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Dr Andrew White

Background

After graduating from Warwick University with a bachelor’s degree in biology, I took a PGCE and became a teacher, soon migrating into a pastoral role, taking care of year-groups of children from deprived backgrounds. However, in my thirties, I felt compelled to learn more about the human condition and took another bachelor’s degree in psychology, then a master’s degree in counselling psychology followed by a post-master diploma to qualify as a psychologist in 2007.

Taking a hospital-based role within the NHS, I commenced a doctorate in psychology at City University London, researching how people realise they have a psychological problem and their experience through the therapeutic journey. Leaving the NHS, I worked as a national clinical manager with AXAPPP, managing clinical issues over a nationwide network of therapists and managing all risk-issues. I then took a role as a clinical assessor with AXA whilst developing a private practice, which has been running for over a decade and which benefits from a network of local psychiatrists, GPs and psychologists.

My Approach

Although academic rigour is important, it means very little if there is an absence of genuine interest in people and their problems. Personal connection, a shared understanding and humour are key ingredients in developing a strong working relationship. Psychological treatment is about seeking change, so it is important to establish what the desired changes are and then for client and therapist to work, with commitment, towards positive change.

Compliance

In addition to being a registered psychologist (hcpc), I am fully insured, I hold an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate and am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office.

For more information about psychology please visit www.bps.org.uk.

In 2009, the government created the hcpc, the Health and Care Professions Council, which holds a register of all professional, properly qualified healthcare providers. www.hcpc-uk.co.uk