Dr Gemma Culverwell-Bolger, BSc (Hons), Clin.Psy.D, HCPC Registered Clinical Psychologist

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 issues and how early significant events can impact upon psychological, relational, brain development and overall emotional wellbeing. My wish is to help children, families and adults to empower themselves, through a psychological informed and compassionate understanding of their difficulties, to reach their potential and have a good quality of life.    

 History

I completed my undergraduate degree in Forensic Psychology from the University of Central Lancashire in 2007. In 2014 I graduated from The University of Liverpool Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

I have worked in the area of mental health, psychology and wellbeing for 17 years, with 13 years in Clinical Psychology, both in the NHS and independently. I have worked in both therapeutic and research roles in areas such as childhood development, trauma, adult and child mental health, perinatal period, parenting, neuropsychology, psychosis and learning disabilities.

In the NHS I worked as a senior clinical psychologist, clinical lead and perinatal lead in a primary care psychological therapy service for eight years. In this role I provided evidence based psychological therapy to individuals age 16 years plus for difficulties such as low mood, depression, anxiety and trauma. Within this role I provided specialist assessments and interventions for individuals with complex psychological and emotional needs. I designed and delivered the continuing professional development programme and provided clinical supervision for a large team. This included qualified therapists and trainee therapists/clinical psychologist. I also led the service in the development of the perinatal service.

I integrate a range of models to meet the needs of the individual. I work in an attachment and trauma focused way. These include Attachment-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Analytical Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Dyadic Developmental Therapy, Therapeutic Parenting, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy. I am a trained Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy teacher, EMDR therapist and DDP informed therapist. I am a trained clinical supervisor.

I have a specialist interest in attachment, relational ways of working and perinatal difficulties. I am also developing a keen interest in the impact of trauma on brain development; the impact of trauma on the whole body; and traumatic birth experiences and the impact these have on both mothers and fathers. I have recently completed training in transforming trauma in children using body-focused techniques such as yoga and pursuing my interest in somatic therapies.

Personal life

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.  

Dr Kate Marks, BSc (Hons), PhD Child Development, Clin.Psy.D, HCPC Registered Clinical Psychologist

Hello and thanks for having a look at our website. My name is Kate Marks and I am a Clinical Psychologist with a special interest in developmental / complex trauma and attachment.

I was hooked on psychology and trying to understand human behaviour and experiences at a young age and completed an A-level and undergraduate degree in Psychology. I gained my degree in psychology from the University of Leicester in 2004. I then went on to complete a PhD in child development where I was involved in MRC funded research exploring the impact of stress in pregnancy on infants. I completed my PhD at the University of Manchester in 2010. At this point, I realised I wanted to learn how I might be able to support people who might be experiencing pain and suffering, as well as how to support others to reach their potential in life and experience more joy and comfort. This led me to the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I graduated with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The University of Liverpool in 2013.

In terms of work experience, after graduating in 2004, I worked as a support worker in an adult learning disability residential setting, as an Education Welfare Officer in an education and youth offending setting and then as a research assistant for the University of Manchester on a large child development study.  During Clinical Psychology training I completed four core placements in adult mental health, child learning disability, older adults and child and adolescent mental health. I also had two specialist placements in a High Secure forensic mental health service and in a university student mental health team where I used a CAT informed model of care. After qualifying as a clinical psychologist, I worked for five years within the NHS for a specialist attachment-based team working with parents, children and families. I was a senior clinical psychologist within this team. Throughout this time, I had an additional role working with adults experiencing distress following a trauma. 

I currently provide assessment and therapeutic interventions to adopted children and their families. I also work with people across the age range who are experiencing difficulties following a trauma. I am an accredited Incredible Years parent group leader (a therapeutic parenting intervention), a Video Interaction Guidance guider (an attachment-focused parent-child intervention) and am also trained in the Solihull Approach (a parenting intervention). As well as therapeutic work, I contribute to teaching and research and provide training to professionals and parents on a range of child and adult related topics. I am a trained and qualified Mindfulness yoga teacher and, where appropriate, use these approaches within my work with adults, children and families. I have an interest in mindfulness and relational models of understanding people, families, resilience and distress. I am currently completing a further one year training program in using yoga to help adults and children recover from trauma.

I am passionate about providing support specific to the individual needs of children, adults and families by working together with them to help them re-claim their lives, reach their potential and thrive. Therapy is often a big step and I feel privileged to go on that journey with the people and families I work with.

In my personal time I love listening to music and going to see live music of many types. I try to practice yoga and mindfulness regularly to help me stay grounded and healthy. I get a lot from being out in nature, though live in the centre of Liverpool so do not do this as much as I would like to. I also enjoy seeing stand up comedy and watching (too much) Netflix.

Dr Natasha Holden, BSc (Hons), Clin.Psy.D, HCPC Registered Clinical Psychologist

Hello and thanks for looking at my profile. I am particularly interested in the impact of early trauma on individuals, directing my professional focus towards developmental and complex trauma. I also have a special interest in psychosis and bipolar disorder.

In my professional practice, I integrate several established psychological models such as attachment theory, neurodevelopmental models, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Compassion Focused Therapy. As a practitioner, I conduct thorough assessments and provide therapeutic support to adopted children and their families. Concurrently, I extend my services to online therapy for adults dealing with emotional challenges. In addition, I facilitate workshops on understanding psychosis and bipolar disorder, commissioned by Health Education England.

My professional journey commenced within the National Health Service (NHS), contributing to clinical trials aimed at ameliorating the emotional well-being of individuals grappling with complex mental health issues, particularly within the realms of psychosis, bipolar disorder, and emergent mental health challenges in young individuals. I also actively participated in teaching, training, and research, delivering instructional sessions for Clinical Psychology Doctorate courses and supervising individuals pursuing a CBT for psychosis diploma.

My academic foundation was laid with a degree in psychology from the University of Manchester in 2005, followed by the acquisition of a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Liverpool in 2014. Early in my career, I assumed roles as a support worker in an adult forensic setting and an assistant psychologist in an inpatient environment. I also contributed to a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) funded suicide prevention trial as an assistant psychologist.

During my clinical training, I gained diverse experiences spanning adult mental health, neuropsychology, learning disabilities, and child and adolescent mental health. I completed specialist placements with a women's forensic mental health service employing an attachment and trauma-informed model of care, and a community mental health team.

Outside the professional domain, I am a parent to two wonderful children. In my leisure, I enjoy moments with friends and family and love to have new adventures.

Thank you for reading my profile. If you have any inquiries or would like to discuss ways I may be able to help, please feel free to reach out.