About Dr Chloe Bedford

What working with me feels like

I’m warm, curious and straightforward. I can be direct, but always with kindness. I want to understand what’s been happening, what you’ve tried before and what you hope might change. I draw on different psychological approaches to find a way of working that fits the person in front of me.

I know coming to therapy isn’t always a teenager’s choice. They may feel they don’t need help, or worry that I’ll make life more difficult. I don’t expect them to arrive ready to open up. I acknowledge when things feel awkward and take time to get to know what they enjoy and what matters to them, as well as what’s been difficult.

There’s room for a little humour, too. Sometimes sharing a smile helps a young person feel more comfortable with me. I won’t push for every answer straight away; building trust takes time, and it is central to how I work.

Parents are an important part of this work. I usually involve them in the first assessment, while recognising that having your parents in the room can feel awkward. We’ll talk about privacy and how to involve everyone in a way that fits your child’s needs. Struggling as a family doesn’t mean you’re failing, and parents deserve support too. You can also book parent consultations if your teenager isn’t ready to attend.

Qualifications and registration

• Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, Teesside University, 2011.
• HCPC registration: PYL27237. Check my registration on the HCPC Register using this number and the profession Practitioner psychologist.

Specialist training

• Family Based Treatment (FBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT)

I have also completed the National Eating Disorders Training, alongside my experience of supporting young people and families in an NHS eating disorder service.

My experience

My NHS experience includes specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and a CAMHS Eating Disorder Service. I have particular experience in eating disorders and disordered eating, anxiety, specific phobias, low mood and depression, self-harm, low self-esteem and trauma.

I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and am a member of the British Psychological Society.

How I can help

I work with people of all ages, in person and online. This includes therapy for children and teenagers, support for parents and online therapy for all ages, including young adults, where my experience fits their needs. I also provide professional consultation and supervision to other therapists.

Appointments are available near Putney Bridge, London, and online across the UK. Therapy and parent sessions cost £140 for 50 minutes.

You don’t need to know exactly what help you need before getting in touch. We can begin with a free telephone call of around 15 minutes, talk through what’s happening and consider whether I’m the right person to help. There’s no pressure to decide about therapy during that conversation.

Fees and insurance