Dr Ashlyn Firkins
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About me
I am a fully qualified HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist offering brief and open-ended therapy. I work with a range of difficulties, including anxiety, stress, low mood, phobias, trauma, adjustment to physical health conditions, employment issues, relationship troubles and low self-esteem.
Having spent nearly 10 years working as an NHS Psychologist, it has become increasingly important for me to work with clients on areas of life that mattered most to them and at their pace. This need for a more person centred approach, led me to found my own private practice (Holding Hope Therapies).
I work predominately within the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy model but also draw on Compassionate approaches, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy & Narrative Therapy. I also offer specialist EMDR therapy for PTSD/trauma. My desire to only provide high quality spaces ensures my private caseload remains purposefully small. All sessions are offered remotely over Zoom, on Monday, Tuesday & Friday.
With me, you can expect a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental therapeutic space, where difficulties can be explored and meaningful change facilitated.
Training, qualifications & experience
I have spent 7 years at University studying psychology and obtained a Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
Since 2014, I have been delivering therapy across a range of National Health Services and Social Enterprises, treating chronic physical and mental health conditions. Most recently, as a Senior Clinical Psychologist at a Staff and Wellbeing Service. Up until April 2024, I offered psychological support to NHS colleagues following the COVID-19 pandemic. I was also employed as the Principal Clinical Psychologist for a Vascular department, delivering teaching, training & supervision to staff. Prior to these roles, I worked as a Clinical Psychologist at two national specialist centres for disabling chronic pain conditions.
I am a Fellow of the High Education Association and former Research Fellow for the University of the West of England. I have published academic research in the following areas: chronic pain, eating difficulties and internet delivered cognitive behavioural therapy.
Member organisations
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The HCPC are an independent, UK-wide health regulator. They set standards of professional training, performance and conduct for 16 professions.
They keep a register of health professionals who meet their standards, and they take action if registered health professionals fall below those standards. They were created by a piece of legislation called the Health Professions Order 2001.
Registration means that a health professional meets national standards for their professional training, performance and conduct.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£100.00 - £130.00
Additional information
Self-funded therapy sessions are priced at £100 and Insurance funded therapy sessions are £130. I am registered to work with Aviva, AXA, BUPA, Cigna, Evernorth, Vitality Health and WPA clients.
The price reflects the level of training and experience gained. In addition to the clinical contact hour, this price also accounts for pre-session preparation, after-session reflection (including supervision) and continuing professional development (e.g. training and conference attendance). There is a slightly higher insurance fee to reflect the additional admin typically involved in these cases.
I also offer supervision for qualified psychologists, priced at £90, team away days and staff wellbeing packages for corporate companies. Please visit www.holdinghopetherapies.co.uk to learn more.
Further information
My approach to therapy is holistic and person centred. The qualities I look to foster as a psychologist are authenticity, transparency, sensitivity and warmth. I always seek to understand an individual's experience from a supportive, curious and non-judgemental position. My work sometimes requires me to initiate challenging conversations to help clients reach desired changes. However, these qualities help me do so, in an empowering way, so that my clients feel supported and championed throughout their therapy.
Below is some feedback from former clients:
"Your sessions enabled me to think clearly, massively reduced my level of distress and has created a strong foundation on which I can build a better more enjoyable life going forwards".
"You are truely incrediable at what you do. I've taken so much away with me...Thank you so very much, there really aren't enough words to convey the difference you've made."
