Dr Bryony Fairhurst

I am a Clinical Psychologist, with diverse experience across a broad range of NHS mental health services.  Alongside my work at The National Psychology Clinic, I hold a substantive post within the NHS as a Principal Clinical Psychologist in a Northamptonshire-based inpatient service.  I have previously worked in inpatient and community services in the Northwest of England, Surrey, and in London. 

I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Manchester, before moving to the Southeast and completing and my professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Surrey. 

Since beginning my career in the NHS in 2009, I have worked with adults, young people and families, in primary, secondary and specialist care services.  I have expertise in supporting people facing a wide range of challenges, including mood related difficulties, anxiety, stress, problems in relationships, overcoming traumatic life experiences and coping with physical health problems and challenging life circumstances.

I am trained and experienced in working with adults with neurodevelopmental conditions and I regularly provide adult autism diagnostic assessments, and tailored psychological therapy for neurodiverse adults.

My work within inpatient services has enabled me to build expertise in supporting people experiencing severe and enduring mental health and interpersonal difficulties, and who have experiencing significant relational trauma.  My specialism lies in providing comprehensive psychological assessments and treatment plans, incorporating integrative psychological formulations which embrace complexity and the need to keep people safe. 

My style as a therapist is warm, down-to-earth and conversational and I aim to provide an experience of therapy that is transparent and empowering.  I am passionate about working with people in ways that are creative and personal, and that draw upon their existing strengths, skills and inner resilience.  As such, I tend to flexibly integrate elements of a number of contemporary, evidence-based therapeutic approaches and theoretical frameworks in my work.  These include (amongst others): systemic approaches, attachment theory, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Analytic Therapy, Mindfulness-based approaches, Compassion Focused Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.