Dr Sara Shafi

Clinical Psychologist

I am a Clinical Psychologist and registered member of the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC).

Degrees and Education

  • Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsych) – University of Newcastle
  • Master of Arts (MA) Psychology – University of Glasgow

Further Training

  • Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2 nd Edition (ADOS-2)
  • Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-r)
  • Behavioural Family Therapy (BFT)
  • The Maudsley Family Based Therapy (FBT) for Eating Disorders
  • Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT)

Clinical Practice

I have worked in Child and Adolescent Mental Health services (CAMHS) in the NHS since 2009. I am committed and passionate about making a difference in children and families’ lives. My role in CAMHS includes providing assessment and treatment to young people who are experiencing a range of mental health challenges or are in crisis. My role enables me to support young people and families in an active, evidence-based manner, aiming towards recovery. I also provide assessment and intervention to young people who may be presenting with neurodevelopment disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Intellectual Disability (ID). I have been involved in service development and pathway structures for young people and families presenting with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Alongside working in private practice, I have continued my role in a specialist trauma service within CAMHS. In this role I provide psychological support to young people and families who have experienced sexual abuse or assault. I have worked with young people and families in extreme vulnerability and complexity. Trauma informed principles including safety, collaboration, trust, choice and empowerment are central to my practice.

My Therapeutic Approach

In my clinical practice, I use a range of evidence based therapeutic models including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Compassion Focused Therapy, Mindfulness based and Systemic based approaches. I adopt an eclectic approach; considering different models in order to meet young peoples needs.

Whilst implementing an evidence-based approach for treatment is important; I believe a safe, trusting therapeutic alliance is central for recovery. I value and believe in the importance of engaging young people and families and working together towards change and growth. I believe in the importance of providing young people and families with an experience of being heard and validated. I work with young people and families to aid their understanding of their mental health difficulties and empower them to have their own individualised ‘toolkit’ of strategies to promote their overall wellbeing.