Dr Ashlyn Firkins 
(BSc, MSc, DClinPsych)
Clinical psychologist

Education

University of Hertfordshire
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

University of Bristol
Masters in Neuropsychology (Distinction)

University of Nottingham
BSc in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience

The Experience I Bring

I have spent 7 years at University studying psychology and obtained a Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

Since 2014, I have been delivering therapy across a range of National Health Services and Social Enterprises, treating chronic physical and mental health conditions. These include anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic pain, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS / ME), post-cancer issues, and post-illness adjustment difficulties.

I am a Fellow of the High Education Assoication and former Research Fellow for the University of the West of England. I have published academic research in the following areas: chronic pain, eating difficulties and internet delivered cognitive behavioural therapy. 

I am a member of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the regulatory body for practitioner Clinical Psychologists in the UK. I am also a registered member of the Association of Clinical Psychologists. I follow the code of ethics and conduct laid out by the British Psychological Society (BPS) to provide you with effective and safe support. I comply with the Information Comissioners Office (ICO) and UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) guidance, for your data privacy and protection. 

I am fully insured for practice in the UK, with an enhanced DBS check (Dicslosure and Baring Service, formly CRB).

You could not be in safer hands.

 

My Values as a Clinical Psychologist

My approach to therapy is holistic and person centred. The qualities I look to foster as a psychologist are authenticity, transparency, sensitivity and warmth. I always seek to understand an individual's experience from a supportive, curious and non-judgemental position. My work sometimes requires me to initiate challenging conversations to help clients reach desired changes. However, these qualities help me do so, in an empowering way, so that my clients feel supported and championed throughout their therapy.

Below is some feedback from former clients

"You are truely incrediable at what you do. I've taken so much away with me...Thank you so very much, there really aren't enough words to convey the difference you've made to me."

"The sessions completly exceeded my expectations. I definitley feel that you have given me the tools and emotional inteligence to support myself and intervene if things start slipping. I want to say a big thank you for listening. Whilst I know that its part of your job, you really listened, more so than any support I have had in the past and in doing so really got to the bottom of what was driving my negative thinking."

"I felt as though Ashlyn actively listened to why I was seeking help. I could feel a genuine response and reassurance from the start, that it was okay to feel the way I did... All the way through the work, there were check-ins and valuable recaps to what was covered the session prior. I learned valuable theory behind how the brain works and it was cut back to make it simple to understand. I felt that each suggestion or excercise was relevant and has helped me meet challenges".    

"Your sessions enabled me to think clearly, massively reduced my level of distress and has created a strong foundation on which I can build a better more enjoyable life going forwards". 

 

 

Ways of Working

I worked as an NHS Psychologist for nearly a decade. Most recently, as a Senior Clinical Psychologist at a Staff and Wellbeing Service. Up until April 2024, I offered psychological support to NHS colleagues following the COVID-19 pandemic. I was also employed as the Principal Clinical Psychologist for a Vascular department, delivering teaching, training & supervision to ward staff, on how to best support the emotional needs of patients undergoing amputation. Prior to these roles, I worked as a Clinical Psychologist at two national specialist centres for disabling chronic pain conditions.

I am clinically trained to work in multiple therapeutic models and specialise in using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Eye Movement Desenitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR) and Narrative Therapy. These have a strong evidence base in the treatment of many difficulties and are advocated by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE). Please visit our approaches page to learn more.  

Since moving full time into private practice, I have developed a particular interest in adapting these therapuetic approaches in ways that are affirming and meaninfgul for Autistic and ADHD clients. Alongside my theraputic work, I deliver neurodevelopmental assessments with both children and adults, as well as offering post-diagnostic individual and family support. I really enjoy the variety this brings to my work and the breath of the skill set I have developed as a result. 

I work with both self-funding and insurance funded clients, accepting payment from Aviva, AXA, BUPA, Cigna, Evernorth, Vitality Health and WPA. My working days are school hours Monday - Fridays and Tuesday evenings. 

 

Testimonials

  • I have no words that will truly capture how grateful I am to Ashlyn. Her patience, kindness and brilliant knowledge helped me through some really difficult times. Her sessions were useful and tailored to suit me which showed how much she listens to her clients and takes care to adapt to meet them where they are.

    Client navigating physical health difficulties
  • Ashlyn shared some really useful tools/resources for me to refer back to…. I also learnt to be more compassionate towards myself. Ashlyn made me feel seen, heard and validated in our sessions together - that alone helped me so much.

    Client navigating physical health difficulties
  • Ashlyn has by far given the best experience you could ask for. She is kind and considerate with our needs being priority. I really love how she has a plan for the session but can change it on the fly to suit what is needed at the time.

    Parent of a child, navigating anxiety and school-based challenges
  • The experience had a profoundly positive effect on my overall wellbeing, through seemingly subtle changes in thought processes and actions.

    Client navigating physical health difficulties
  • I have gained so much more confidence within me. I don’t really care what people think about me anymore.

    Client navigating anxiety and low mood
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