Simon Bird
Clinical Psychologist in Bristol
Qualifications:
- D.Clin.Psy, University of Plymouth, 1999
- BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sociology, University of Bath, 1994
Governing Bodies:
- Practitioner Psychologist, Health Professions Council
Location
Contact Details
Simon Bird
Psychology Solutions Partnership
PO Box 2744
Bristol
BS6 9EA
United Kingdom
0845 077 4088
Catchment Areas:
- Swindon
- Weston-super-Mare
- Keynsham
- Gloucester
- Frome
- Clevedon
- Chippenham
- Cardiff (Caerdydd)
- Bristol
- Bath
Personal Profile
Background and Training
I decided to pursue a career in Clinical Psychology after finishing my degree at Bath University. I worked for 18 months as a research assistant for Bristol University's Children of the Nineties study before beginning my clinical training at Plymouth University in 1996.
Employment History and Current Post
Since qualification from my doctoral training in 1999 I have worked in two of the four Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Bristol. I currently work for the North West Bristol CAMHS, where I am lead clinician for Children in Care and for young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). In addition to these specialist roles I also provide therapeutic interventions to children and families faced with a wide of emotional, behavioural and psychiatric issues. I also led the implementation of the Choice and Partnership Approach, a referral system which effectively removed team waiting lists within just 6 months.
In addition to clinical work I offer consultation and supervision to other health professionals and external agencies dealing with mental health issues. I also provide a range of training packages to local practitioners with a wide variety of professional backgrounds, and teach at local universities.
Private Practice
I have supplemented my NHS work with a limited private practice for the past six years, primarily offering assessments around Autistic Spectrum Disorders in addition to some individual therapeutic work and parenting support. For the past two years I have worked as part of Psychology Solutions Partnership, a growing network of practitioners based in the South West offering clinical, legal and training services.
Legal Work
I have undertaken expert witness instruction from the family courts for the past two years, primarily in relation to child protection issues, care proceedings and parental capacity issues. I have also provided some limited input to cases where young people have become involved with the criminal justice system.
Work Approach
My therapeutic approach has evolved signifcantly over time and continues to do so. I use a range of therapeutic models to inform my work, and feel that it is essential to try and understand the issues that have led to a particular difficulty rather than simply find practical ways of managing distress or difficulty. Equally, I do not believe that you can use one model and hope to be a good 'fit' with everyone: flexibility is incredibly important.
At the heart of my work is a deep respect for people and their ability to find their own solutions to the difficulties that they experience. I have never been happy in taking an 'expert' approach in terms of telling people what they 'ought' to be doing. Each person has their own values and ideas about where they want to be in their lives, even young children. A therapist is, in my opinion, a person who helps to clarify how to find a way through difficulties without losing sight of the things that are really important to people.
About Psychology Solutions Partnership
Psychology Solutions Partnership (PSP) is a network of psychologists and associated professionals based in Bristol. We provide clinical, legal and training solutions to individual and corporate clients in the South West, and are about to expand our network to cover parts of the North-West.
To read more about our services, visit our website or call us on 0845 077 4088.
Services
Services Offered
Issues Addressed
Profession
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