Dr Helen Startup (BA, DClin Psy, PhD)

I completed a PhD in Psychological Mechamisms of Anxiety and Worry at the University of Sussex in 2001.  After this I trained as a Clinical Psychologist at the Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, graduating in 2004.  I have worked as a Clinical Psychologist in the NHS for over 20 years leading teams, developing innovative treatment approches and supporting their robust evalution in clinical research trials.  I have been fortunate to work in National Specialist Services for people struggling with eating disorders, psychosis, personality disorder as well as those who have endured childhood trauma.  I feel fortunate to have been taught and mentored by some of the leaders in our field.

During my career I have been actively involved in research and have published widely, both in authored books and chapters and in peer-reviewed journals.  My most recent book, 'Creative Methods in Schema Therapy: Advances and Innovation in Clinical Practice', was published in 2020.  Prior to this, with colleagues at the Maudsley Hospital, London, I co-developed a NICE recommended treatment approach for Anorexia Nervosa, ' A Cognitive Interpersonal Therapy Workbook for Treating Anorexia Nervosa: The Maudsely Model', which was published in 2018.  I then supported the translation of this treatment model into a group based approach suitable for an NHS setting; the case series was published in 2021.

I would suggest that I am a clinician at heart - who is informed by the most up to date research available.  I am passionate about providing effective, evidence-based, psychological therapy and I strive to deliver this with compassion to support people to make life long changes.