Dench, Alexandra
BSc, MSc, PGdip
Company Name
Alexandra Dench Therapies
Qualifications
❇️ MSc, PGdip in Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents with Depression – Ann Freud Centre/Kings College London
❇️ Professional Graduate Certificate in Enhanced Evidence Based Practise – University of Reading
❇️ MSc Social and Forensic Psychology – University of Sofia, Bulgaria
❇️ BSc (Hons) Psychology – University of Sofia, Bulgaria
Hours
Varied – please contact for information
Therapies
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Solution Focussed Brief Therapy
Child and Adolescent Psychology
Interpersonal Psychology
Person Centred Therapy
Bereavement Counselling
Psychotherapy
Psychology
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ACT
Compassion Focused Therapy CFT
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy DBT
Non-violent resistance NVR parent training
About
I am a HCPC registered counselling psychologist and IPTuk registered adolescent interpersonal psychotherapist supporting children, young people and their families. I also have experience working with adults with mild to moderate mental health difficulties through counselling and combining various approaches to meet their needs. I am a trained bereavement support specialist and a co-facilitator in the “Bereavement journey” programme. I use a wide range of age appropriate therapeutic and evidence-based interventions to address a variety of mental health needs through brief solution-focused interventions or high intensity, specialist support.
About My Work
Our sessions will support you on your path to wellness and self-care. At times, people, but especially children and adolescents may find it hard to open up about their emotions to others or may need extra support to identify, understand and process their feelings. I offer a listening ear and a non-judgemental and safe space where they can explore, learn to express and manage better their difficulties. I support clients to learn the skills of problem solving and perspective taking to address practical difficulties when dealing with situations and managing interactions with others. My work is trauma and neurodiversity informed and led by principles of Mindfulness, Systemic and Family Therapy, ACT, CFT, DBT and NVR parent training.
I offer CBT to address difficulties with:
❇️ low mood, social, separation and generalised anxiety, as well as OCD, phobia, panic
❇️ anxiety related to undiagnosed neurodevelopmental conditions or those who have a diagnosis of Autism or ADHD focusing on the contemporary model for neurodiversity and celebrating the client’s strengths.
I have specific interest and extensive experience in supporting clients with Obsessive Compulsive disorder through CBT led exposure therapy.
Interpersonal psychotherapy for adolescents with depression (IPTA):
❇️ is a form of psychotherapy for young people ages 13-18 who are suffering from depression
❇️ focuses on reducing conflict and improving quality of relationships to relieve symptoms
❇️ structured approach of 12 sessions with the adolescent. Additional sessions with caregivers can be agreed if the young person wishes to involve them in the therapy.
My approach in therapy is:
❇️ to help clients working through difficulties with mental health and confusing, conflicting or uncomfortable issues
❇️ to enable clients to gain the most of therapy and rediscover their strengths
❇️ to support clients to acknowledge what matters to them and find ways to accept and work on their vulnerabilities
❇️ to support clients to improve their relationships and build their support network
❇️ to promote self-care and healthy coping strategies to achieve recovery and good quality of life.
Parents are recommended to join sessions with younger children. Working with adolescents, parents are provided with resources, offered feedback when appropriate and involved with the child’s consent. I do not offer support where clinical risk is present and not managed, instead I signpost families to specialist CAMHS and Crisis services.
