The Clinical Psychology Group (TCPG) provide psychological assessment and therapeutic interventions to children, adults and families.
The Clinical Psychology Group
Dr Gemma Culverwell-Bolger
BSc (Hons) · Clin.Psy.D · HCPC Registered Clinical Psychologist
Helping children, families and adults to empower themselves through a psychologically informed and compassionate understanding of their difficulties.
About Gemma
I am passionate about working with all individuals across the lifespan, with the common thread being the impact of trauma or significant life events. I am particularly fascinated by infant development, perinatal difficulties, and how early significant events can shape psychological, relational, and brain development, as well as overall emotional wellbeing.
"My wish is to help children, families and adults to empower themselves, through a psychologically informed and compassionate understanding of their difficulties, to reach their potential and have a good quality of life."
I have worked in the area of mental health, psychology and wellbeing for 17 years, with 13 years in Clinical Psychology across both NHS and independent practice. My experience spans therapeutic and research roles in childhood development, trauma, adult and child mental health, the perinatal period, parenting, neuropsychology, psychosis, and learning disabilities.
Professional Journey
2007
BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology, University of Central Lancashire. The beginning of a career focused on understanding the psychological impact of significant life events and trauma.
2014
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Clin.Psy.D), University of Liverpool. Qualified as a Clinical Psychologist with a developing specialism in trauma, attachment, and the perinatal period.
NHS career
Worked for eight years as a Senior Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Lead, and Perinatal Lead in a primary care psychological therapy service. Provided evidence-based psychological therapy to individuals aged 16 and over for low mood, depression, anxiety, and trauma. Delivered specialist assessments and interventions for complex presentations, designed and led the continuing professional development programme, and provided clinical supervision for qualified and trainee therapists. Also led the development of the service's perinatal provision.
Now
Independent practice through The Clinical Psychology Group, working with children, families, and adults with a particular focus on trauma, attachment, perinatal difficulties, and the impact of early experience on development and wellbeing.
Therapeutic Approaches
I integrate a range of models to meet the needs of the individual, working in an attachment and trauma-focused way throughout. I am a trained Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) teacher, EMDR therapist, DDP-informed therapist, and a trained clinical supervisor.
Attachment-Focused Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)
Narrative Therapy
Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP)
Therapeutic Parenting
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
EMDR
Somatic and body-focused approaches
Specialist Interests
Perinatal difficulties and traumatic birth experiences
Impact of trauma on brain and body development
Somatic therapies and body-focused approaches to trauma
Infant development and early relational experience
Attachment and relational ways of working
Mindfulness and transforming trauma in children through yoga
I have recently completed training in transforming trauma in children using body-focused techniques such as yoga, and continue to develop my interest in somatic therapies and the impact of traumatic birth experiences on both mothers and fathers.
Outside of Work
I enjoy walks in nature and spending time with close friends, eating, talking, and most of all laughing. I love exploring what the world has to offer and sharing these experiences with my family.