The Parent Support Service is run by Chartered Clinical Psychologist, Dr Victoria Samuel  Ba (Hons), Msc, D.Clin.Psy.

Victoria currently works within a NHS Specialist Child Service and has previously had positions in a variety of additional NHS services.

In addition to Doctoral training in Clinical Psychology, Victoria has completed advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitation and Reprocessing (EMDR), a powerful psychological method for treating psychological trauma.

Victoria is a recognised therapist with several healthcare insurance schemes including BUPA & AXA PPP.

What is a Clinical Psychologist?

Clinical Psychologists aim to reduce emotional distress and to enhance and promote psychological well-being. Clinical Psychologists are trained to base their clinical interventions on up-to-date research and literature ensuring their work is always 'evidence-based'.

Qualifying as a Clinical Psychologist requires a minimum of 6 years of full-time university study (3 years undergraduate degree and 3 years postgraduate doctorate). Substantial practical experience is an essential part of training. Before qualifying, Trainee Clinical Psychologists must work with adults and children in a range of NHS services over a period of three years.

Affiliate Therapists

Dr Simon Bird
Clinical Psychologist

Simon provides specialist assessment and support to young people who are experiencing complex emotional health issues or social communication difficulties.

Simon provides consultancy, assessment and therapeutic support for children referred via the Parent Support Service for whom there are specific developmental concerns.

Simon has worked extensively with children and young people on the autistic spectrum, and is trained in the assessment and diagnosis of these difficulties. He has formal training in the use of the Austism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), in addition to 10 years' experience of interview-based assessment approaches.

Simon Bird qualified from the University of Plymouth doctoral training course in 1999. Since qualification he has worked in two of the four Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Bristol. He is currently leading the development of therapynetwork.co.uk, a directory and community for health professionals providing therapeutic services to the general public.

David Wilcox
Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist

David works with parents who would like to address personal emotional difficulties outside of the family / parenting work carried out for their child.

David has worked in the NHS for over 17 years and has extensive experience practicing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) for resolving a variety of difficulties. He has substantial experience of working with people suffering with problems caused by or exacerbated by stress, including low mood, anxiety, panic and low self esteem. David finds CBT a very effective way of working with these issues as this approach empowers the person to learn skills to manage the problems they are facing.

Having a child who is experiencing emotional problems can cause enormous amounts of pressure. It can easily feel hard to cope, especially if you are also experiencing stress at work, having difficulties within relationships, or have been through an unexpected traumatic event.

David is able to offer professional therapeutic intervention for parents whose children are being seen by Victoria. This support can run in parallel with practical parenting support or child psychological therapy to maximise the benefits you child gains from the service.

As teenagers can sometimes feel uncomfortable with seeing the same therapist as their mother or father, David's affiliate position can be invaluable in providing adult psychotherapy for parents whilst the young person works separately with Victoria.