Dr Ben Shanmugam

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Accepting new clients
Accepting new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

location_on Ashford, Kent, TN25 6SX
Accepting new clients
Accepting new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

I am a Clinical Psychologist providing specialist psychological assessment and evidence-based treatments for adults and children. If you or your child are struggling with anxiety, depression, feelings of shame, or low self-confidence, know that help is available. It's normal to feel overwhelmed at times, but there is always hope for a brighter path forward. I encourage you to reach out and explore how we can work together towards positive change.

I have extensive expertise in diagnosing neurodevelopmental conditions, and of working systemically with families. My strong background in psychology equips me to address a variety of mental health issues. As a parent of two, I am deeply committed to helping families and young people thrive.

Building a strong therapeutic relationship is at the heart of effective treatment. Research consistently highlights how important this connection is for creating a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings, develop deeper insight, and overcome challenges. Together, we can navigate the path toward positive change.

Training, qualifications & experience

With roughly 15 years experience of working across a range of NHS and local authority services, I am experienced in offering evidence-based psychological therapies to both young people and adults.

I completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at UCL and, as such, draw on a range of models such as CBT, psychodynamic therapy, and systemic family therapy. I have pursued additional specialist training in child and adolescent developmental psychology and neurodevelopmental conditions.

My formal qualifications include:

  • BSc in Psychology
  • MSc in Mental Health Studies
  • PGCert in Advanced Practice in Mental Wellbeing
  • Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
  • 3di (Autism Diagnostic Interview) training
  • ADOS-2 training (Beginning with A)
  • ADHD Child Evaluation (ACE) training
  • Compassion-Focused Therapy (Balanced Minds)
  • Family & Systemic Therapy (AFT, Foundation Level)
  • MBT-A, Mentalisation-Based Treatment for Adolescents (Anna Freud Centre)

Member organisations

school Registered / Accredited

Registered / Accredited

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.

HCPC
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

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

Photos & videos

Fees

£130.00 per session
Free initial telephone session

Health Insurance/EAP

  • check_circle Aviva
  • check_circle WPA

Additional information

I accept private medical insurance work, and am registered with AVIVA and WPA. 

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

The Hopewell Practice, Evegate Business Park, Station Road, Smeeth, Ashford, Kent, TN25 6SX

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Children (0-12)
Young people (13-17)
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Families

Key details

DBS check info

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Wheelchair user access info
Wheelchair user access

Wheelchair-accessible premises should have step-free access for wheelchair users and individuals who are unable to climb stairs. If a Counsellor's premises aren't step-free, they may offer alternative services such as telephone/web-based appointments, home visits, or meeting clients in different location, so you can choose the option that suits you best.

You can contact the Counsellor to discuss the options available.

Under the Equality Act 2010 service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access their service. You can read more about reasonable adjustments to help you to access services on the CAB website.

Online platforms

Microsoft Teams