Dr Kirsty Hughes

I am pleased to introduce myself as Clinical Director of Beyond Psychology and specialist Clinical Psychologist. I am passionate about supporting others to understand how or why they are feeling, thinking and behaving in ways that might appear problematic. I use reflective practice and multiple psychological models to help develop understanding, always aspiring to work collaboratively to meet individual or group need. I actively promoted giving a voice to and enriching the lives of children and young people who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). My area of specialism is working within a trauma informed approach, whether this be with individuals and families, foster carers and children in their care, or staff groups. Since co-founding Beyond Psychology in 2017, I have been a big driver in developing our whole setting trauma informed approach which supports the journey of both small and large organisations to embed the approach at every level.

We are at an exciting time for Beyond Psychology, now well established and continuing to consider how, as a social enterprise we can have a social impact by raising awareness of the impact of ACEs at both an individual level and a larger social level.

A little about my history: My professional journey has been within a variety of mental health settings within the NHS and now within the third sector. Prior to completing my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 2008, I worked in Eritrea, Northeast Africa for 2 years with Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) as a teacher.

Having specialised within child and family psychology over the last 15 years, I have developed a special interest in the role of Attachment Theory and developmental trauma within different mental health presentations. I have experience working with cared for and adopted children, working within a multi-agency model to support the network around the child to ensure the best outcomes.

I am passionate about helping others to understand how early life events can impact on the neuroscience of brain development, with a particular focus on how children and young people respond to the world around them as a result of this. I take pride in challenging traditional thinking about difficult behaviours, valuing highlighting the importance of considering the history and context of children’s lives to better understand the communication behind the behaviour rather than focussing on the behaviour itself. I believe this enables a more creative approach to developing positive behaviour and supporting and promoting well-being.

As a clinical psychologist, my work is informed by a range of psychological therapy models, the ones I draw upon most frequently are:

• Systemic Therapy
• Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) and other attachment focussed models
• Compassion Focussed Therapy
• Therapeutic Life Story Work
• Play Therapy Approaches
• Narrative Therapy
• Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Outside of my role at Beyond Psychology

I look after myself by eating well, doing regular exercise, maintaining a close community where I live, sustaining friendships and last but by no means least, making time to nurture my two children.

I am registered with:

• The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) (Registration No: PYL15694)
• The British Psychological Society (BPS)

As expected and required by both the HCPC and BPS I maintain high standards in terms of supervision, training, professional skills and behaviour. I hold an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check with The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).