Get to know us - Dr Didem Altay

I am a registered psychologist who works with children, young people, and adults, offering support to overcome challenges and foster personal growth. Through a compassionate and evidence-based approach, I help individuals navigate difficulties, build resilience, and achieve their full potential. I have been registered both with the HCPC as a practitioner psychologist and with the BPS as a chartered psychologist (CPsychol) since 2019. 

 With a particular interest and expertise in Complex PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Anxiety Disorder,  I went on to complete additional training in this area, including Traumatic Stress Studies Certificate (by Dr Bessel van der Kolk, Boston), trauma-focused CBT and EMDR. Both of these therapeutic approaches are recommended as the first line of treatment for adults with trauma and PTSD in the UK, according to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines (NICE). 

Besides working with adults, I am also working with children, young and families. I am a registered play therapist and supervisor (RPT-S) by the Association for Play Therapy (APT), which promotes the value of play, play therapy and credentialed play therapists. As part of my clinical work, I am implementing evidence-based psychological interventions – both short-term and long-term. I am trained and certified in different models of play therapy, namely child-centred play therapy, cognitive behavioural play therapy and TF-CBT.  In my therapeutic work, I also integrate solution-focused therapy, strategic family therapy as well as filial therapy to enhance child-family relationships. In addition to clinical practice, I also teach in the psychology department at different universities. I deliver training, present at international conferences and offer clinical supervision to mental health practitioners, sharing expertise and fostering professional development in the field.

Having practised and lived in different countries, I have experience in various cultural backgrounds and mental health settings, both in private practice and outpatient clinics. I worked in the Traumatic Stress Clinic in the NHS in London as well as in CAMHS with children and families.

I am providing high-quality psychological therapy for a large variety of psychological difficulties including but not limited to:

• Anxiety
• Panic Disorder
• Social Anxiety
• OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
• Health Anxiety
• Specific Phobias
• GAD (Generalised Anxiety Disorder)
• Anger
• Eating Difficulties
• Physical Health Problems
• Chronic Pain
• PTSD/Trauma
• Relationship Difficulties
• Children/Adolescent
• Work Stress
• Low Confidence/Esteem
• Bereavement
• Assertiveness Issues

Insurances I work with: AXA, Aviva, Cigna, Simply Health, WPA and others.