The current Burn Care Standards (BBA: Burn Care Standards and Outcomes 2018) recommend that NHS services provide psychological care to burn injured patients, their families and/or carers using appropriately trained health professionals. Such professionals might be clinical psychologists, counsellors or psychotherapists. Psychological care should include initial and ongoing assessment and monitoring of psychological status during the whole of the burn pathway.
Burn services should provide different levels of psychological support using a tiered approach to assessment and care whereby all patients, their families and/or carers receive the appropriate level of professional support depending on their needs.
If you feel you are in need of psychological care or support, in the first instance, you can approach the hospital where you received treatment for your burn injury if it is still functioning as a burns service. If you no longer live in the same area, were treated elsewhere or that service no longer exists you may contact your nearest hospital burns centre or unit for advice. You can find your nearest burns service in the ‘Hospital’ section of this site under Regional Support .
In some parts of the UK, patients may self-refer for counselling as part of NHS IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies). For more information and to check if self-referral is available in your area, follow this link, NHS free therapy or counselling
However, if you would like to seek psychological support privately, you may use the links listed below to first understand the difference between the kinds of professionals who might help you (psychologist, psychotherapist or counsellor), then find one in your area and check if they are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Psychologists, Psychotherapists or Counsellors who work as private pratitioners and have experience working with patients living with burn injuries will be listed below if known. If there is no listing for a private practitioner in your area, you may use the links above to find one. Please bear in mind it is your responsibility to ensure the service being offered meets your requirements. We cannot guarantee the quality of services or products being offered.
Maria Lawford, Counsellor, BACP registered. Essex area. Private counselling. Maria used to work with burns patients as a Senior Counsellor in the Psychological Therapies Service at Broomfield Hospital (NHS), Chelmsford. Her contact information can be found using the links below. Contact through British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapyg
Dr Laura Shepherd, Clinical Psychologist, HPCP registered, CBT Therapist. Dronfield, North East Derbyshire near Sheffield. Alongside her private practice, Laura is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist in the Burns and Major Trauma services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. Email: enquiries@laurashepherd-psychologist.co.uk Contact information:visit Laura Shepherd’s website
Dr Jonathan Gibbins, Clinical Psychologist, HPCP registered. London area. Trained Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapist (EMDR), CBT, Systemic family therapy and Narrative therapy. Alongside his private practice, Jonathan has over 3 years’ experience working in a specialist burns service at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. Email: drjonathangibbins@gmail.com Contact information: visit Jonathan Gibbins website
Dr Jade Redfern, Clinical Psychologist, HPCP registered, chartered with the British Psychological Society. Private practice in Wimbledon, London. Alongside her private practice, Jade works for the NHS, at Chelsea & Westminster Burns Unit, across both adult and paediatric services. She offers evidence-based approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and Trauma-Focused CBT for treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She also provides therapy and support for individuals struggling with low mood, anxiety and appearance concerns. Available to meet face to face, Skype or telephone sessions. Email: jade.redfern@mindsensepsychology.co.uk Contact information:MindSense Psychology Services
