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
About
I am a counselling psychologist and adolescent interpersonal psychotherapist supporting children, young people and their families. Alongside my independent practice, I work for a local bereavement and mental health charitable organisation. I also have experience working with adults with mild to moderate mental health difficulties through a counselling approach. I am a trained bereavement support specialist. I use a wide range of age appropriate therapeutic and evidence-based interventions to address a variety of mental health needs.
About My Work
At times, people, but especially children and adolescents may find it hard to open up about their emotions 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 them to learn the skills of problem solving and perspective taking to address practical difficulties in dealing with situations and managing interactions with others.
I offer CBT and brief goal solution focused therapy to address difficulties with low mood, social, separation and generalised anxiety, as well as OCD, phobia, panic. I support children with anxiety related to undiagnosed neurodevelopmental conditions or have a diagnosis of ASC/ADHD. I can offer their families helpful strategies in managing anxious behaviours secondary to these difficulties.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy is geared towards supporting adolescents with moderate to severe depression. It focuses on reducing conflict and improving quality of relationships to relieve depressive symptoms.
I offer clients safe and private space to enable them to gain the most of therapy and rediscover their strengths. I promote self-care and healthy coping strategies. 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.