David Carter

ABOUT DAVID

David has extensive experience assessing and treating individuals with highly complex and long standing psychological difficulties drawing on a range of theoretical approaches to inform his practice. He has over 20 years' experience in senior managerial positions in the NHS which have involved responsibility for the strategic planning and operational delivery of frontline patient services and has a particular interest and expertise in issues of change management in large and complex systems and organisations.

Clinically David has developed a special interest and expertise in offering full Autistic Spectrum diagnostic assessments for adults which he offers in Tunbridge Wells and Heathfield.

David completed his Undergraduate Degree in Psychology at London University in 1979. He has been working as a qualified Clinical Psychologist since 1983 having trained in Lancashire obtaining the British Psychological Society's Diploma in Clinical Psychology. He has subsequently had specialised psychotherapy training at the Institute of Group Analysis in London and qualified as a Group Analyst from there in 2001. He is an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (018371), a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, a registered Group Analyst with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP 02118008) and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC PYL03179).

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Clinical psychologists aim to reduce psychological distress and to enhance and promote psychological well-being. They deal with mental and physical health problems including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, addictions and relationships using a range of evidence based approaches. Clinical psychologists deal with both adults and children but usually specialise in working with one or the other. All Chartered Clinical Psychologists have completed a three year post-graduate training programme that equips them with the specialist knowledge and therapeutic skills needed to treat problems across the life span.

Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger's syndrome (AS) is a type of autism. It is a neurodevelopmental condition which is present from very early on in life, although it may not be a cause for concern at that stage. It affects how individuals make sense of the world, relate to others and process information. Individuals with AS tend to experience difficulties in three main areas - social communication, social interaction and social imagination.

The features of AS can be subtle and not be a cause for concern early in life and so individuals with AS may only become aware of their condition as they develop through adolescence and into adulthood. They may become increasingly aware that they are "different" from other people in a variety of ways - particularly struggling to make sense of interpersonal relationships and social communications. This often becomes evident as people develop and have more interaction with the wider world through school, college, university and the workplace.

Many of the characteristics of AS are also strengths and can mean that individuals with AS can be very successful and achieve highly in a range of fields.

Adult Asperger Syndrome diagnostic process

The exact nature of an assessment will need to be tailored to the particular needs of the individual. However, in most cases an assessment is likely to consist of some or all of the following components:

• An initial brief telephone/email conversation to discuss current difficulties and how these might be related to AS.
• A first appointment where a history will be taken, current difficulties discussed and two screening questionnaires given out to be taken away, completed and returned.
• A second appointment to either feedback the conclusions if a diagnosis of AS is not indicated or to carry out further assessments including a structured interview. It will be necessary to attend this second assessment interview with a close relative who has knowledge of your early childhood history.
• In some cases it may be useful to carry out a full cognitive assessment.
• A final feedback session to discuss the results of all the assessments carried out and any recommendations that arise from the assessment process.
• A written report will be provided summarising the results of the assessment and any recommendations made.

For More information and to find out more about the services David can offer please contact him by telephone or e-mail:

Website: www.high-view.org.uk
Email: david@high-view.org.uk
Telephone: 01435 862388