Dr Catherine Tunnard
Consultant Clinical Psychologist
I specialise in working with adults facing complex mental health challenges—particularly psychosis, severe trauma, and the cognitive difficulties that can accompany serious mental health conditions. I also work with parents trying to support an adult child through these experiences.
With over a decade working in specialist NHS services, I've built expertise in situations that are complicated, haven't responded to previous treatments, or involve multiple overlapping difficulties. Before qualifying as a clinical psychologist, I spent four years researching Alzheimer's Disease at King's College London and worked in neurological rehabilitation. This background means I'm particularly skilled at understanding cognitive changes—whether difficulties with memory, concentration, or thinking are part of a mental health condition, medication effects, or something else entirely.
My Qualifications & Expertise
My specialist training includes a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from University College London (2017), advanced neuropsychology training and ongoing supervision, and specialist qualifications in CBT for Psychosis and Behavioural Family Therapy. I'm registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and maintain active involvement in research, having published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences.
Areas I Specialise In
- Psychosis and early psychosis (hearing voices, unusual beliefs, paranoia)
- Complex trauma and PTSD, including Narrative Exposure Therapy
- Cognitive difficulties accompanying mental health conditions
- Neuropsychological assessment (using WAIS-IV, RBANS, WMS and other specialist tests)
- Treatment-resistant depression and anxiety
- Support for families and carers of adults with severe mental health difficulties
- Behavioural Family Interventions
- Memory concerns and cognitive impairment in older adults
My Clinical Approach
I work collaboratively and flexibly with clients, using evidence-based approaches tailored to individual needs. These include CBT for Psychosis, Narrative Exposure Therapy for trauma, Compassion Focused Therapy, ACT, Schema Therapy, and Solution Focused approaches. I also conduct comprehensive neuropsychological assessments when there are concerns about cognitive functioning, providing detailed reports that offer clarity about what's happening and inform treatment planning.
Beyond the therapeutic models, I aim to hold both expertise and humanity—to discuss complex questions clearly whilst also sitting with the fear, confusion, and distress that accompany serious mental health difficulties. I can be straightforward about what's realistic whilst maintaining genuine hope for improvement.
I understand that seeking private therapy is a significant investment. My aim is to provide a space where complex difficulties are met with real expertise, where distress is held with genuine empathy, and where we work in partnership towards meaningful change.
My Experience
Since 2019, I've worked as a Specialist Clinical Psychologist across Tower Hamlets Early Intervention Service and Tower Hamlets Early Detection Service, supporting young people and adults experiencing first episode psychosis. I manage psychology waiting lists, screen and conduct neuropsychological assessments, supervise doctoral trainees, and provide specialist consultation to multidisciplinary teams.
I've developed and delivered group interventions for service users and families, led quality improvement projects investigating equality of access to psychological therapies, and established innovative service developments including an Endings project using narrative approaches for people transitioning out of services.
My previous experience includes working in secondary care psychology services, a specialist trauma service for forced migrants, older adult mental health (including memory services), CAMHS, and IAPT. Earlier in my career, I worked in neurological rehabilitation at Raphael Medical Centre and as a research assistant at King's College London's Institute of Psychiatry.
My Commitment to Cultural Competence
I'm committed to culturally sensitive practice and have undertaken extensive training in anti-racism and working across differences, including attending Mental Health and Islam training with ongoing supervision. I regularly work with interpreters and adapt assessments and interventions to meet individual needs and backgrounds. I currently co-lead the Patient Carer Race and Equality Framework (PCREF) sub-committee in my NHS role.
Publications & Research
I've maintained active involvement in research throughout my career, with publications in peer-reviewed journals including work on cognitive assessment in prodromal Alzheimer's Disease, frontotemporal atrophy and delusions, voice recognition difficulties, and CBT interventions in psychosis. I've presented research at national and international conferences, including work on neuropsychological rehabilitation techniques for unilateral neglect.
Why Work With ComposurePsychology and Me
Dr Janine Hayward, the Director of ComposurePsychology and I have known each other for over 12 years. I have recently joined ComposurePsychology and now work here as well as in the NHS. Janine and ComposurePsychology provide a safe, contained, compassionate space for both clients and clinicians.
People often come to me when previous support hasn't been enough—perhaps they've tried multiple therapists or treatments, or the difficulties are particularly complex or long-standing. I have extensive experience working with presentations that challenge even experienced clinicians, and I'm comfortable holding uncertainty whilst we work out what might help.
Whether you're struggling with distressing experiences like hearing voices, recovering from severe trauma, concerned about changes in your thinking and memory, or you're a parent navigating your adult child's mental health crisis, I'd welcome the opportunity to discuss whether I might be able to help.
*Please note that I do not have expertise working with people wanting help with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), sexual health, or eating disorder concerns. For support with these, please contact Dr Janine Hayward on info@composurepsychology.com
