Vikki Cohen Chartered Consultant Psychologist Bsc (hons) Msc DipCounsPsy C.Psychol AFBPsS

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1 Vikki Cohen Chartered Consultant Psychologist Bsc (hons) Msc DipCounsPsy C.Psychol AFBPsS HCPC Registration No. PYL04373 DBS Registration No BPS No: PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERTISE Academic Qualifications Chartered Counselling Psychologist. University of Roehampton. London (2005) Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Counselling Psychology University of Roehampton, London (2005) MSc in Counselling Psychology University of Roehampton, London (2004) Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology University of Roehampton, London. (2003) BSc in Psychology, (Upper second division Honours) University of East London, London. (2000) Professional Qualifications & Memberships

2 Associate Fellow, British Psychological Society Chartered Psychologist, British Psychological Society Registered Counselling Psychologist, Health Care Professions Council Member of the Division of Counselling Psychology and a member of the Faculty for Children, Young People and their Families. Registered on the British Psychological Society Directory of Expert Witnesses Areas of Expertise Assessment of Adults and Children Psychological Intervention with Adults and Children Abuse & Neglect physical, emotional or sexual Attachment & Relationships Mental health Behaviour Management in children Specialities Complex Trauma and Abuse Complex co-morbid presentations (with multiple diagnoses) Parenting Assessments & Intervention Adoption Assessment/ Planning Behaviour disturbance in children Relationship development within families and placements Sexualized behaviour Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Depression & Anxiety Self Harm/Suicidal ideation Women s Mental Health Post-natal Depression & Puerperal Psychosis

3 Same sex families I specialise in the Assessment and Psychological Intervention with Parents of traumatised children. I offer a specialist approach to enable development of relationships within these families and offer strategy to improve behavioural and mental health presentation of the children through intervention with Parents/Carers. My approach has recently been reviewed (2014) and research has indicated its efficacy. I also specialise in Adult Psychological Assessment and Therapy for individuals experiencing trauma disturbance and all mental health difficulties. I have extensive experience of assessing a wide range of mental health problems by psychometric objective assessments and by clinical interview. I have taken referrals from Local Authority Children s Services, solicitors, case management companies, Fostering Agencies companies and schools as well as from self-funding clients. I undertake independent assessments in a variety of areas and write reports for the courts relating to children, parents, Foster carers/adopters or other family members. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE Clinical Experience Independent Practice: Provision of psychological assessment and intervention/therapy to individuals, groups, couples and families/placements with complex mental health problems Conducting therapeutic interventions including integrative therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, attachment based interventions and parenting interventions. Supervision of Psychologists and multidisciplinary team members Training and Consultation to professionals Design and implementation of service development projects Present: Independent Expert Witness Areas of Expertise: I specialise both in the assessment of adults and of children. I take instructions from solicitors, case management companies, companies and schools.

4 I have extensive experience of assessing a wide range of mental health problems by psychometric objective assessments and by clinical interview. Recent Instructions Include: (please note, this list is not exhaustive) Family & Capacity: Assessment of Attachment/relationships in a family Behavioural Issues/Behavioural Management Affective conditions (e.g. PTSD, anxiety disorders etc) Impact of trauma (including exposure to Domestic violence, physical abuse and bereavement. Contact Recommendations Employment History April 2007-Present Independent Chartered Consultant Psychologist Treasure Keepers Service Commissioned by Local Authority Children s Services (including Havering, Thurrock, Essex, Norfolk & Blackburn) Key Areas of Expertise: Specialist Consultant Psychologist (equivalent of NHS grade 8b) with over 8 years specializing in working with children and families with complex trauma needs (mostly who are Looked After or Adopted). These children and families tend to have a lengthy history of trauma and abuse (physical, emotional, sexual and neglect). Psychological assessment. I have extensive experience of assessing both adults and children through clinical interview and psychometric testing. I regularly use tests such the Trauma Symptoms Inventories, Parenting Stress Index and the Behaviour Rating of Executive Function. Specialist Psychological Intervention for Carers/Parents of Looked After & Adopted Children and Children with Complex Trauma. This includes psychological assessment, formulation and intervention. Intervention includes delivering evidence-based approaches around emotional regulation, attachment issues and parenting strategies. I offer specialist, individualized intervention, working collaboratively with young people, social work practitioners, foster carers & parents, schools and other relevant agencies. Intervention has been offered both on a long term and short term basis. Group work. I currently run a post-adoption support group for parents and a group for Connected Persons (Friends and Family) Carers which is commissioned by a Local Authority Team Behaviour Management/Intervention. I offer intervention which has evidence of good success in changing the behavioural presentation of children and young people. My intervention follows an integrative model

5 (including neuroscience, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, attachment theory and complex trauma recovery theories) Psychological treatment with complex cases. I have extensive experience of working with children and families where there young person has multiple diagnoses (such as developmental trauma, attachment disturbance, ADHD, physical impairments and Autistic Spectrum disorders) Skill at adjusting interventions for hard to reach children, young people and adults. Training and Consultation. I have recently run trainings on Maintaining placement stability; How to work psychologically with Looked after and adopted children and their Carers and Parents and Reaching the Hard to Reach : A complete overview of understanding, interventions and approaches to help professionals form supportive and helpful relationships with individuals who are difficult to engage with. I am able to produce bespoke psychological training packages. I also offer group and individual consultation to professionals. Experienced and committed to partnership working to provide high quality integrated services to vulnerable groups and to improve whole life outcomes for these individuals and families. I have strong links within the Local Authority Teams I am commissioned by and I work with them in an inclusive and transparent manner. I am experienced in working in partnership with NHS Child and adolescent Teams, Schools, Social Care Teams, voluntary sector organisations, Fostering Agencies and other relevant agencies. January 2006-Present Treasure Keepers Adult Private Practice Chartered Consultant Psychologist 93 Harrow RM11 1NT Key Areas of Expertise: Psychological Assessment & Interventions with adults. This includes administering the Personality Assessment Inventory and Trauma Symptoms Inventory. Clinically skilled in working with adults with a range of difficulties including trauma, depression, anxiety, psychosis as well as those seeking enhanced well-being and personal development. Integrative approach combining cognitive behavioural therapy, trauma treatment research and psychodynamic therapy. Each bespoke intervention is tailored to the needs of the client. BLAST trauma technique trained. This is an effective brief therapy for treating trauma which is based around the principles of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing) Private Insurance Company recognised. Supervision and Consultation to Trainee Psychologists and other professional Psychologists September 2011-Present Honorary Consultant Psychologist Twins & Multiple Births Association (TAMBA), Guildford, Surrey

6 Key Areas of Expertise Specialist Psychological Intervention and Support to families of multiples Psychological Consultation to the organisation Regular Article Publication in each edition of the TAMBA Magazine Service Development Experience: I developed the Therapy Services in three psychiatric clinical settings (an Acute & Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit; A psychiatric rehabilitation unit and a Voluntary Sector Crisis House). Other Relevant Experience I am also a School Governor with a PSHE (Personal, Social & Health Education) lead within a local Primary School For full details of work history please refer to the attached Appendix. REPORTS I have prepared more than 6 reports for the family courts. These reports have covered the following areas: Parenting Assessment and evaluation of parenting change Impact of trauma & bereavement Assessment of a young person for use with Adoption Planning Contact with family members I have also produced and extensive number (in excess of 40 reports provided) of psychological assessment & intervention reports for Local Authority cases. I have also provided an extensive number of reports for Looked After Children Review Meetings, Adoption Panels and Foster Carer Review panels. QUALIFICATIONS, TRAINING & RESEARCH Qualifications Oct 2003-Sep 2005 Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Counselling Psychology (BPS part 2) University of Roehampton, London Oct Sept MSc in Counselling Psychology (toward BPS part 2) University of Roehampton, London.

7 Oct Sept 2003 Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology (BPS part 1) University of Surrey at Roehampton, London. Oct July 2000 BSc in Psychology, Upper second division Honours University of East London, London. September 1995-July 1997 Advanced level studies. Psychology: Grade A; English Literature: Grade A: History: Grade A. Frances Bardsley Sixth Form College, Essex September 1990-July 1995 GCSE s. English Literature: A*; English Language; A*; History: A*; General Studies: A; French: A; Design & Technology: A; Music: A; Dual Science: BB; Maths: B. Frances Bardsley School, Essex Training January Family Ties: Understanding Domestic Violence, Honour and Parenting Behaviour. Carter Brown The Expert Service, Nottingham. November 2014, BLAST Technique, EMDR, PTSD & Trauma Workshop, Warwickshire School of Hypnotherapy. November 2014, Family Relationships influence on Children s Mental Health Family Futures, London September, British Psychological Society Annual Conference. Division of Children, Young People and their Families. June CONFERENCE. A DAY WITH PROFESSOR ANTONIO DAMASIO AND DR EAMON MCCRORY CUTTING-EDGE NEUROSCIENCE November Conference: The Neurological, Physiological & Psychological Impact of Trauma on Child Development: making connections. From research policy to effective practice & better relationships. June, 2013 Relax Kids practitioner training May, 2012, Maintaining Placement Stability. Family Futures, London. December, 2011 Trauma Triggered Behaviour in Looked After & Adopted Children: December Institute of Family Therapy April 2011, Therapeutic Re-Parenting, Family Futures, London. October 2010 Trauma, Treatment and Understanding, Centre for Child Mental Health, London. September 2010 Supporting the Education of Traumatized Children. Havering Internal Training. July 2010 Attachment and Neuroscience, Adoption Consortium (Havering and Thurrock) June 2010 Sensory Attachment Intervention Training, Family Futures, London, November Adult Attachment Style Interview Training (3 days). University of London. Research

8 I was awarded a scholarship from the University of London to complete my PHD in September This project explores the childhood experience of care and abuse in parenting for 8-11 year olds and involves developing a semi-structured interview. MEMBERSHIPS & PUBLICATIONS Professional Memberships Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (AFBPS) Registration number:42983 Registered Counselling Psychologist with the Health Care Professions Council Consultant Membership of the Twins and Multiple Births Association (TAMBA) Member of the Division of Counselling Psychology and a member of the Faculty for Children, Young People and their Families. Registered on the British Psychological Society Directory of Expert Witnesses Publications & Presentations Quarterly publication in the TAMBA Magazine offering psychological advice to parents of Multiples OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION I hold personal professional liability & indemnity insurance I hold a full-enhanced DBS clearance with the update service Clean driver s license. PERSONAL PROFILE I am a proud parent to non-identical twin Sons I am a driven individual with personal reasons within my own history as to why I value the importance of healthy family life and opportunities to cultivate recovery from trauma. There is nothing more rewarding within my professional life than seeing the transformation of a family, child or adult into them becoming all they can be, living the life they want and enjoying their experiences.

9 I am very passionate about my work as I feel that real change and real wholelife difference can be made to lives if family interactions are connected, supportive and understanding. I have wonderful friends (including my Sister) who are extremely supportive and great fun and who can manage my over-thinking, exuberance and packed- out diary extremely well! I like to celebrate and can find any reason to throw a party or have a toast with friends and family! I practice yoga regularly and enjoy taking my own luxuriate evenings home (Pajamas, warm bath, luxury foods and cheesy movies!) CHRONOLOGICAL WORK HISTORY Appendix February 2007-April YT Ingrebourne School Counsellor (Self Employed) Taunton Road, Harold Hill, Romford, Essex, RM3 Individual and group counselling with children aged 7-11 Family work Integrative approach combining cognitive behavioural therapy, psychodynamic therapy and solution focussed therapy depending on the needs of the client. Consultation with teaching staff February 2007-October 2007 NCH Stepping Stones Project Early Intervention Practitioner (Consultancy contract) Best Centre, Ford Lane, South Hornchurch, Essex, Rm13 7bb

10 Individual and group counselling with children aged 5-13 Family counselling Integrative approach combining cognitive behavioural therapy, psychodynamic therapy and solution focussed therapy depending on the needs of the client. Consultation with teaching staff Working in various Havering School (Secondary & Primary) including Rise Park Primary, Marshalls Park Secondary, Parsonage Farm Primary, Bower Park Secondary, Suttons Primary August 2005-November 2006 Heritage Care Crisis House Psychologist & Rehabilitation Home Psychologist (full-time) 119 Balaam Street, Plaistow, London, E13 8AF Clinical Lead for the Service Development of the Crisis Service including re-design of all clinical and administrative practices in line with a brief therapy crisis focussed model. Development of the Crisis House Model An innovative therapeutic model similar to a brief therapeutic community Clinical work with Service Users utilising Integrative and Cognitive Behavioural approaches (group & individual). Supervision of Crisis House team (Managers/Counsellors and Support workers) Consultation with Rehabilitation House staff: reflective practice groups and helping to shape strategies for working with individuals with severe and enduring mental health difficulties. July 2002-Present Psychologist (sessional) Lifecare Health Clinic, Woodford Green, Essex Clinical assessment and Psychological Treatment of patients presenting with mental health difficulties June 2005-November 2006 Psychologist Little Heath Lodge, Charlton, London / Consensa Care Homes, East London Consultative input across psychiatric rehabilitation house Direct psychological assessments and interventions with Service Users with severe and enduring mental health needs. Group reflective practice with staff July 2004 July 2005 East London & the City Mental Health Trust Psychologist (parttime)

11 Psychology Service for Community & Hospital, Jade Ward, Newham Centre for Mental Health London Clinical assessment and psychological treatment of patients presenting with severe mental health difficulties (e.g. diagnosis of schizophrenia) Supervision of Assistant Psychologist Facilitation of group therapy sessions Co-facilitation of group sessions across other wards and services (e.g. Hearing Voices group and Early Intervention Recovery group) Facilitation for Staff Reflective practice group Multidisciplinary Team working (in-patient rehabilitation unit) Research project Core Beliefs and Trauma in Individuals with Psychosis. July 2004 July 2005 East London & the City Mental Health Trust Psychologist (parttime) Rehabilitation & Continuing Care Team, Warton House, London / 115 & 117 Balaam Street Community Preparation Houses, London Linked to the above position to create a full time post Responsibilities as defined above Additionally; facilitation of staff support group Direct involvement in care planning and care coordination October 2003-July 2004 Therapy Service Team Leader/Psychologist Sovereign Health Plc, Private Psychiatric Rehabilitation (low secure), London Management and development of the Therapy service. Establishing a Therapeutic Model. Management and supervision of two Assistant Psychologists Clinical assessment and psychological treatment of patients presenting with complex mental health difficulties (e.g. diagnosis of schizophrenia) Coordination and facilitation of group therapy sessions within a structured daily programme utilising Cognitive Behavioural, Psychodynamic, Person-Centred and Integrative Therapies Administration of Cognitive Remediation Therapy Treatment planning Psychological Assessment of residents (cognitive, emotional, social skill assessments) using standardised tests. (such as PANSS, BSI, NART, MMSE) Communication and inter-disciplinary integration of the Therapy Service within the team. Psychological Assessment and Summary reports. Staff Training and consultation

12 Feb 2002 October 2003 Therapeutic Service Co-ordinator/ Psychologist Abbeydale Court Specialist Psychiatric Hospital, London Psychological input to Acute and Psychiatric Intensive Care wards Establishment and development of a Therapeutic Model including a structured day & access to individual therapies. Clinical assessment and cognitive-behavioural treatment of patients presenting with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression and other psychiatric disorders. Cognitive-behavioural group facilitation (i.e.anxiety management/ depression management) and Integrative exploratory groups (selfawareness) Coordination of Therapeutic service (i.e. management of co-therapists. Multidisciplinary team communication) Treatment planning and integration of therapeutic services within multidisciplinary team Communication and assessment scheduling for Clinical Psychologist Weekly feedback to consultants regarding therapeutic progression Staff training (i.e. CBT techniques/ Group facilitation) Psychological assessment and summary reports. Reports for CPA meetings, tribunals and second opinion doctors Aug Feb 2002 Behavioural Therapist ANS Private Neurorehabilitation Centre, London. Design and implementation of structured weekly activity plan Neuropsychological monitoring and testing Supportive counselling (client and family) Jan Sep 2002 Drop-in Centre Co-ordinator Havering MIND, Essex. Group facilitation (e.g. relaxation group, music group) Supportive counselling