Dr Katie Denman
Specialist Clinical Psychologist
I work with young children, teenagers and adults. My specialty is supporting children and adolescents living with neurodivergence, and their families. I help people to navigate diagnoses of autism, ADHD, and related presentations including challenging behaviour, anxiety, and low mood.
I also have extensive experience supporting children who have experienced attachment difficulties and developmental trauma. It is always a great privilege to work alongside their parents and carers to develop therapeutic parenting strategies.
With adults, I offer therapy for anxiety, stress, low mood, and difficulties with self-esteem. I'm particularly interested in how our early attachment experiences shape our adult relationships and sense of self. I bring this understanding to my work with adults who are navigating relationship difficulties or patterns that feel stuck.
With over a decade working in specialist NHS services, including five years as a Highly Specialised Clinical Psychologist at the Child Development Centre in Plymouth, I've built expertise in complex presentations and multi-layered dynamics. I take a neuro-affirmative approach and see difference rather than deficit, while providing practical support that makes a real difference to individual and family life.
My Qualifications & Expertise
My specialist training includes a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Plymouth University (2012) and a Foundation Course in Family Therapy accredited by the Association of Family Therapy. I have also completed specific training in the Child Attachment Interview through the Anna Freud Centre.
I hold additional qualifications in Trauma-Focused CBT and have recently completed the British Psychological Society's training in Digital Clinical Practice. I'm registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and have published in peer-reviewed journals on autism, ADHD, and attachment.
Areas I Specialise In
- Autism and ADHD in children—understanding diagnosis and supporting the whole family
- Challenging behaviour related to neurodivergence
- Attachment difficulties and developmental trauma
- Therapeutic parenting strategies for parents and carers
- Generalised anxiety, separation anxiety, health anxiety, and phobias
- Low mood and emotional difficulties in people living with neurodivergence
- Identity and self-esteem concerns
- Family dynamics and systemic approaches
My Clinical Approach
I'm integrative in my approach, drawing on evidence based behavioural strategies, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, family therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I choose what fits for each child, teen, family and adult rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model. My training in family therapy means I think systemically—understanding that a child and person’s difficulties exist within the context of relationships and family life.
Beyond the therapeutic models, I believe that change happens through relationship. I take time to truly understand each child's unique story, each family's specific circumstances, and each adult’s systemic context, creating a space where you feel genuinely heard. I work collaboratively, developing a shared understanding of what's happening rather than simply offering interpretations.
I understand that seeking private therapy for your child, your family or yourself is a significant investment. My aim is to provide a space where complex presentations are met with real expertise, where your and your family's distress is held with genuine empathy, and where we work in partnership towards meaningful change.
My Experience
I currently work for the Devon Partnership Trust on the child neurodiversity team, completing complex developmental histories and writing neuro-affirmative reports for children undergoing assessment.
From 2015 to 2020, I worked as a Highly Specialised Clinical Psychologist at the Child Development Centre in Plymouth, providing assessment, formulation, and intervention for children and young people living with neurodivergence. I am familiar with both pre-school and school-age autism pathways, have supervised others and contributed to service governance and development.
My earlier experience includes training placements across CAMHS, adult mental health, older adult mental health, and child learning disability services. I also worked as a research assistant at Peninsula Medical School and Foster Care Associates, developing my understanding of attachment and looked-after children.
Publications & Research
I've maintained involvement in research throughout my career. My published articles in peer-reviewed journals including work on how families make sense of their child's behaviour whilst awaiting autism assessment (Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders), changes in attachment representations for young people in therapeutic foster care (Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry), and the construction of ADHD within family dynamics and attachment patterns (Journal of Depression and Anxiety). I've also contributed to a book chapter on using conversational analysis to explore autism within supervisory relationships.
Why Work With ComposurePsychology and Me
I'm returning to clinical practice after time away raising my family, bringing fresh perspective alongside established expertise. I've joined Dr Janine Hayward and the team at ComposurePsychology because it offers the reflective, compassionate space I value—both for clients and clinicians.
Whether your child is struggling to understand their neurodivergent identity, your family is navigating the aftermath of developmental trauma, or anxiety is limiting your child, teenager or you, book a session now so we can discuss how I can help.
