Dr Heidi Ashley

Counselling Psychologist

PsychD. C Psychol
HCPC Registered - PYL02034

Pronouns - She/her

Heidi is a highly experienced and compassionate psychologist boasting over two decades of clinical experience. Specialising in working with individuals weary of feeling trapped by the past, she caters to those seeking relief from the burden of reliving old memories and navigating painful life patterns.

Clients who turn to Heidi have typically faced prolonged struggles, having engaged in therapy before without achieving the desired outcomes.

Heidi distinguishes herself by offering more than just symptom management or coping skill enhancement. As an experienced schema therapist, she takes a hands-on approach, assisting clients in overcoming past hurts and childhood experiences that contribute to their present challenges in both life and relationships.

Heidi stands out in an evolving therapeutic landscape where schema therapy is increasingly sought after, particularly by clients who may have undergone rounds of CBT and feel disillusioned. Her expertise in providing schema therapy to an advanced standard positions her as a valuable resource for those grappling with complex psychological difficulties.

With a heartfelt commitment to breaking the patterns that keep individuals stuck, Heidi brings a wealth of experience as an HCPC registered psychologist and advanced certified schema therapist. Her journey spans over 20 years in the NHS, showcasing her dedication to the field.

By taking the next step and reaching out to Heidi, clients embark on a transformative process of reclaiming their lives and breaking free from the limitations of the past. Heidi looks forward to connecting with those ready to initiate this empowering journey.

Heidi is a specialist in the treatment of the following problems:

“My specialism is helping people understand and overcome present-day problems that originate in childhood experiences of trauma, instability or childhood emotional neglect. The clients that I work with have often been in therapy before and are looking for an active therapist to help them address deeper-rooted issues.” Dr Heidi

• Anger

• Anxiety - Generalised (GAD)

• Anxiety - Performance

• Anxiety - Fears of abandonment

• Anxiety - Social

• Depression - Low Mood

• Self Harm

• Emotional Regulation

• Low Self-Esteem

• Perfectionism

• Relationship - Attachment issues

• Relationship - Codependency

• Relationship - Communication difficulties

• Relationship - Intimacy

• Trauma - Childhood Trauma

• Trauma - Complex PTSD

Heidi is also experienced in the treatment of:

• Personality Disorders

LGBTQI+ Competency - Core training carried out by LGBTQI+ psychologists (founders of LGBT section of BPS). I adhere to HCPC and BPS codes and ethics and am committed to affirming practice. I have worked with LGBTQI+ clients for decades.

Models and approaches Heidi is trained to use:

• Schema

• Integrative Therapy

Clients Heidi can work with

• Adults (18-65 Years)

What is Schema Therapy?

Schema therapy is an integrative and evidence-based psychotherapeutic approach designed to treat complex, longstanding emotional and behavioural difficulties. It combines elements from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), attachment theory, and psychodynamic concepts.

The focus of schema therapy is on identifying and modifying deeply ingrained negative patterns or schemas developed in childhood that influence an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

The therapy aims to bring about lasting change by addressing core emotional needs, fostering healthier coping mechanisms, and promoting positive life patterns.

Heidi’s training & credentials

• PsychD in Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Psychology (from University of Surrey, 2005)

• HCPC registered counselling psychologist (PYL02034)

• ISST certified advanced level schema therapist and supervisor (2012)