About Dr Abbie Barnes

I am a Clinical Psychologist with nearly a decade of experience in the NHS, working across both mental and physical health settings. In private practice, I provide tailored therapeutic support to adults, couples and young people. In my current NHS role, I work as part of a Secondary Care Psychological Therapies Service in Kent.

My experience and interests

With extensive clinical training and experience across various health settings, I have developed the expertise to provide therapeutic support for a wide range of psychological difficulties, including:

• Low mood

• Anxiety including OCD, social anxiety and phobias

• Trauma including PTSD, Complex PTSD and attachment-related trauma

• Interpersonal and relationship difficulties

• Low self-esteem

• Grief and bereavement

• Work-related stress and burnout including specialist experience supporting healthcare professionals

How I Like to Work

Within my practice, I adopt a flexible and collaborative approach, tailoring therapy to meet the unique needs of each person. By prioritising an individual’s personal strengths and core values, I focus on what is most important to them to foster meaningful and sustainable change.

Central to my therapeutic approach is a commitment to curiosity, warmth and compassion. I appreciate the challenges of therapy and as such, strive to create a safe and trusting space that is free from judgement or blame and promotes open exploration of yourself and your experiences.

The Therapy Approaches I Use

As a Clinical Psychologist, I am skilled in a wide variety of evidence-based therapeutic interventions. I adopt an integrative approach, tailoring therapy to your unique needs. Some examples of the therapies I am experienced in include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), psychodynamic and narrative therapy. I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, a specialist trauma therapy.

My Credentials and Registration

I completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Salomons Institute of Applied Psychology, Canterbury Christ Church University. I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council UK (HCPC), my registration number is PYL044991.

I also hold a Postgraduate Certificate as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner from University College London (UCL). I have experience across numerous NHS Trusts including Guy’s & St Thomas’,Central & North West London and Oxleas. In my current role I specialise as a Senior Clinical Supervisor for Mental Health Wellbeing Practitioners.