Dr Sue Whitcombe

Dr Sue Whitcombe PGCE, PgDip, MA, DCounsPsych
Chartered and HCPC registered counselling psychologist

Sue is a Counselling Psychologist registered with HCPC and chartered with the BPS. She trained on the Doctorate in Counselling Psychologist at Teesside University, following a Postgraduate Diploma Conversion at the same institution.  Prior to her training, Sue was a teacher working across the age range, mainly with children and young people with additional needs.

Sue has previously taught on psychology and counselling programmes at Teesside University, Cardiff Metropolitan University and University of South Wales, as well as being an external examiner at University of Wolverhampton.

Sue currently works in independent practice with separated families and family members who have experienced complex family dynamics, conflict, harm and abuse. Much of her work draws on integrative approaches to address complex systemic formulations.  Therapeutic approaches include attachment and narrative approaches, CBT, solution focussed work, ACT and CFT.  As well as delivering therapeutic interventions, Sue co-ordinates provision by several practitioners where determined by assessment and formulation.   Sue also provides consultation to statutory and third sector organisations, supervision to therapists, psychologists, social workers, legal and educational professionals and undertakes independent expert assessments in family law proceedings. 

Sue’s research interests include adjustment to family breakdown and separation, early intervention for families, psychological and emotional harm, abuse, children and young people, gender bias, sex difference, psychology of men and boys – particularly underachievement of boys, mental health, suicide, therapeutic interventions, those impacted by domestic abuse and intimate partner violence.

Sue has volunteered with the BPS since she was a trainee.  She is current Chair of the Division of Counselling Psychology, former Chair of the Training Committee in Counselling Psychology and sat on the Expert Witness Advisory Group for two terms.