Dr Nicola Connolly
Consultant Clinical Psychologist
B.A. (Hons. Psychology), M.A., D.Clin.Psych., PGDip (Psychoanalytic Studies), C Psychol, AFBPsS
MBT accredited practitioner, VIG accredited practitioner, Register of Applied Practice Supervisors
Dr Connolly initially studied Psychology in Dublin to Masters Level. She moved to the UK in 1995 to take up her first post as an Assistant Psychologist working in a specialist parenting service for parents with learning disabilities. She completed her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Southampton University in 2000 and she has continued to work in the NHS ever since. Throughout her training, Dr Connolly has worked with children, adolescents, adults, adults with learning disabilities, and older adults. She completed a year long specialist placement in her final year specialising in personality disorders. Since qualifying, Dr Connolly has gained extensive experience from working across a wide range of services including adolescent inpatient services, CBT clinic for children, adults with mental health problems and specialist services working with parents who have abused/neglected their children. In 2013, Dr Connolly set up, and continues to lead, a specialist parenting service in Buckinghamshire offering long-term therapy to parents who present with safeguarding risks to their child. This service has gained national recognition for its early intervention in infant mental health and intergenerational change. In 2014, Dr Connolly led the Looked After and Adopted Children's Service in CAMHS for over 7 years. She has worked closely with social care providing consultation, training and reflective practice to staff.
Dr Connolly has completed specialist trainings since qualifying to support clients who may present with personality disorders or whom have difficulties with emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships. She is skilled at enabling clients who may be resistant to coming to therapy to feel at ease and to give hope that change is possible. Dr Connolly has a Bond Solon Expert Witness certificate and she is experienced at providing expert witness reports and testimony on parenting capacity and children's mental health and attachment needs.
Dr Connolly has an enhanced DBS check in place. She is regulated by HCPC where she is committed to following professional and ethical practice guidelines. She is also a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society.
