Dr Clark Davison

As well as working across the range of mental health care, I have specialist experience in complex conditions and acute care. Do not worry if you have already had a previous course of therapy and are still seeking further help. I also provide diagnostic assessment and post-diagnosis support for a range of issues including neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism and ADHD (non-medical assessment). I am able to prepare reports for GP Practices, Specialist Healthcare, Education, Employment, Social Care, and Legal support, as well as offering liaison with relevant agencies.

I completed an undergraduate degree in Drama and Psychology before completing a post-graduate diploma in Psychology. My initial work in NHS Mental Health Care was in forensic services before supporting the Psychology and Psychotherapy leadership team in a large NHS Trust. I developed skills in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Narrative Therapy, as well as working with Psychosis conditions and facilitating a Hearing Voices Network group in collaboration with service users and the MIND charity.

My Doctorate in Clinical Psychology involved the further application of CBT as well as Cognitive Analytic Therapy, and Person-Centred Approaches to care in Older Adults and Dementia.

Post-qualification as a Clinical Psychologist I worked predominantly as a lead in Acute and Crisis Care in both Adult and Child and Adolescent Services and Inpatient Wards. I then took on a role as a Consultant-grade Clinical Psychologist leading on Secondary Care Adult Mental Health Services across Newcastle and Gateshead before also taking on a role as an Associate Director for the same NHS Trust covering Crisis and Substance Misuse Services.

I now oversee a Mental Health Directorate in a large NHS Trust as well as working in a private capacity.

I am Deaf aware having trained in level 2 British Sign Language and working in a specialist Deaf Mental Health Service.

I am Diversity aware having held lead roles within NHS Mental Health Trusts and promoting person-centred care in staff teams.

I am trained in a number of therapies including:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

Structured Clinical Management (SCM)

Mindfulness Based Practice

I take a generalist approach to healthcare, aiming to work with the right approach for the individual and drawing on a number of models and adaptions to therapy. I also regard myself as a science and evidence-based practitioner. I am keen to think ‘outside of the box’ when considering what might have led to the development of a problem, and what might be the most effective approach to support, including consideration of onward referral and signposting to other healthcare specialists.

Within an initial assessment I aim to create a safe space for people to be able help them to discuss what is at the heart of their difficulties. I also want people to feel there has been an open and comprehensive consideration of the range of drivers for distress with a clear plan forward. There is never any pressure to book another session, and I would rather people consider their options for therapy first before committing to a course of intervention.

Whilst I am happy to work at the pace set by an individual, holding their priorities and preferences at the forefront of the work, my aim is to support someone to move into a position of therapeutic resolve as effectively as possible and to provide guidance around this. If something is not working, there is in my view always something else that can be tried. I am always willing, with the interests of the individual at the core of what I do.

I place trust in the people I work with to have a keen desire for positive change and ongoing development. My role I feel is to support people when they are struggling to align themselves in this way. To utislise and build on the strengths they have, and to be able to know themselves better in order to be able to honour themselves better.