Find a therapist that best suits your needs.
About Me
CONSULTANT CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr Rachel Sweetingham
I am a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with over 17 years of experience working with individuals and families, both in the NHS and private practice. I offer a range of evidence-based therapies for a range of difficulties that you may be experiencing (outlined in detail below).
My Approach
From as early as I remember, I have loved being with people and helping people. It was when I was choosing my career path, I realized how passionate I was about Psychology and how excited I felt about pursuing a career in Clinical Psychology and helping others. I completed my Psychology degree in 1999 at Reading University and completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2004. From then, I have specialised with working with children, adolescents and families. Alongside this work, I have worked with parents and provided therapy for adults who want a therapeutic space.
I offer a high quality, compassionate individualized service to you by using evidence based interventions and helping you develop a toolbox of strategies to help you with any current difficulties you are faced with and helping you move forward with a fulfilling future. I strongly believe that people can make changes to have a more rewarding life, and to have a therapeutic space to develop strategies for the future.
I am passionate about working with you to set clear goals so that you can be helped to overcome your problems and work with what is important to you so that you can move forward in life with confidence. My approach is to be respectful, genuine and supportive. What I love about my job most is when people achieve their goals and blossom as individuals with confidence.
My main therapeutic models are:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
Systemic psychotherapy
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
My Areas of Work
In the NHS and in Private Practice, I have been working with Children, Adolescents and Adults who present with a range of difficulties that are impacting on their life including:
Anxiety (including phobias, GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder), Panic, OCD, Social Anxiety, Separation Anxiety)
Trauma and PTSD (inc. Birth Trauma)
Emotional and Behavioural Problems
ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder)
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder)
Eating Difficulties and Body Image Difficulties
Relationship Difficulties & Friendship Problems / Bullying
Health Anxieties / Sleep Difficulties
Bereavement and Loss
Low Mood, Depression / Anger Issues
Low Self Esteem
Parental Separation / Support for Parents
School Difficulties & Exam Stress
Professional Roles
Here is a synopsis of areas where I have gained expert knowledge and experience, as well as the professional positions I have held:
My first qualified post was in Dartford, Kent working with children and their parents with psychological problems in Surestart, an Under-fives Service. I also worked in Dartford and Gravesend CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) where I worked with young people and their families with a wide spectrum of psychological difficulties including depression, anxiety problems, emotional and behavioural problems.
I then worked in Redhill CAMHS, Surrey as a Clinical Psychologist for more than ten years and during that time gained promotion to the level of Consultant Clinical Psychologist . From 2015 until 2019, I had the privilege of taking on the role of Psychology Lead for CYPS (Children and Young People’s Service) for Surrey and Borders Partnership Trust. Alongside my NHS role I have been working in private practice since 2014 and solely in private practice since 2019 working with children and adults.
Qualifications
When choosing a therapist, it’s important that you feel safe and secure. Here is a summary of my qualificaitions and registrations:
I have a BA Hons Degree in Psychology and Sociology-first class honours from the University of Reading
I have a Professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The University of Surrey
As Part of my Doctorate I obtained comprehensive CBT training and training in other therapy models including systemic psychotherapy, psychodynamic skills and skills at carrying out neuropsychological assessments
I went on to receive my Two-year Diploma in Systemic Family Therapy from Tavistock Clinic in 2006
I gained my BABCP Accreditation in 2011 from the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitve Psychotherapies which means that I have evidence more specialist advanced CBT skills
I trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Training at EMDR works – All Adult Parts (Part 1-3) and both Child Levels 1 and 2 – in 2009-2010 and I am now an accredited practitioner as recognised by EMDR UK and Ireland.
Leadership and Supervision
I have completed my supervisors training to supervise other Psychologists at the Unvierstiy of Surrey.
In 2018, I completed my ILM Leadership Training (Level 5 - City & Guilds)
I also completed a course in Mindfulness Based CBT with Surrey and Borders Partnership Trust.
Registrations
Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC)
Chartership with British Psychological Society (BPS)
Membership of the BPS’s Division of Clinical Psychology (DCP)
Member of the DCP Faculty for Children, Young People and Their Families
EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner
EMDR Europe Accredited Child and Adolescent Practitioner
Accredited with the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)
Member of ACHIPPP (Association of Child Psychologists in Private Practice)
Enhanced DBS (Previously CRB)
Publications
Murray, J; Fell-Rayner, H; Fine, H; Karia, N & Sweetingham, R (2004) "What do NHS staff think and know about clinical governance?", Clinical Governance: An International Journal, Vol. 9, 3,172 – 180.
Girling, E. & Sweetingham, R. (2006) Starting out in SureStart: Reflections on a first year, Clinical Psychology Forum, 160, 5-8.
Sweetingham, R. & Waller, G (2008) Childhood Experiences of being bullied and teased in the eating disorders. European Eating Disorders Review, 16,5, 401-407.
Danvers, K., Sweetingham, R. & Johnson, B. (2011) Introductory Training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for staff within Surrey's Children and Young People's Service: Benefits and Challenges. Abstract paper for 2011 Annual BABCP Conference.
