Navigating Minds
Psychology Service
About
At Navigating Minds, we specialise in providing comprehensive neuropsychological assessments and integrative psychological therapies for individuals and their families affected by catastrophic injury. We support clients with a variety of neuropsychological and mental health issues. Our holistic approach draws from CBT, CFT, ACT, and mindfulness-based strategies to address psychological distress and promote well-being.
Our Team
Dr Cara Pouchly
Clinical Psychologist in Neuropsychology
As an experienced clinical psychologist in neuropsychology, I provide comprehensive neuropsychological assessments and integrative psychological therapies for clients with various physical, neuropsychological and mental health issues. I currently conduct neuropsychological assessments and deliver therapy to individuals with acquired brain injuries and their relatives. In my previous role within the NHS I specialised in neuropsychological assessments to aid dementia diagnosis.
I am skilled in developing personalised formulations in collaboration with clients, as well as consulting with families and interdisciplinary teams. From a therapeutic stance, I apply integrative psychological therapies aligned with each client's needs, principles, and resources. My holistic approach incorporates a range of models including CBT, CFT and ACT alongside mindfulness-based strategies to address numerous forms of psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and relational problems.
Dr Phil Docherty
Senior Clinical Psychologist specialising in Complex Trauma
Phil is a Senior Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience within the NHS. He currently provides specialist psychological assessments, formulations, and integrative therapies for individuals overcoming trauma and related mental health difficulties, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, and inter-relational difficulties. He has worked with clients across the lifespan, with a strong emphasis on trauma-informed care for working-age adults and their families. Phil is skilled in various evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT, CFT and EMDR. He is skilled in fostering safe and trusting therapeutic relationships and tailors his approach to meet the needs and preferences of each client. Within the NHS, Phil adopts a systemic approach to ensure that clients receive optimal care and support during their engagement within the service and beyond.
Dr Pascal Diab
Senior Clinical Psychologist specialising in Neurodiversity & Complex Trauma
Pascal is a Clinical Psychologist with broad experience across the NHS and private sector, supporting both adults and children. She specialises in delivering specialist assessments for individuals with ADHD and ASD. Pascal also provides trauma-informed therapy for individuals and families navigating depression, anxiety, and major life changes. Her therapeutic approach is integrative and informed by various approaches including CBT, Schema Therapy, and DBT. Pascal is particularly skilled in adapting interventions for neurodivergent individuals and those with learning difficulties. She is recognised for her compassionate, tailored approach and her ability to deliver meaningful, person-centred care.
Services
Neuropsychological Assessments
Our team offers comprehensive neuropsychological assessments, encompassing detailed semi-structured clinical interviews and hypothesis-driven neuropsychological testing. These assessments evaluate a range of cognitive domains and mental health concerns. Upon completion of this thorough process, we provide a detailed neuropsychological formulation along with tailored therapeutic recommendations.
Neuropsychological Therapies
Delivering bespoke integrative psychological therapies, we cater to clients with varying physical, neuropsychological, and mental health needs. Utilising a variety of approaches including CBT, CFT, ACT, and mindfulness, we address numerous difficulties including:
- Adjustment to living with life-changing injuries
- Trauma
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Interpersonal Difficulties
Cognitive Rehabilitation
We specialise in providing psychoeducation and tailored interventions to mitigate cognitive impairment after brain injury. Our client-centred approach focuses on the client’s unique needs and values while utilising their strengths and resources.
Formulation
Collaborating with clients and/or their families/clinical teams, we develop diagrammatic formulations that help clarify complex difficulties in an accessible format, while preserving identities and values.
Working with Families
Creating a therapeutic space, we draw from a number of models to help families adjust to new circumstances. Additionally, we offer psychoeducation to help families understand the interplay between life-changing injuries and mental health, and how these impact both the individual and wider family units.
Interdisciplinary Working
Engaging with a variety of professionals across disciplines, we support and enable rehabilitation goals with wider clinical teams. Our collaborations include case managers, child psychologists, family therapists, physiotherapists, SALTs, and OTs.
Consultation
Offering consultations to case managers and the wider clinical team, we help them better understand the needs of their clients from a neuropsychological perspective.
Training
We conduct training sessions on brain injury, neurodegenerative conditions, cognitive screening measures, and maintaining psychological wellbeing.
Testimonials
Working with Cara is a true pleasure. Her expertise and compassionate approach help our clients and their families understand complex neurological challenges and provide them with the tools to manage and overcome them.
Her ability to explain intricate concepts clearly and empathetically ensures that the client is central to everything she does.
Cara’s dedication to improving the lives of her clients is truly inspiring, and I know they are deeply grateful for her unwavering support and guidance.
Natasha Wilde
Case Manager, Inclusive Case Management Limited
Dr Cara Pouchly has supported one of my clients for some time. From the very first session, my client knew Cara was someone she could both trust and who would understand the many challenges and obstacles faced post-injury. Cara has always put my client's needs at the heart of her intervention and thinks "outside of the box" looking at practical & instrumental ways to enhance psychological support based on client needs & circumstances. Cara has and continues to be incredibly supportive for my client, the family, her care team and wider MDT. Cara is empathetic, caring and truly passionate about her work, always determined to find solutions and overcome obstacles along the way.
I am personally very grateful for the huge difference Cara has made for my client and for the ongoing support she continues to provide. I would highly recommend Cara to anyone who requires an experienced, positive and uplifting psychologist.
Dr Olivia Barrett
Case Manager, SICM Ltd.
Dr Cara Pouchly has been providing Psychology support for my client for over 12 months, during which time he has made good progress and has been able to return to University with a confident and positive mindset. She has provided a truly person-centred therapy programme, adjusting the therapy programme to deal with an unexpected event in my client’s life.
Lynn Hancock
Case Manager, Northern Case Management