Dr Kerstin Thirlwall
Clinical Psychologist
All about Kerstin....
What is your education and work history?
- I competed my undergraduate Psychology with Sociology degree at the University of Bath and I completed my clinical training at the University of Oxford in 2008.
- I was awarded a PhD from University of Reading having completed a clinical research training fellowship funded by the UK Medical Research Council.
- I was the lead investigator for a clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness of parent delivered therapy on childhood anxiety disorders and am an associate fellow of The British Psychological Society in recognition of my academic work and research contributions.
- I have extensive experience as a clinical researcher, assessor and therapist.
- I have worked in University departments, the NHS, schools and in private practice.
- I have co-authored several books for Jessica Kingsley Publications and Guildford Press.
Have you undertaken any additional training?
- I am an accredited assessor in the DISCO, and undertook specialist training at The Lorna Wing Centre for Autism, internationally recognised for its pioneering work in the diagnosis of autism and related conditions.
- I undertake regular CPD training and attend special interest groups, conferences and workshops.
What do you do at Every Mind?
- I see children and their families at various points along their diagnostic journey.
- I conduct initial screening appointments.
- I am one of the clinical leads for the multi professional teams providing Autism and ADHD assessments.
- I provide various post-diagnostic support and work therapeutically with young people, as well as parents.
What made you chose to work with neurodivergent children and young people?
- First and foremost I want to make a positive difference to the lives of young people.
- Understanding and accepting neurodivergent children and young people comes very naturally to me.
- I have personal and professional insight and I am passionate about improving awareness and outcomes for ADHD and Autistic neurotypes.
What is important to know about how you work with neurodivergent young people?
- I aim to provide a service where children and their families can express themselves openly.
- I prioritise comfort and connection and try to be as flexible and as accommodating as possible.
- I try to put children and young people at ease and have an informal approach to gathering information and developing a shared understanding of presenting concerns.
What do you do outside of work?
- I love travelling, walking and spending time near water and in nature.
- I enjoy learning and listening to others.
- I am both an observer and a daydreamer and I will happily watch the world go by and get lost in my own thoughts.
What is unique about you?
- I was born in Singapore and brought up bilingual in German and English.
- Before deciding to train as a Clinical Psychologist, I considered working in television and I have audition reels and a portfolio compiled by the BBC.
- I was the only member of my university motorcycle club who couldn’t actually ride a motorcycle. Never too late to learn!
Contact Form
Testimonials
What People Are Saying
Dad of 8 year old girl
We all loved coming to Every Mind, my son importantly. He struggles to go to new places because of anxiety but having the animals, toys and such a calming environment really helped to settle him in. Every person treated him like a human being and took the time to get to know him. This was wonderful to see as he seemed so happy and relaxed when at the clinic.
Mum of 7 year old girl
We are so pleased to have found such an amazing clinic. We have been made to feel comfortable by everyone we have met and more importantly, so has our daughter. She’s been at ease undertaking the assessments because not only are the clinicians and reception staff so friendly, but the environment really caters to her needs and helped her to feel relaxed and engaged.
Dad of 10 year old girl
The diagnostic reports reflect a child we recognise; which means that in the relatively short time each clinician spent with her, they were able to see her strengths and challenges and tailor a report that didn’t just make us feel that she was a number in a system. Thank you to everyone at every mind for helping the beginning of this journey feel less overwhelming and daunting for us as parents. And thank you for seeing our child as the wonderful individual we know her to be.
Mum of 6 year old girl
We had such a fantastic experience with every mind. It was very clear from the outset that you meet the nice guidelines and what you were able to offer which is so important for a parent if they're paying to get a diagnosis.