Dr Sadie Thomas-Unsworth

Professional Title:

Clinical Psychologist

Qualifications:

Bsc (Hons), D.Clin.Psych., CPsychol

Clinic Location:

Southville Clinic

Client Groups:

Child

Background

Sadie graduated from the University of Plymouth Clinical Psychology Doctoral training programme in 2010 and since this time has been offering psychological support to children, young people and their families experiencing a range of emotional, behavioural and psychological problems within a NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) and specialist paediatric service. Sadie currently works part-time in the NHS within a highly specialist paediatric service. Sadie is registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) and is chartered through the British Psychological Society.

Areas of Specialist Experience

Sadie has worked with parents in different settings for the past 10 years. She specialises in assessment and therapy with children and young people experiencing a wide range of types of psychological distress, including anxiety, low mood, self-harm and anger. Sadie also offers parenting support around issues such as difficult to manage behaviour, infant and child sleep difficulties and attachment.

In addition, Sadie also has specialist experience supporting children affected by ill health and in working with children who have been bereaved.

Therapeutic Approach

Sadie believes it is important that the way she works is tailored to the individual child and family with whom she is working. Therefore, in partnership with the child and family, Sadie draws upon a number of evidence based therapeutic approaches in her work including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-based approaches, Narrative therapy and Positive Behaviour Support.

Sadie is also experienced in the use of a variety of creative counselling approaches when working with children and young people such as using sand, art and play. Sadie makes use of these creative approaches together with her warm personality to create an atmosphere that allows the child/young person to express themselves freely. When working with families she believes that the development of a strong partnership based on open communication and mutual respect is central.