Dr Maria Daves-Hales CPsychol AFBPsS
About me
I am a Counselling Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society. I am a Registered Practitioner Psychologist with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) and Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
I am an integrative psychologist, which means my therapy is based on combining all of the major approaches to therapy. I combine aspects of cognitive behavioural therapy, psychodynamic therapy, client centred (humanistic) therapy, existential therapy and systemic therapy.
I specialise in working with adults, couples and families in my practice, which is based in the City of London (Fenchruch Street). In my clinic I help people with relationship issues, anxiety, physical health issues, Autism Spectrum, ADHD/ADD, depression, anger, lifestyle issues such as eating disorders and addictions.
In addition to the areas above, I also have have expertise in the following
- Autism Spectrum Conditions ASD (Diagnosis & specialist psychological therapy)
- Asperger Syndrome (Diagnosis & specialist psychological therapy)
- Attention Disorder & Hyperactivity Disorder - ADHD/ADD
- Medico Legal - Autism Spectrum Disorders & ADHD/ADD
- Pre and Post-diagnostic support
- Consultation and training to professionals on general Mental Health, ASD & ADHD
I have over 10 years experience working with those with ASD/ADHD and I work in an Autism & ADHD Service. I have worked in the National Health Service in the fields of Autism, Mental Health, Physical health and with Vulnerable Adults, in the community, out-patient, in patient and long stay settings.
I am fully qualified in the administration of Diagnostic Interview of Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO) Assessment tool and the Adult ADHD diagnostic Interview (DIVA) assessment tool.
Further Information & Contact website.
Publications
Daves, M (2009). The Impact of an Asperger Syndrome Diagnosis: An exploration into the lived experience of Asperger Syndrome, Psychotherapy Section Review, 47, 2 – 17
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualification & Training
ADOS - 2 - Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (2015)
Adult ADHD Diagnostic Interview Assessment (DIVA) 2012
Diagnostic Interview for Social & Communication Disorders (DISCO) (2011)
British Psychological Society Supervision Skills Training (2010)
Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, Regents College (2009)
Certificate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 2006
MSc Health Psychology 2002
BSc (Hons) Psychology & Forensic Science
Experience
ADHD Coach/Consultant Psychologist, Harley Therapy 2020 - present
Consultant Counselling Psychologist, The Priory Group - Autism 2016 - 2020
AXIA ASD Ltd, Associate Psychologist 2014 - 2016
Specialist Counselling Psychologist 2010 – 2016
Your Healthcare NHS – Asperger Syndrome Clinic
Therapedia, London, W1 2011 -
Head of Counselling & Psychological Support Service 2009 – 2012
Renal Department, Royal London Hospital
Royal London and St. Bartholomew NHS Trust
Visitng Lecturer - Clinical Psychology Doctorate 2009 - 2011
Sheffield University
Specialist Counsellor/Psychologist 2008 – 2009
Sheffield Asperger Syndrome Service
Sheffield Health & Social Care NHS Foundation Trust
Honorary Psychotherapist 2006 – 2008
Camden & Islington Psychological Therapies NHS Trust
Assistant Clinical Psychologist 2003 - 2008
The National Autistic Society
Croydon & West London Services
Assistant Clinical Psychologist 2001 – 2002
Assertive Outreach Team - Psychosis
Westways Adult Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre
Croydon NHS
Member organisations
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.
Health and Care Professions Council
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Learning Disabilities
Specific Learning Difficulties - Dyslexia and Dyspraxia
Physical Health issues
Therapies offered
Further information
Counselling & Therapy
Most people require psychological support at some point in their lives, it does not need to be a stressful, or harrowing experience.
Psychological therapy combines the scientific understanding of how our minds function, with the art of listening, and the art of counselling. This therapeutic combination provides a powerful and effective supportive treatment.
I have successfully helped many couples, individuals, and families, with a wide variety of psychological needs. Therapy sessions last between 50 minutes and an hour, and are normally weekly or fortnightly.
In your initial assessment we will agree a treatment plan, which will include frequency and duration. Entering into therapy can cause you worry, but I will ensure that we make the process as supportive and effective as possible.
Specialist Psychological Intervention - Autism Spectrum Conditions
I provide specialist psychological interventions for those with Autism Spectrum conditions, including Asperger Syndrome. This intervention work can be short, medium and long term work. I work with individuals, couples and families and I use a range of methods for this client group adaptive CBT, solution focused to name a couple. Please contact me for further information regarding psychological work.
Diagnostic Assessments
I use the Diagnostic interview for Social & communication Disorders (DISCO) as recommended by The National Autistic society.
I use the DIVA 2.0. for the adult ADHD diagnosis as recommended by UKAAN.
I work with individuals, couples and families when administering the assessment tools. However, there are times when individuals have no family or wish not to include others in their assessment and, in those cases interviews are based upon the persons recollections and life experiences.
Health Insurance
I am a recognised AXAPPP Provider.
