Dr Heather Naylor
BA(Hons), DClinPsy, CPsychol
Consultant Clinical Psychologist
About Me
I am a Surrey-based consultant clinical psychologist with over 16 years experience of working in the NHS and private practice. Much of this time has been spent in specialist eating disorder services, giving me the skills and experience to offer highly specialist care.
Having previously worked in research, I truly believe in offering evidence-based, effective therapy, and I ensure that I stay up to date with recent clinical findings. But whilst research is important, I also recognise that everyone is different, and that what suits one person will not suit another. I pride myself on being able to integrate best practise with what works for each individual, being flexible in my approach and making sure we are regularly reviewing how you are finding therapy.
Fundamental to therapy is being able to develop a trusting therapeutic relationship with the person you are working with. This is crucial in allowing you to feel safe enough to make changes. I have been really touched over the years to know that people find me warm, supportive and compassionate. I also think that humour can have its place in therapy too!
I have had the privilege of working with some incredible people over the years. Whilst I have been able to help them in their recovery, they have also taught me so much. And this experience has shaped the psychologist I have become.
How I work
I really value working collaboratively with people and this is something that can be seen throughout the therapy process.
Therapy begins with an assessment to discuss what you are finding difficult and what you would like to change. We will then explore your goals, whether they are more symptom focussed (e.g. stopping bingeing and purging) or more holistic (e.g. having better self esteem or being more accepting of yourself). We will use this information to ensure we have a shared understanding of how your difficulties started and what is keeping them going, and create a personalised treatment plan.
Therapy typically involves weekly sessions, during which we work towards achieving your goals. There is also space to bring things from the week that you may need to talk about. We will make sure there are regular opportunities to review how things are going, and we can always adjust our approach if needed. Towards the end of therapy we will make sure you have all the tools you need to maintain the progress you have made.
Treatment length is dependent on your goals. Whereas some people want shorter periods of therapy focussed on reducing eating disorder symptoms, others want to do a longer piece of work, addressing underlying issues.
What I offer
What treatment people want and need can vary significantly, and I think it is really important for us to discuss what will be helpful for you.
Whilst my main approach is using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy-Enhanced (CBT-E) I have also trained in a number of other approaches and will draw on Schema Therapy, Compassion Focussed Therapy, Mindfulness, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy as and when they might be helpful.
Sometimes people are struggling purely with an eating disorder or body image issues. Sometimes these come hand in hand with other issues, or are being used to cope with other difficulties, such as low mood, anxiety, OCD, trauma or emotional dysregulation. This is something that we can look at during therapy, in order to ensure treatment is as holistic as possible.
Towards the end of therapy, we will ensure you have a plan to help you maintain all the progress you have made. However, I am happy to offer review sessions should these feel helpful.