Dr Kat Sephton
Clinical Psychologist in Neuropsychology
Registered Practitioner Psychologist
Who am I?
Hi, I am Dr Kat Sephton and this page hopefully answers some of the questions you might have about my experience, qualifications and skills. I am a Clinical Psychologist and have a specialist interest and additional training in Neuropsychology. This means that I mostly work with people who have had an injury to their brain or have a condition that impacts on their brain. I spend my days visiting clients, training other professionals and writing reports and emails (lots of emails!). I am also a parent, a dog mum (more about Monty below) and I love being outdoors.
What is a Clinical Psychologist?
A Clinical Psychologist is someone who has undertaken Doctoral level training in Clinical Psychology. This includes training in assessing and treating mental health difficulties, and other conditions that impact on someone’s thinking or behaviour. Treatment involves developing a detailed understanding of your experiences and difficulties (called a formulation) and using psychological therapy and skills training to help you overcome difficulties that you are experiencing.
What is Neuropsychology?
Neuropsychology is a specialist area of Clinical Psychology which focuses on the relationship between the anatomy of the brain, and how it impacts on thinking, emotions and behaviour. I have undertaken and continue to undertake specialist training in Neuropsychology that provides me with specialist skills in assessing and treating people who have conditions affecting their brain. You can find some examples of these conditions here.
How can I check your qualifications?
It is so important when you are seeking support to make sure that the person supporting you has the right training and qualifications. All Clinical Psychologists must be registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC). It is easy to check my registration by clicking here and typing in my name or registration number (PYL31319). Certificates are always available on request.
What experience do I have?
Since 2008 I have worked within the NHS and independent sector supporting adults and older adults who are experiencing changes as a result of an illness or injury affecting their brain. I started my career working in Brain Injury services, before working for many years with older adults providing psychological therapy and dementia assessment and support. Later I joined University Hospital Coventry, working in the neuropsychology service where I continue to work from time to time. In addition to my clinical roles, I also train other professionals in neuropsychology at the Universities of Birmingham, Coventry and Warwick.
What do I currently do?
I now run Renew Psychology which provides neuropsychological assessments and rehabilitation in the Midlands. I am passionate about making sure that my patients are in full control of their care, with their concerns and goals at the center of everything we do. Sometimes this might mean a one off assessment to help you understand your difficulties better. Other times we might develop a full rehabilitation plan to help you get back to feeling better and doing more of the things you love. I firmly believe that the best rehabilitation happens within a team and I spend a lot of time working with those supporting my clients. This may include their family, employers, case managers and their therapists. By building a shared understanding and focus, we can best support our clients to overcome challenges, achieve their goals and live fulfilled, meaningful lives.
Do you offer psychological therapy?
Absolutley. Part of the treatment that I am able to offer is psychological therapy using an approach tailored to your needs and goals. Mostly I draw on Cognitive Behavioural Thearpy, Compassion Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Comittment Therapy in the work that I do. I am experienced in adapting therapy to account for changes in thinking that result from brain injury.
So… who is Monty?
Monty is my golden retriever. He is a boisterous loveable teenager who keeps me busy in training (though I am not sure who is training who). One day I hope that he will be a fully fledged member of Renew Psychology, providing therapeutic support to my clients.
Professional Registrations:
HCPC Registered Practitioner: PYL31319
BPS Chartered Psychologist: 465290
BPS Division of Clinical Psychology
BPS Division of Neuropsychology
GDPR compliant, ICO registered: A8478694
Qualifications:
DClinPsy (Doctorate in Clinical Psychology), University of Nottingham and Lincoln, 2014
BSc (Hons), University of Warwick, 2008
MSc Clinical Neuropsychology, University of Glasgow (ongoing)