I trained in Clinical Psychology at University College, London, UK.  I completed my Doctoral training in 2011 and have been practicing within Child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in London in the National Health Service (NHS) for the past 11 Years.  I moved to Finland in May 2021 with my family and am currently studying Finnish language alongside my work as a parenting coach with Compass Psychology.

I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the British Psychological Society (BPS) in the UK but it is important to note that I am still in the process of gaining registration to practice from Valvira.  As such I am currently unable to undertake work as a psychologist within Finland and instead I am able to provide individual and group work as a parenting coach and therapist.

I am qualified to work across the lifespan with children, young people and adults with a range of mental health difficulties. I use an integrative and evidence-based approach to treatment and psychological therapy.  My training in psychological therapies is extensive and includes: CBT, Acceptance and commitment therapy, Compassion focussed therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Mindfulness, Mentalization informed therapy, Psychodynamic, Narrative and systemic approaches with clients.

During my clinical career, I have had the opportunity to work with a range of client groups in a range of contexts (Community, schools, hospital, forensic settings).  Working in London I have had the privilege of working with people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.  I am really passionate about understanding cultural difference and how this can influence mental health and recovery,

Parenting

I am passionate about parenting work and have extensive experience of working with parents of children and young people within clinical and educational settings. I strongly believe in the role of parents in supporting their children’s emotional and behavioural development. My focus is on understanding and enhancing connection in the parent child relationship and enabling parents to build skills and confidence in their parenting. I am experienced in using the incredible years program and am trained in the reflective parenting approach. I draw upon attachment theory and mentalization to create a safe space for parents to explore and reflect on their child’s needs.

Dr Lisa Smith

DClinpsy, MBPsS, HCPC (PYL27390)

Languages: English

I am a Psychology student at the University of Helsinki and the part-time Office Manager at Compass Psychology. I am half Finnish and half English and lived abroad in France, Scotland, Spain, England and New Zealand after graduating high school. Internationality is therefore close to my heart and I feel grateful to be working at Compass Psychology where so many great professionals are working for the wellbeing of international people in Helsinki. 

I have a background of working in childcare and youth work both in Finland and in the UK. I also currently work part time assisting at a rehabilitation programme for children with ADHD and Autism.

At Compass Psychology, some of my tasks include invoicing, paying bills and archiving, writing our monthly newsletter, keeping our website up to date, and assisting the management.