What is a Clinical Psychologist?

Understanding the role of a Clinical Psychologist

A Clinical Psychologist is a highly trained professional who supports people with complex emotional, psychological, and developmental needs. They work across a wide range of settings, including health services, education, and private practice. Clinical psychologists are trained to assess, diagnose, and provide therapeutic support tailored to each individual’s unique profile.

They often work with children, young people, and families who are navigating neurodivergence, mental health challenges, trauma, or distress related to education and social systems.

Role of a Clinical Psychologist

What does a Clinical Psychologist do?

Clinical Psychologists:

Complete detailed psychological assessments, which may include cognitive, emotional, and behavioural profiles.

Provide therapeutic input (e.g. CBT, narrative therapy, systemic work).

Support young people with identity, emotional regulation, anxiety, and self-esteem.

Help families and systems understand neurodivergent presentations like PDA, autism, or ADHD.

Work within multidisciplinary teams and contribute to EHCPs or Tribunal processes.

Supervise other professionals and lead service development.

Their work is deeply reflective, relational, and evidence-informed.

What qualifications do they have?

Clinical Psychologists:

Hold a doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

Are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Often complete additional training in:

Neurodevelopmental conditions (e.g. PDA, autism).
Trauma and attachment.
Sensory integration and nervous system regulation.
Family and systemic therapy.

They draw on a broad psychological framework to understand each individual holistically.

How can a Clinical Psychologist support a PDAer?

Clinical Psychologists told us they can:

Offer formulations that help families and professionals understand behaviour through a PDA lens.

Work collaboratively with young people to build understanding and confidence in their identity.

Help families separate the child’s needs from behavioural labels.

Support systemic change by modelling curiosity and compassion in how services respond.

They understand that PDA isn’t oppositional or defiant—it’s rooted in anxiety and nervous system responses.

What adaptations can Clinical Psychologists make for PDAers?

Clinical Psychologists who work with PDAers often:

Prioritise safety and regulation over insight or change.

Use non-directive, creative approaches like drawing, metaphor, movement, or humour.

Frame sessions collaboratively, with flexibility in structure, timing, and location.

Avoid traditional assessments when they’re too pressured, adapting language and expectations.

Explore identity and belonging rather than focusing solely on “symptoms” or goals.

Recognise and support the role of the parent as a co-expert and co-regulator.

As one professional shared, they are “constantly learning from the children and families I work with.”

Why are Clinical Psychologists important?

For PDAers and their families, Clinical Psychologists tell us they can:

Help everyone understand what’s happening beneath the surface.

Rebuild trust after years of misunderstanding or blame.

Challenge harmful narratives and promote respectful care.

Support teams and services to work more humanely.

Where did this information come from?

PDAers and their families often tell us how confusing and unsettling it can be to meet new professionals - especially when it's not clear what their job is or what good support looks like. That’s why we asked professionals themselves to tell us, in their own words, what they do. You’ll find their honest, personal answers in the ‘What professionals do’ section of our site.

What professionals Do

This is a growing resource, so if you don’t see the role you’re looking for yet, you could ask the person you're working with to fill in this short form.

Short Form

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Diagnosing PDA in adults