Dr. Sarah Atkinson

Dr Sarah Atkinson is a Senior Clinical Psychologist within a secure children’s home. Sarah has worked in a psychology role within the NHS for over 8 years, working across the lifespan and with a range of presentations. Sarah has experience of undertaking psychological assessment, formulation and interventions using a range of theoretical models and approaches. Using a holistic, collaborative, and strengths-based approach is important to all of Sarah’s work.

Sarah has experience of undertaking specialist risk assessments, including violence and harmful sexual behaviour. Sarah also has experience of carrying out assessments regarding cognitive functioning, Autism, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as part of a multidisciplinary team. Sarah is integrative in her approach, mainly drawing on attachment and trauma-informed frameworks, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT), and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) informed approaches. Sarah is currently undertaking further training in Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). Sarah values working with the systems around a young person, including families, local authorities, and external agencies.

Sarah is registered with the HCPC as a Practitioner Psychologist (PYL38708).

Sarah offers mainly Wednesday evening face-to-face appointments in Durham and online. Some weekday/ weekend appointments may also be available.

When not at work, Sarah loves spending time walking her two sprocker spaniels (Harry and Hamish).