West Country Child Psychology

Registered Clinical Psychologist

Health and Care Professions Council

 

Services

I have experience in assessing and working with children of all ages and their families and can offer individual and family therapy. In addition, I can work with parents, carers, and professionals to offer support and consultation regarding several areas of child behaviour, such as establishing a sleep routine, eating issues and other behavioural concerns.

Alison photo

“Since my graduation from the University of Plymouth in 2005 I have primarily worked within the area of Child Development and Child and Adolescent Mental Health. I have held various positions within the NHS before moving to an independent practice and later working with an Independent Fostering Agency.”

Dr. Alison Hodgetts

Anxiety

Feelings of worry and fear that can interfere with home life, school, and friendships. Anxiety can also affect a child’s sleep pattern and diet.

Phobias

Distress and fear associated with a particular object, living thing or situation, resulting in avoidance.

Depression

This is a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of motivation affecting diet, sleep, self esteem and social activities.

Trauma

This relates to a frightening, dangerous or potential life-threatening situations affecting the child or someone they know. It can be a single event or a series of adverse childhood experiences.

Development Conditions

These include lifelong conditions such as Autism (ASC) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) which affect many areas of a child’s life as well as their families.

Self Esteem and Confidence

This refers to how a child perceives themselves. If a child has a low self-esteem or confidence, they doubt themselves and have a reduced resilience.

My Ethos

My primary focus is to work with children, young people, and their families, providing assessments and integrative psychological interventions in an environment that is respectful and committed to the wellbeing of those I am working with.

I draw on the following psychological interventions:

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) helps a child or young person manage their problems by changing the way they think and behave. It is used to treat anxiety and depression, but it can also be useful for other mental and physical health issues.
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) This is similar to CBT but is adapted for people who experience strong emotions and have difficulties managing these and relationships.
  • Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) is an attachment-focused family therapy developed for complex trauma and other issues with attachment.
  • Systemic Therapy focuses on relationships between a group of people such as a family, rather than on an individual’s thoughts and feelings.
  • Narrative Therapy views people as separate from their problems and aims to “rewrite” a life story.
  • Compassion Focused Therapy aims to promote mental and emotional healing by encouraging people to be compassionate toward themselves and others.

I currently work in Tavistock but have rooms available in Plymouth and Exeter. With prior discussion and arrangement, I can visit clients at home (travel costs will apply) or online via Microsoft Teams.

Get In Touch

Call

07707 865781

Email

alison@westcountrychildpsychology.co.uk

Hours

Mon – Fri: 9am – 6pm

Areas Covered

Devon and Cornwall