Dr Jessica Wainman-Lefley

I'm Jessica; a warm, down to earth, and compassionate Clinical Psychologist. I imagine you are here because, like the rest of us, you might be struggling with this particularly difficult time we find ourselves living in. Suffering and distress are normal parts of the human experience, but you do not have to cope and manage alone.

I believe that everyone has the capacity to heal from suffering, and I value helping people to unlock this potential in themselves. I am interested in how life experiences and stress can shape our health and how we view ourselves and the world. I can work with a wide number of interpersonal or emotional difficulties, but understanding you as a whole person is the centre of my work.

I specialise in the psychological treatment of trauma symptoms, having worked in a specialist psychological trauma service in Glasgow. I am trained in a range of evidence based psychological therapies including: Internal Family Systems (Level 1), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, Compassion Focussed Therapy, Narrative Exposure Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Trauma Focussed CBT, amongst other psychological approaches.

I have specific interests in the impact of trauma, shame, relationships, emotional regulation and coping, and stress; and how they can impact our nervous system, physical health, and emotional wellbeing. I currently work in the NHS with adults presenting with moderate to complex and enduring mental health difficulties. I will combine elements of different approaches to create an individualised treatment plan, based on your specific needs and goals for therapy.

I also think about mental health through a systemic lens; that means acknowledging the impact that systems of oppression have on mental health and quality of life. A big predictor of therapy success is whether there is a 'good fit' between therapist and client. It is important to me that you feel safe and confident working with me.