DR ESTELLE MALCOLM
BSC MSC DCLIN PSY
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Prior to becoming a clinical psychologist I worked in the field of research with other academics in the top of their field. My passion about understanding interpersonal and societal wellbeing led me to undertake rigorous study and analysis, where I produced research evidence that could be applied in a useful way to people’s lives. Looking back on this time I am grateful for being in a field that nurtured my ability to be innovative. For example, taking a big idea or question and breaking it down so it is meaningful and accessible for a public health message, or for an individual going through a difficult time. Publishing papers in peer review journals, speaking at international conferences and working on a campaign voted as one of the top 20 public health achievements of the 21st century enabled me to develop skills that are relevant to my clinical work today.

Although I enjoyed my time working in research I have always had a passion to use my personal and professional skills to build relationships in working directly with individuals, couples and families. After completing a Masters and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Kings College London and the University of Plymouth, I began working as a Clinical Psychologist in different NHS settings. In my last NHS role as Principal Clinical Psychologist in the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, I made the transition into private healthcare working in BUPA and then also in my own private practice. In working privately, I wanted to take a personalised approach to wellbeing and offer people with busy lives a high quality, seamless service, to take as much effort and stress away from accessing therapy, and take well deserved time for themselves. In my private work my commitment to lifelong learning enables me to continue to use my skills to help people enrich their lives.

About : About Me

HOW I WORK

DIAGNOSITC ASSESSMENTS

Robust assessments increase the likelihood that people receive the most accurate diagnostic outcome, improved understanding of themselves and possible access to support they need. Below is an outline of assessments offered.

ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD) DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT FOR ADULTS

An ADHD assessment involves combining information from a number of sources and includes the use of standardised diagnostic tools, recommended by the NICE guidelines and considered to be the ‘gold standard’ measures in the evaluation of ADHD.

The main components for ADHD assessment are:

Pre assessment information and forms (school reports, psychology reports if you have any that can be shared)
Clinical interview and background/mental health assessment
Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults (DIVA) – this is an ADHD specific interview where you have someone who knows you well (partner/parent/friend/family member) join
QB Check – computerised standardised assessment tool for ADHD
Connors Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS) for yourself and someone who knows you well
Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS 21)
Executive Skills Questionnaire (ESQ)
Feedback session for the assessment - this will be following the review of all information from the assessment to make a decision
Final report
If an ADHD diagnosis is made following assessment, implications of a diagnosis and recommendations are discussed. Please note the assessment does not include treatment discussion such as medication. This would require a follow-up appointment with a prescribing clinician. I can make a private referral or you can go through your GP. Please note I do not prescribe medication.

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD) DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENTS FOR ADULTS

ASD is diagnosed by gathering evidence in a clinical interview, direct observation of your communication and interaction skills, review of information from people who know you well since you were a child (e.g. parents, guardians, directly or via reports where possible) and a feedback meeting with you. Assessment involves the use of gold standard diagnostic tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised (ADI-R) and Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale (ADOS) as well as gathering a thorough developmental history. There is no blood test or brain scan that can test for ASD.

THERAPY

I work integratively, meaning that I use a range of evidence based, effective psychological models/approaches that are helpful for the individual, couple or family

including; Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Systemic and Psychoanalytic.

I work with people with a range of needs which is including but not exclusive to:

anxiety
depression
difficulties in relation to autism and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
adjusting to physical health diagnoses/difficulties
pain management
coping with worry and stress
women’s mental health
difficulties related to pregnancy
parenting
issues at work
obsessive compulsive disorder
trauma
relationship difficulties

About : Text

MY COMMITMENT

I am fully insured and registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) which is a UK government body that regulates and provides standards for training, skills, and conduct of psychological, social care and health professionals.

I am dedicated and committed to:

Offering a warm and welcoming service that is inclusive and respectful of people

Working ethically and compassionately with the aim of providing individuals, couples and families with a safe and containing therapeutic space to talk

Providing a high-quality service and using a personalised approach to wellbeing. I put people at the heart of what I do to best meet their needs.

Offering people with busy lives a seamless service to take the stress and effort away from accessing therapy and taking well-deserved time for themselves

Developing innovative ways of working and improving the service I provide

About : About