Dr Alisha Azzopardi - Clinical Psychologist & Founder of Wimborne Psychology

I'm Dr Alisha Azzopardi, a Principal Clinical Psychologist with 19 years experience working for the NHS, Local Authorities, Schools and the private sector. I have an Honours Degree in Psychology from the University of Wales, Cardiff; a Doctorate in Clinical and Community Psychology from the University of Exeter and a Post Graduate Diploma in Interpersonal Psychotherapy from the University of Reading.

I believe that we can all benefit from a safe space from time to time to reflect on any difficulties that we may be facing, to understand and address them and find ways to move forward.

I am incredibly passionate about my work and will ensure that you and your family feel comfortable and informed about what we hope to achieve in our sessions together at every stage.

I have worked across Dorset and West London for various mental health teams; including in-patient settings, community teams and GP surgeries. I have led a team of clinicians in Hammersmith and Fulham working solely with children in care and those who have been adopted. I have worked for the Paediatric Diabetes Team in Dorchester and was a Principal Psychologist for the Dorset Youth Offending Service. In and around Bournemouth and Poole I have worked for Adult Mental Health Teams, Learning Disability Teams and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

Since 2018, I have been solely working in the private sector with clients of all ages (from ages 5 to 75) alongside building our thriving practice and bringing more associates on board.

Over the last few years I have continued to develop my skills in delivering Training to schools, including pupils, teachers and parents and providing consultation to Care Home Staff supporting children in Residential Care which has been hugely rewarding.

I have undertaken additional training in the following therapeutic approaches; Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Systemic Family Therapy Approaches, Narrative Therapy and Group Therapy.

Most recently I have trained to become an EMDR Therapist (Eye-movement, Desensitisation and Reprocessing) which has a growing body of evidence in reprocessing single event and more complex trauma, as well as many daily anxieties and insecurities. I am trained to offer EMDR to Children, Adolescents and Adults.

These therapies allow me to assess and support you with you following difficulties;

  • Depression, Low mood, Post-Natal Depression
  • Anxiety, Generalised Anxiety and Social Anxiety
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Perfectionism
  • Family and work related stress
  • Grief and Complex Grief 
  • Divorce and Separation
  • Eating Difficulties and Disorders including Anorexia, Bulimia and Overeating  
  • Phobias and Fears 
  • Trauma - single event and more complex life traumas
  • Life transitions and change
  • Loss of confidence and self-worth
  • Family relationships
  • Social difficulties
  • Sleep Problems
  • Attachment difficulties
  • Fostering and adoption

I strive to work creatively with all age groups so that sessions are enjoyable, engaging and memorable.

My current focus is working with clients adopting the model of EMDR. This is an evidence based therapy approach which has been proven to alleviate distress for a full range of symptoms and experiences. For more information you can visit the EMDR UK website - https://emdrassociation.org.uk/


Age Range:

Children, Adolescents and Adults.

Registration:

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Membership:

EMDR Association UK

Enhanced DBS