well as supervision of colleagues.
I am familiar with the broad range of presentations found in autism and ADHD. For example, differences in female presentations, masking, burnout and co-occurring trauma. My mental health experience allows me to consider differential diagnoses and co-occurring conditions which can be common in ADHD and autism, offering a holistic assessment. My assessments are compliant with NICE guidance for diagnostic assessment of autism and ADHD in adults.
I also provide post diagnostic work to help people develop an authentic understanding of themselves and how to shape their lives to foster growth and acceptance following a diagnosis. I draw upon a range of therapeutic models, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT.) I am flexible in my approach and will consider your learning style as well as a suitable pace for our work together.
Dr Alastair Pipkin
Clinical Psychologist
BSc (Hons) DClinPsych
I am a Clinical Psychologist who is registered as a Practitioner Psychologist with the HCPC, and a fully accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist with the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies. I have worked in the NHS in mental health and specialist services, charities and in academia where I teach and train other psychological professionals.
I have a wide range of experience providing therapy for adults with a range of needs, including depression; all types of anxiety such as worry, perfectionism and OCD; stress; identity; adjustment; adapting therapy for neurodivergence; and post-diagnostic support. I provide diagnostic assessments for autism and ADHD according to the NICE guidelines, having had experience of this both inside and outside of the NHS.
My approach to therapy is flexible, collaborative and focused. I use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Compassion-focused Therapy (CFT), as well as ideas from other evidence-based therapies if it will help meet your needs. I see each therapy as individual and based very much on your preferences, needs and goals. As well as supporting neurodivergent people, I have also worked extensively with the LGBTQ+ community, including transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people.
Illin Johnson
Neurodevelopmental Support Coach
BSc, MSc
I am a Neurodevelopmental support coach and I offer educational coaching sessions for children and adults who seek post-diagnostic support for autism and ADHD. I also offer sessions for parents to help deepen their understanding of what their child is going through and learn ways on how best to support them.
I have a BSc in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience and an MSc in Translational Neuroscience. I have worked with both children and adults with neurodevelopmental conditions in Singapore and the United Kingdom since 2015. I have previous experience working as an assistant behavioural therapist for children and have also worked as a support worker for adults and teenagers with various neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions who’ve had a wide range of challenging or self injurious behaviours.
I aim to provide a thorough understanding of all the types of support available for ADHD and autism, a thorough understanding of the conditions themselves and how to manage symptoms through educational means.
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Dr Sara Dowsett
Counselling Psychologist
PsychD, MSc, BSc (Hons)
I am a HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist offering diagnostic ADHD assessments for both children and adults. I deliver ADHD assessments for large NHS trusts and private patients. I strictly adhere to the DSM-5 and NICE protocols when carrying out assessments. I have over 14 years of clinical experience working with individuals with mental health and neuro developmental conditions in a variety of clinical contexts including the NHS. I also regularly work with the UK police officers, NHS staff and Network Rail employees carrying out critical incident psychological assessments. I am a Registered Practitioner Psychologist with the UK Health and Care Professions Council and a Chartered Practitioner Psychologist with the British Psychological Society.
Dr Charlotte Boulton
Chartered Clinical Psychologist
BSc (Hons), DClinPsych, CPsychol
My name is Dr Charlotte Boulton and I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years' experience working in the NHS. I have an honours Degree in Experimental Psychology, a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Since qualifying I have worked mainly with adults in community mental health settings. However, over the past 14 years I have specialised in diagnosing adults with Autism and providing them with post diagnostic support using a range of individual and group therapies. In autism in particular, clients bring many strengths to therapy. One of the most enjoyable parts of my work is to collaboratively help discover these strengths and use them creatively to tackle current issues and difficulties.
My approach has always been to tailor the therapies I have been trained in which include; Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). I work non-judgementally with people on their unique and specific hopes, challenges and expectations.
Clinical Conditions I treat include:
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Depression
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Anxiety, including social anxiety, generalised anxiety, phobia and panic
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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
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Issues with identity following diagnosis
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Adjustment issues, life transitions and change
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Social difficulties
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Problems with emotional regulation
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Perfectionism and avoidance
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