The Psychologists - About Us and What We Do

Clinical and Counselling Psychologists assess (frequently diagnose) and treat mental health problems in children, teenagers and adults. Training to become a Clinical and Counselling Psychologist is extensive (minimum 6-7 years), which means we are suitably qualified to treat a range of psychological problems using a number of different therapies.

At Hampshire & Surrey Psychology our preferred therapies are: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic, Positive Psychology and the Humanistic approach.

We are Chartered Psychologists, which means we are registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC). The HPC ensures we're properly qualified, fit to practice, and keep up to date with latest developments. In addition, we are bound by the BPS code of conduct.

Unlike psychiatrists, we do not prescribe medication but we recognise that it may be helpful in overcoming some problems. We are happy to work with prescribing physicians to ensure the very best combination of treatment for our clients.

Please contact us (in confidence) by email or telephone on 07966 _192228 to discuss how we can help you.

Dr Karen Quatermass BSc (Hons), Dip.Crim., PsychD., CPsychol.

Qualifications and Specialist Training

BSc (Hons) Psychology (with Biochemistry) Royal Holloway College, University of London
Post-graduate Diploma in Criminology Middlesex University
Practitioner Doctorate in Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Psychology (Psych D.) University of Surrey

CBT for the treatment of anxiety – The Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma, Institute of Psychiatry.
CBT for the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – The Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma, Institute of Psychiatry.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. DBT is a structured therapy using a combination of one to one therapy and skills training in Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance strategies, Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills and Emotion Management.

Assessment/diagnosis and therapeutic support for individuals with Aspergers Syndrome.

Clinical Experience

I completed my doctorate in Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Psychology in 2003. The training consisted of three components: academic, research and supervised practice within the NHS and in Student Services. This led to Chartered Counselling Psychologist status with the British Psychological Society.

Counselling Psychologists are trained to use a variety of therapeutic methods so as to be able to adapt the therapy to the particular needs of the individual. I trained to use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic and Humanistic/Person centred therapies. I have a particular interest in the use of Positive Psychology in therapy as overcoming difficulties is only part of the journey to becoming happier. I am a member of the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA).

I have particular experience of diagnosis and treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder and of high risk individuals presenting with self harm/parasuicide, self-destructive behaviours, addictions and other multi-impulsive and risky behaviours.

I have been in private practice since 2006 and I assess, treat (and write reports when necessary!) a broad range of mental health problems with adults, teenagers and children. I have considerable experience with treating depression, anxiety disorders (including general anxiety, panic disorder, health anxiety and OCD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, addictions, eating disorders, adjustment disorders, anger and stress management. I also work with teenager and young adult difficulties, deliberate self-harm and extreme emotions.

From 2002-6 I worked as a Senior Clinical Psychologist at tertiary level in the NHS within a specialist psychology service within Surrey and Borders NHS Trust). This service comprised forensic psychology, personality disorder and learning disabilities services and a specialist Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Programme. I gained experience with a broad range of severe and enduring mental health problems: psychosis, personality disorders, chronic and severe anxiety and depression as well as those who experience extreme emotions, self-harm, self-destructive behaviours and parasuicide/suicidal behaviours.

I have also worked in student counselling services, general adult psychotherapy, Asperger clinic and learning disabilities services.

Before returning to clinical practice I founded a market research consultancy. Research Works Ltd (now based in St Albans, Herts). As a researcher I specialised in qualitative research (eg focus groups, in depth one to one interviews) for Government public health campaigns in various areas including addictions (smoking, drugs, alcohol), Sexually Transmitted Diseases (including AIDS), and skin cancer (sun awareness) as well as brand and product development programmes.

Dr Heidi Adshead, BA (Hons), Psych D., CPsychol.
Chartered Clinical Psychologist

Qualifications and Specialist Training

BA (Hons) Psychology, University of Liverpool.
Practitioner Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsychD.), University of Surrey.

I completed a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Surrey in 1992. This training consisted of three components: academic, research and supervised practice within the NHS and led to Chartered Clinical Psychologist status with the British Psychological Society. This MSc was converted to a Doctorate in 1998 following further academic study and research.

I have had a broad training to work with people throughout the lifespan and with people with learning disabilities. Training includes assessment and intervention for a wide range of difficulties including anxiety disorders and depression, childhood behavioural disorders, neurological disorders, addictive behaviours, aggressive behaviour and self-injury.

I am a full practitioner member of the Clinical Psychology Division of the British Psychological Society.

Recent Training

Update in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy – Oxford Centre for Cognitive Therapy
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Workshop – Jack Rachman - University of Southampton CBT Centre
Social Phobia Workshop – Jennifer Wild - University of Southampton CBT Centre

Clinical Experience

I have 17 years experience working as a clinical psychologist within the NHS. I have worked as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist since 2002. Most recently I have worked for the Kingston Community Team for People with Learning Disabilities (Kingston Primary Care Trust). I have also worked with those with severe and enduring mental health problems and clients adjusting to physical health problems. I have conducted assessments and interventions for clients with a wide variety of emotional and behavioural difficulties, including anxiety, depression, OCD, phobia, self-harm, aggressive and challenging behaviour, bereavement, autism and Asperger’s syndrome. I have also had experience in group work, training, lecturing, supervision of psychologists and other professionals, and research.

As an Honorary Clinical Tutor for the University of Surrey, I follow trainee clinical psychologists through their 3 year doctoral training, conducting NHS placement visits and assessing progress. I am also a mentor for trainee clinical psychologists at the University of Surrey. I act as an external marker for both the University of Surrey and the University of East London Clinical Psychology doctoral training courses.