The PATH team deliver a range of psychological therapies, drawing from a variety of approaches and expertise including therapeutic life story work, attachment, trauma, neurodiversity, trauma-informed parenting, non-violent resistance, DDP and sensory integration. We also offer therapy for adults looking for support with issues such as loss, identity and managing relationships.

 

Dr Julie Elliott
Clinical Director, Adoption UK

Julie is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years’ experience of working within Children and Family services across the NHS, Social Care, Education and the Independent/Charity sectors. As Clinical Director of Adoption UK, Julie is responsible for the clinical and therapeutic delivery across the organisation and ensures that we have robust clinical governance around the therapeutic services we offer. She also manages Path.

 

 

 

Dr Rachel Dann
Chartered Educational Psychologist

Rachel was a teacher before working as an educational psychologist in schools, residential homes and therapeutic communities; she specialises in children's mental health, including Traumatic Stress.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr Lorraine Lockhart
Chartered Clinical Psychologist

Lorraine is a Clinical Psychologist, with a specialist interest in working with children and families impacted by trauma and loss. She has worked with Adoption UK since 2020. Lorraine has experience working across a variety of settings, including NHS, Social Care and Third Sector/Charity, offering specialist assessment and therapeutic intervention for children and families.

 

 

 

Dr Hannah Ryan
Clinical Psychologist

Hannah is a Clinical Psychologist who is interested in intergenerational trauma, the emotional experiences of parenting and being parented and parent-child relationship dynamics. She is a clinical lead for our Adults Affected by Adoption Pathway and feels passionately about adult adoptees having better access to adoption experienced and trauma informed therapeutic services. 

 

 

  

 

Elaine Brady 
Theraplay® Therapist and DDP Practitioner

Elaine's foundation training was in social work – she has assessed, matched, placed and therapeutically supported adoptive families, from the very early stages of placement, throughout their entire journey. Elaine has also supported birth parents and adopted adults who want to re-establish contact with their birth family. She specialises in Theraplay, DDP, Life Journey Work, Child Focused Systemic practice and VIPP.

 

 

 

 

Alison Tyrrell
Systemic and Family Psychotherapist

Alison is a Systemic and Family Psychotherapist and is experienced in working with adopted children, young people and their families and is passionate about ensuring that they have the therapeutic support that they need. She has worked across a variety of settings, including NHS, Social Care and Third Sector/Charity.