Dr Victoria Brattan
HELLO, I’M VICTORIA
I’m a Clinical Psychologist, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and chartered with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Lucens means rising light.
At Lucens Psychology Services, I offer support in a range of ways, including therapy, psychological coaching and assessment. Whether you’re looking for therapy or psychological coaching, the ultimate aim is to support you towards an improved quality of life, to empower you to move through any challenges and to live a life more aligned with what you hold important.
I’m trained in various approaches and draw upon them as needed to offer bespoke sessions tailored to you, the challenges to overcome and your goals.
SESSIONS ARE AIMED
to OFFER A LIGHT
TO MAKE SENSE OF EXPERIENCE
TO SEE YOU RISE
Sometimes life doesn’t look the way we would like it to. Unexpected events occur that feel difficult to deal with, or we might feel ‘stuck’, unable to move beyond events or through the pressures and complexities of life and relationships. Most people at some point experience difficulties in response to life circumstances, including feelings of anxiety, guilt, grief, loss, shame or thoughts of not being ‘good enough’. Sometimes circumstances and such feelings can stop us from living the life we would like to live.
I will accompany you on a journey, as together we shed light on and make sense of experiences. We will work together, empowering you to move through the difficulties that are getting in the way, and move towards a meaningful life aligned with what really matters to you.
WHAT I OFFER
To work through any issues you might be experiencing I always aim to provide a comfortable, non-judgmental space where you feel safe to share. I offer assessment and support in a range of formats:
SHORT-TERM GOAL ORIENTATED SUPPORT
For stress management, burnout, better sleep, and general mind health and wellness.
psychological therapy
For anxiety, low mood and depression, low self- esteem, and interpersonal / relationship concerns, and the impact of these on personal and professional life.
TRAUMA-focused PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPY
For trauma, traumatic life experiences and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
explorative and reflective therapeutic work
To make sense of experiences and social and relational concerns.
PSYCHOLOGICAL COACHING
For individuals and small groups who may be feeling ‘stuck’ and wish to move towards a more fulfilled and meaningful personal or professional life. Plus psychological coaching for performance optimisation.
AUTISM DIAGNOSTIC SUPPORT
For adults and young people with a diagnosis of autism spectrum condition or those exploring this as a potential explanation for difficulties they experience and are considering an assessment.
Assessments
INITIAL CONSULTATIONS
Initial consultation to consider concerns and what you are seeking support for, and the most appropriate step forward with regard to therapy, coaching or specialist assessment
FULL formal ASSESSMENTS
With highly experienced and trusted colleagues I offer full formal diagnostic assessments of autism spectrum condition, for both adults and young people
COGNITIVE ASSESSMENTS
I offer cognitive assessment for concerns regarding cognition (thinking processes with respect to attention, memory, processing speed and executive functioning) for occupational or academic performance or people wishing to optimise performance.
TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Chartered Clinical Psychologist (DClinPsy), with several years’ experience working in both private practice and the NHS.
- Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and chartered with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
- Trained in various therapeutic approaches, which I draw upon as needed to offer a bespoke therapeutic experience.
Approaches include
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/Training (ACT)
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with Mindfulness
Integrative Embodied Therapy (somatic approach)
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
- Fully trained in the use of autism assessment tools including the Autism Diagnostic Observational Schedule-2 (ADOS-2) and Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised (ADI-R).
- Post-qualification certification in Clinical Supervision
- MSc and PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience, which allow me to draw upon in-depth knowledge of the brain to use an integrated biological-psychological-social approach to work with clients and to consider practical approaches to cognitive differences that might be impacting on day to day life.
Experience and Areas of Specialism
- I have several years’ experience supporting people of all ages surmount challenges at different life stages to move towards a full and meaningful life. I am experienced in working with common emotional and mental health difficulties, including anxiety, low self- confidence and self-worth issues, low mood and depression, as well as more enduring physical and mental health conditions.
- I have many years experience working with people with injury, including traumatic brain injury, and offer therapy for psychological adjustment to the changes and challenges presented post-injury.
- I have extensive experience in the area of autism spectrum condition (ASC). I am fully trained in the use of autism assessment tools including the Autism Diagnostic Observational Schedule-2 (ADOS-2) and Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised (ADI-R). With other highly experienced colleagues I offer full diagnostic assessments of autism spectrum condition for adults and young people. Find out more
- I have experience offering post-diagnostic recommendations and support for adults and young people following a diagnosis of ASC.
- I am experienced in the administration and interpretation of standardised cognitive assessments to inform support and intervention related to cognitive differences and challenges, as well as to support performance optimisation.