Dr Debbie Cottrell ​
​Principal Clinical Psychologist
About
Dr Debbie Cottrell is a Principal Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years’ experience working with children, young people, adults and families across NHS and specialist services. Debbie has worked across a range of settings, including Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and specialist developmental services. She has particular experience in working with individuals whose neurodevelopmental differences overlap with trauma, mental health needs and complex life experiences. She currently works across both NHS services and Autism North East, where she contributes to Multi-Disciplinary assessments and support.
Areas of Expertise
-
Autism and ADHD assessment
-
Complex and overlapping needs
-
Trauma-informed assessment and support
-
Learning disabilities and associated conditions
-
​Tic disorders and emotional wellbeing
Debbie's Approach To Work
Debbie works in a thoughtful and compassionate way, recognising that many individuals and families have experienced a long and often difficult journey before reaching assessment.
She places strong emphasis on developing a shared understanding of both strengths and difficulties, helping individuals and those around them make sense of their experiences.
​Her work is informed by a trauma-aware perspective and a commitment to supporting individuals in a way that is respectful, collaborative and meaningful.​
Debbie has experience in a range of therapeutic approaches, including:​
-
Cognitive Behavioural Intervention for Tics (CBIT)
-
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for adolescents (DNA-V)
-
Parenting programmes
​
​​
Therapeutic Experience
Debbie has experience in a range of therapeutic approaches, including:​
-
Cognitive Behavioural Intervention for Tics (CBIT)
-
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for adolescents (DNA-V)
-
Parenting programmes​
Leadership
Debbie has led and developed Multi-Disciplinary neurodevelopmental services within CAMHS and provides consultation and specialist input for complex assessments.
She has extensive experience in both assessment and post-diagnostic support across a wide range of neurodevelopmental and associated conditions.
Qualifications
BSc (Joint Hons) Psychology, DClinPsych
Parent
But what truly sets this team apart is what happened after the diagnosis. They did not abandon us. Their support was not a transaction that ended when the report was printed. They understood that a diagnosis is just the beginning of the journey.
Parent
We felt heard, we felt supported, and, most importantly, we felt empowered.
Parent
I’ll admit that at first we were anxious about going down the private assessment route. We needn’t have been.
Parent
As parents we can feel hopeless and desperate to seek help/answers - that can make us vulnerable. I wholeheartedly recommend Autism North East and feel that they provided an exceptional and honest service to our family.
