Clinical Support Services

Trust

The young people who come to New Reflexions have often had difficult early experiences that are  hard to make sense of. Very often, these challenges have been followed by multiple placement breakdowns.

By the time they reach us they may well have learned not to trust and have developed a whole range of strategies that are all about self-defence. They may find it hard to manage feelings, particularly anger and distress. They may find it hard to understand or care about what others may feel. They may think things have been their fault, that they are to blame for all that has happened. They may feel ineffective and not want to co-operate. They may want to attempt to control all aspects of their experience, and they may find it difficult to feel that they belong anywhere. They may not feel safe.

Insecurity

These types of difficulties are best understood in terms of attachment insecurity. At New Reflexions our goal is to promote attachment security and resilience. We do this by providing an integrated service in which all elements of the organisation, care, education and the clinical team, work together to provide a robust, thoughtful and nurturing environment that might enable more positive models of relationship, and promote a more positive view of the self.

The Secure Base Model

In order to do all this effectively we use The Secure Base Model, developed by Professor Gill Schofield and Dr Mary Beek. By effectively targeting the five domains that are associated with attachment security we hope to make a positive, evidenced based impact on the lives of our young people.

The clinical team are all highly qualified and experienced in working with young people in residential care. We provide individual therapy sessions in our designated suite of therapy rooms, and we conduct monthly consultations with staff teams.

We are able to administer a range of bespoke psychometric assessments and we regularly apply psychological measures in order to chart progress. In addition, we deliver an extensive programme of in house training covering attachment theory, developmental trauma, sexually harmful behaviour, emotional regulation, ASD, ADHD, to name but a few.

Meet The Team

Jennifer Rye

B.A M.A (Hons) Fine Art, M.A in Art Psychotherapy 

Jennifer is a HCPC registered Art Psychotherapist and a full member of the British Association of Art therapists.

Over the course of the last twenty-five years, Jennifer has cultivated a diverse professional background that include roles as Professional artist, teacher, therapeutic practitioner and Art Psychotherapist.

Her work has spanned across various settings, having worked extensively with both children and adults in a range of environments, from palliative care settings to supporting individuals in Autism schools, residential care settings and incorporating Trauma informed practices.

Her research is based on Donald Winnicott’s psychodynamic theory using creative arts and play therapy.

Jennifer’s holistic and compassionate approach to supporting individuals on their journey towards healing and self – discovery.

Dr Gemma Jones

Chartered Psychologist

BSc (Hons), MA, D.Couns.Psych, CPsychol, HCPC

Gemma is a Chartered Psychologist and registered with the HCPC.  Gemma’s Clinical Practice is underpinned by 12 years training in Behavioural Sciences, Clinical Counselling, Counselling Psychology and Clinical Experience.

By integrating best research evidence with clinical expertise and client values, Gemma is able to work across the lifespan in a range of settings. Currently specialising in Children Looked After, Adoption and Fostering, Gemma offers consultation with a special interest in Attachment and Complex Trauma. Gemma has additional training in DDP (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (1 & 2)), EMDR for adults and children & adolescents (recommended by NICE guidelines as the treatment of choice for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).  She is qualified to use a portfolio of psychometric assessments and clinical procedures assessing intelligence, personality, autism, trauma symptomatology, and psychopathology.

Gemma has undertaken specialist training to offer a clear picture of how individual and parental behaviours function within families, considering the strengths, both within the individual and their families to offer clear guidance for the Courts and professionals.

Gemma is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people, through a dedication to practice which protects and ensures that every child/young person has the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

Bethany De Max

Art Psychotherapist, HCPC

Beth is an HCPC registered Art Psychotherapist with three years training and clinical experience as well as an undergraduate degree in Psychology.

Beth has experience working in both education and therapeutic settings with children of all ages as well as experience supporting individuals with learning difficulties and/or autism.

Her dissertation explored the beneficial effects of mindfulness on the therapeutic relationship within Art Psychotherapy.

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Julia  Metcalf

Specialist Child Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Julia is a HCPC registered Paediatric Occupational Therapist.  She qualified with a BSc (hons) in Occupational Therapy in 2009 from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.  Julia has continued her learning to gain a postgraduate certificate in Sensory Integration, providing her with the specialist title of Advanced Practitioner in Sensory Integration.  She has also undertaken specialist training in Sensory Attachment Intervention (SAI Level 1).

Julia has extensive experience working with families and children aged between 0-18 years old.  The children she works with have a range of needs including; trauma and attachment related functional and sensory challenges, developmental delays, neurodisabilities, sensory integration difficulties, neurodiversity and high risk/premature infants.

Julia is passionate about providing children and their families with practical advice and support.  She is committed to supporting children who have experienced developmental trauma to develop enhanced co-regulation and self-regulation skills and strategies.  As well as working alongside the child’s care and support network to help develop a greater understanding of how to connect with and support them.  

Julia is able to focus on the sensory and motor 'foundation skills' needed for everyday life activities and to develop meaningful social and emotional relationships.  She uses play and occupation therapeutically, ensuring that interventions are both meaningful and motivational.

Finding joy and connection in meaningful occupations is paramount. 

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Tamsin Gough

B.A (Hons) Fine Art, M.A Art Psychotherapy, HCPC

Tamsin is a HCPC registered art psychotherapist who has 3.5 years training and clinical experience working with children and adults in a range of settings, and 10 years working with learning difficulties, disabilities, mental health and challenging behaviour.

Working psychodynamically with a focus on attachment theory and using a mentalizing stance, Tamsin has worked with complex trauma and creates a safe place to help build resilience and manage feelings and behaviours.

Tamsin uses evidence based practice to promote the wellbeing and self-efficacy of those she works with.

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Kally Brookes

Assistant Psychologist

Kally studied A Level Psychology and earned a spot at Edge Hill University, where she successfully completed a BSc (Hons) in Educational Psychology. In addition to academic pursuits, Kally dedicated her time to volunteering as a teaching assistant in several primary school settings. These experiences allowed her to apply her abilities in assisting children with additional educational needs.

During Kally’s time at New Reflexions, she has actively engaged in continuous professional development (CPD) training, covering topics such as Attachment Theory, psychometric assessments, and trauma-informed practice. She undertakes assessments with children, utilising tools like the WISC-V/WAIS-IV, alongside various psychometric assessments. Kally is adept at formulating strategies, multi-disciplinary working, and providing recommendations to professionals on the best approaches to meet the specific needs of individual children.

Kally holds a strong belief in the importance of addressing trauma and attachment issues and is committed to the idea that every individual should have the opportunity to develop positive safety strategies/behaviours and secure base factors.

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