Meet our practitioners

We are a group of independent practitioners working collaboratively to best support you and your family.

Dr Katie Adolphus (She/Her)
Clinical Psychologist

I’m Dr Katie Adolphus, a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience.  I started my working life in the NHS in 1995, qualified as a Clinical Psychologist in 1999 and have worked independently since 2009.  

I’ve worked in Specialist Hospital settings, such as Great Ormond Street, and in Community Child & Adolescent Mental Health Teams (CAMHS) and coordinated services for autistic children in a London Borough.  I have also been part of a childhood anxiety research project at Reading University providing an innovative form of therapy.  I am also a lecturer at Exeter University, helping train Primary Wellbeing Practitioners to support children and young people who are autistic and/or have a learning disability. 

What am I like as a person?  

I’m knowledgeable, professional and experienced.  I’m also understanding, straightforward and compassionate; caring deeply about my client’s frustrations, anxieties and concerns.  I’m a good listener who likes to work in a collaborative way using a combination of expertise, experience and team work to help you find a positive way forward.

Sally Leung (She/Her) 
Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

I’m Sally Leung, a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) with over 25 years’ experience, and an autism and ADHD specialist since 2004. 

I’ve been Lead SLT in this field for a London borough, worked closely with specialist teams in CAMHS and education and have extensive experience in conducting autism and ADHD diagnostic assessments. I have also developed new therapy approaches and packages for autistic children and those with ADHD.

What am I like as a person? I’m experienced, knowledgeable, thorough and professional.  I’m also down to earth and extremely good at engaging younger children who struggle to communicate with others. I enjoy working collaboratively and like to use a number of approaches to help find the one(s) that is/are right for you and your child.

Dr Sharon McKinnon (She/Her) 
Clinical Psychologist - Child and Adolescent Specialist

I’m Dr Sharon McKinnon, an Independent Clinical Psychologist since 2017, having previously worked for the NHS both before and after completing my clinical psychology doctorate in 1999. 

My specialisms are therapeutic parenting, attachment-based approaches and developmental trauma. For 17 years, I worked as part of a multi-agency team for children with complex behavioural and mental health difficulties, specialising in children who are looked after and adopted. I’m also trained to complete autism assessments.

What am I like as a person? I am thoughtful, respectful, considerate and calm.  In addition to my role as an Independent Clinical Psychologist, and my assessment work with the Adolphus Practice, I am also a qualified Yoga Teacher.  I have an interest in working with care-experienced young people, and families created through adoption. I use my knowledge and experience to help find the most positive way forward for you and your child.

Dr Jennifer Turner (She/Her) 
Clinical Psychologist - Child and Adolescent Specialist

I’m Dr Jennifer Turner, a qualified Clinical Psychologist since 2014.  I’ve worked in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and undertaken autism assessments both privately, and for the NHS. I have also worked in services that help young neurodivergent people with mental health difficulties (anxiety, obsessional and compulsive behaviours, low mood and depression) and their families, to access education. I am trained to offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) interventions specially adapted for neurodiverse children and young people. 

What am I like as a person? I am warm-hearted, skilled and professional, using a combination of expertise, experience and understanding to find the positive solutions and outcomes you need.  I offer a safe and inclusive space to enable young people to explore  experiences and feelings. I have a particular interest in working with neurodiverse young women. 

Dr Christina White (She/Her) 
Clinical Psychologist - Adult Specialist

I’m Dr Christina White, a qualified Clinical Psychologist and experienced autism assessor. Since qualifying from Cardiff University in 2009, I have worked in the NHS extensively with adults with intellectual disabilities (learning disabilities) and autistic adults. 

I offer Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT) for a range of emotional difficulties, including anxiety, low mood, and emotional regulation. I can work with people who have experienced traumatic and adverse life events. I am skilled in being able to adapt these approaches for neurodiverent people or people with intellectual disabilities in order for them to fully access psychological therapy.

What am I like as a person? I am thoughtful, caring and have a deep interest in supporting people to understand and adapt to the discovery that they are autistic. I can work with the individual and, if appropriate, alongside family members and carers to facilitate understanding. I offer a compassionate and reflective space to discuss any concerns, as well as support to recognise your strengths and resources, working towards your hopes and goals for the future.

Jo Desborough (She/Her)
Autism & ADHD Coach

I am an autistic autism and ADHD coach and I have been working in this field since 2019.  In addition to my lived experience, I have recently achieved a Distinction in my Masters in Autism (Adults).  I also work as a specialist coach for the hybrid self-management system Brain in Hand, and have previous experience in health, HR and voluntary youth organisations gaining additional training in employment law, talent development and ACAS workplace mediation. I am a member of the Institute of Equality and Diversity Professionals.

I am passionate about supporting people in understanding their ‘So what now?’ after a discovery or diagnosis of autism or ADHD.  I champion and centre the voices of the people I work with as we work together to find and implement ways of doing life well. 

I have a wide range of training, practice and interest in:

  • Including the ‘voice’ of autistic people

  • Personalised approaches to developing life skills

  • Intersectionality – co-occurring experiences, neurodistinct types and conditions

  • Reducing barriers to work for autistic adults

  • Social, emotional and cognitive style differences

  • Supporting social and emotional wellbeing

  • Autism and aging

  • Diversity within autism

  • Understanding communication and language barriers

  • Sensory perception and autism

  • Behaviours of concern

  • Collaborative working and the participation of autistic adults

Yasmin Taylor, Mental Health Nurse.

I am Yasmin Taylor, qualified Mental Health Nurse with 12 years' experience. I have worked in both private and NHS organisations within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, completing autism and ADHD assessments for young people.

I also work therapeutically with neurodivergent young people with mental health difficulties such as Anxiety, low mood, depression and trauma, supporting them to build on skills using adapted Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or Dialectical Behaviour Therapy approaches. I have recently completed training in Non-Violent Resistance, in which I have been working with families and parents to support a reduction in violence, control and challenging behaviour within the home.

What am I like as a person?
I am often a busy, playful person. I enjoy working with children and young person, they can teach us so much. I have a special passion around ADHD and Autism, whilst I see it first-hand within my home. If I can help support these young people through some of the challenges and offer support, to make these time less difficult for them to experience.  I am a very passionate about helping animals too if I can. I have rescued many animals from harm and rewilded them back into nature. I provide a loving home for ex battery hens and supporting the local wildlife conservation groups with protecting certain species.

Helen Frost, Specialist Speech & Language Therapist and Psychotherapist

I’m Helen Frost, a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist with over 20 years experience in autism, as well as a qualified Psychotherapist. I have worked in London, Swindon, Bath and Wiltshire in various settings in education, in the NHS, in mental health settings and in private practice. I have extensive experience delivering autism diagnostic assessments within a multidisciplinary team and am passionate about the assessment process being a therapeutic collaboration between client and professional.

What am I like as a person? I am a sociable introvert, with a calm, containing nature and a focussed curiosity in the world and its population. I love getting to know new people and learning from new insights and perspectives. I also love being in nature, giving myself time to refuel and rebalance. I work in a thoughtful, person-centred way.

Kathryn Adolphus (She/Her)
Company Director

I’m Kathryn Adolphus and alongside my wife Katie, I am a Company Director of the family-run Adolphus Practice.  I look after our team and all the behind-the-scenes stuff that nobody else gets to see! I am also responsible for co-ordinating our diagnostic reports and am the main point of contact between clients and clinicians.

I was a veterinary nurse, working in small animal practice during my early career history, a driving instructor and also as a publican, which was an eye opening experience! I have worked within the NHS for many years, most recently before relocating to Wiltshire, for Yorkshire Ambulance Service in my home county as a part of one of their four specialist palliative care crews. It was an extremely rewarding role. I will never forget the final trips we facilitated for patients, allowing people to see places, pets and family one last time.

What am I like as a person? I’m the quiet, thoughtful type with a compassionate nature, thorough and have an eye for detail. 

I enjoy a good documentary. I’m also a huge animal lover (with two rescued street dogs from Romania named Nelly and Nora) and a keen gardener with a passion for growing vegetables. I’m also a bit of a foodie with a love of cooking and of nice restaurants. I enjoy the countryside and feel lucky to now live in the beautiful county of Wiltshire, although nothing beats being in my happy place on a Cornish beach.

Amy Cooper (She/Her)
Assistant Psychologist

 I am Amy Cooper, an Assistant Psychologist at The Adolphus Practice. Since 2004, I have worked a number of different roles within the NHS. I have supported a range of client groups including adults with learning disabilities, supporting them with daily living skills. I have worked with adults within a forensic population, supporting them to rehabilitate back into the community. I have also worked with adults seeking help to manage anxiety and low mood. As part of this role, I gained a postgraduate qualification in teaching Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) skills. After taking a career break to start a family, I completed a Level 3 Diploma in Counselling skills, before working within a primary school as a teaching assistant.

As Assistant Psychologist, my role in the assessment process is to ensure that everyone completes the relevant questionnaires in time for their assessment, and interpret the scores. I also conduct any necessary school observations, and you may see me at the face to face assessment appointments. I also help with writing the final reports before our feedback meetings.

What am I like as a person? I am friendly, approachable and empathic. I have had a keen interest in working with neurodivergent individuals throughout my career so far, and feel privileged to be a part of a team that supports people through such a significant time in their life. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends at the beach or in the New Forest. When my children allow it, I also enjoy relaxing with a good book or crocheting.

Alison Dunevein-Gordon (She/Her)
Practice Manager 

I’m Alison Dunevein-Gordon and I have the honour of being Practice Manager for Dr Katie and the Adolphus Practice. 

I have worked in many different environments during my varied career. After graduating from Leicester University, I worked in the field of new and renewable energy, organising events and promotional activities before finding my niche designing processes. I have created systems for organisations both large and small, and love bringing order to chaos. 

I also love mentoring and coaching and joined the DWP to help during the pandemic. I designed and delivered an employability training course for young people with barriers to work, helping to give them the skills and confidence they needed to achieve their goals in such an uncertain world. 

What am I like as a person? I’m open, friendly and quite tenacious - having overcome health issues to sail the Atlantic with a crew of five friends! I love spending time outdoors with my dogs and horses and was once in a school play (many years ago) with actor Toby Jones – the voice of Dobby the House Elf! 

I look forward to assisting you in any way that I can during your journey with the Adolphus Practice, and to answering any questions that you may have.

Anna Bogaczyk (She/Her)
Clinical Lead / Clinical Psychologist

I am a HCPC – registered Clinical Psychologist who completed the Statement of Equivalence in Clinical Psychology via the British Psychological Society in 2010 and after qualifying I spent 13 years working in the NHS Adult Psychology Service.

My main area of expertise is working with adult clients with mental health difficulties. As a part of my role, I has been involved is completing autism assessment and supporting other clinicians in carrying out adult autism assessments as well as working with neurodivergent clients in therapy. I have experience working with families and young people within a neurodevelopmental assessment service and previously worked in a residential National Autistic Society school providing individualised support for young people. 

I competed DISCO training in 2016 and have extensive experience in delivering psychological assessments and formulations with clients experiencing mental health difficulties as well as those who are neurodivergent. I regularly update and expand my skills in working with neurodiversity and I continue to work with adult clients as well as with young people and their families. 

WE USE IDENTITY FIRST LANGUAGE

The Adolphus Practice uses identity-first language (‘Autistic person’).  

We do this because, after listening to the autistic community we understand that the majority prefer it.  Of course, if you would like us to use person-first language, we will be very happy to do so.