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Kent Psychologist

Training & Consultation

We regularly provide training to a range of schools and organisations working with children and young people. Bespoke training can be arranged if required. Examples of recent talks and the type of topics we cover include:

  • An introduction to Autism and ADHD in the classroom.  What do we mean by these diagnoses? Can teachers ‘trust’ assessment reports they receive and what strategies can schools realistically put in place. 
  • Supporting neurodivergent students to thrive in the classroom. Practical strategies for teachers and support staff.
  • Understanding Autism and  ADHD in girls. Why can symptoms be more difficult to spot and how do we support girls who ‘mask’.
 
  • Fostering a whole school neuroaffirmative environment. Tools and practical steps to create a positive environment for all students, staff and parents, including those who are neurodivergent. 
 
  • How to support good mental health in children and young people. How to recognise warning signs in students who may need further support and how to access this. 
 
  • Understanding students who are struggling to attend school. Why is this becoming more common and what can we do to support students so they can continue to access education. Practical strategies for teachers and educational professionals.
 
  • Recognising and fostering good mental health for staff in school. A closer look at the challenges teachers face and strategies for support that any school can put in place. 

All our talks involve practical strategies and realistic tools, as well as an opportunity for staff teams to think about next steps they want to take. 

Training packages can be offered to the specific requirements of your school, service or organisation. 

Please contact us if you would like to find out more. 

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Kent Psychologist

Therapy And Assessments - Including Autism Assessments and ADHD Assesments

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Tel: 01732 302 120

Riverside House,
River Lawn Rd,
Tonbridge,
Kent, TN9 1EP

Meet The Team

Picture of Dr Sirja van Zyl - Lead of the Neurodevelopmental Service and Clinical Psychologist

Dr Sirja van Zyl - Lead of the Neurodevelopmental Service and Clinical Psychologist

Sirja set up the Neurodevelopmental Service at Kent Psychologist in January 2019. Having worked with autistic and neurodivergent young people for over 25 years, she brings a wealth of expertise to the team. Sirja is personally involved in each assessment. She is supported by a team of highly experienced and caring colleagues who all strive to make the assessment process a positive turning point in young people’s lives. Sirja is continuously working on new ways of supporting neurodivergent young people and their families, including the recent introduction of parent workshops and resources. You can read more about Sirja’s experience here.

Picture of Dr Ruth Drake - Clinical Psychologist

Dr Ruth Drake - Clinical Psychologist

Ruth joins our autism assessments and meets with parents to gather the developmental history. Ruth has been working as a qualified clinical psychologist and systemic practitioner with children, young people and their families since 2003. She is passionate about privileging and championing the strengths, resources and abilities of children, young people and their parents or carers in her work. Ruth has worked in both paediatric and mental health NHS services for many years and has run her own private practice in Tonbridge since September 2018. She has extensive experience working with children and young people with physical health conditions as well as mental health challenges and neurodevelopmental conditions. She is passionate about ensuring children and young people are provided with the right support so that they can achieve their potential in all areas of their lives.

Picture of Alice Enfield - Speech and Language Therapist

Alice Enfield - Speech and Language Therapist

Alice joins Sirja to complete autism assessments with children and young people. She has been completing autism assessments since 2016. Alice hopes, along with the rest of the team, to make this process feel positive and comfortable for the people and families involved. Alice loves to learn about all things related to autism and has completed a variety of training within this field. She has found it extremely insightful to hear the perspectives of autistic people themselves. Alice is passionate about wanting the world to be a more accepting and inclusive place for all different types of people and hopes that we are working towards this in a small way through our assessment process.

Alice qualified as a speech and language therapist in 2009. Since that time she has enjoyed working with young people with autism, learning disabilities and their families. She has worked in a range of settings, including in schools and within the NHS. She has been lucky enough to work with lots of incredible young people and their families, who she continues to learn from.

Picture of Kathleen Hicks - Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Kathleen Hicks - Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Kathleen is part of our autism assessment team and meets children and young people to complete the ADOS. She is passionate about supporting young people through their diagnostic journey in a neuroaffirmative way identifying strengths and supporting differences. Kathleen has almost 20 years of experience, which includes working in Paediatrics and mental health teams. She has specialist training in sensory, autism, coaching and motor skills. Kathleen has experience of working for the NHS and private practice. She is registered with the HCPC and is a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.

Picture of Aeran Jones - Assistant Psychologist

Aeran Jones - Assistant Psychologist

Aeran supports the smooth running of our assessments and report preparation.
She is a Psychology Graduate and has a special interest in the mental health and wellbeing of children and adolescents. She is originally from South Africa and has both practical and research experience in supporting children and young people with additional needs. Aeran is hoping to become a Clinical Psychologist supporting people with neurodevelopmental differences.

Picture of Kayleigh Lang - Virtual Assistant

Kayleigh Lang - Virtual Assistant

Kayleigh is an experienced Administrator, PA and Medical Secretary. She supports the smooth running of our practice and liaises with schools and parents about all administrative aspects of the assessment process. Kayleigh is extremely passionate about dance and dance education, hoping to complete her Masters Degree in Dance Movement Psychotherapy.

Contact Us

For all enquires please fill out the contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible, or email us at info@kentpsychologist.co.uk