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Dr Anita Holtom-Viesel - Clinical Psychologist

I qualified in 2011, and since qualifying I have specialised in working with children, young people, and their families. For over 10 years I have worked in the NHS in a range of mental health services, and in the last 6 years have worked in children’s mental health services, specifically with children and young people with neurodevelopmental conditions, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and more recently with children in foster care and residential settings.

I also have experience of completing specialist psychological assessments and interventions with children, young people, and their families with mental health needs, and/or neurodevelopmental disorders, in children and adults. I have experience in working within a multi-disciplinary team assessing neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ASD, and am trained to use

use assessment tools such as the ADOS and ADI-R.

When offering interventions I use a range of approaches, and tailor these to meet the individual needs of the child, young person, and family. I have experience of using Cognitive Behavioural approaches, Compassion Focussed Therapy, and Attachment Focussed Interventions, and adapt my approach to suit the age and abilities of the person undertaking the intervention.

In addition to my NHS work, I joined Dr Nikki Mills in her independent psychology service in 2016, and I am now also part of the Help for Psychology team. I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and the British Psychological Society.

Claire Howell - Occupational Therapist

I have been an Occupational Therapist for 23 years. I am a member of the College of Occupational Therapy, and registered with Health Care Professional Council (HCPC).

I trained at Coventry University graduating in 1996. After initially completing a rotational position in an adult acute setting I have specialised in working with children/young people and their families for 21 years.

I have experienced working within a variety of settings, including inpatient facilities, outpatient clinics, community centres and schools. My role has involved providing Occupational Therapy assessment and recommendations to support a child’s daily living activities, at home,

at school, and in their leisure activities. This work has enabled me to develop an extensive knowledge of a wide range of neurodevelopmental needs and diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dyspraxia, ADHD and learning disability. Through all aspects of my work I have developed skills to communicate with people from different professional and personal backgrounds.

As an Occupational Therapist I am interested in learning how children manage activities of daily living. Using appropriate standardised and non-standardised assessment tools I am able to identify a child’s strengths, as well as gaining a greater understanding of their areas of need. I then tailor advice according to the outcome of the assessment, with the aim to enhance occupational performance in daily life.

Since 2003 I have worked within the specialist multidisciplinary team providing holistic assessment for children experiencing neurodevelopmental difficulties. During this time I have gained specialist skills and knowledge in the assessment and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I have a special interest in ASD, and Dyspraxia, and the overlap between these and other neurodevelopmental difficulties. I also enjoy working alongside a child/young person and their family to help gain a greater understanding of the child’s needs, and supporting the family into the future for the child to achieve their potential.

Help for Psychology (Midlands) - Clinical Team

Emma Kiernan - Speech and Language Therapist

I have been working as a qualified Speech and Language Therapist for 19 years. I graduated with a BSc Honours degree in Speech and Language Therapy from the University of Wales Institute Cardiff in June 2000. In the summer of 2014, I was delighted to be awarded the Allied Health Professionals Practice Award from Birmingham City University.

I am a registered member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT's), and the Health Professions Council (HPC). This means I keep up to date with new practice developments to keep my knowledge and skills fresh and current.

My career began in South Warwickshire before specialising and focusing my work within the West Midlands in an Autism assessment and diagnostic service.

I relish working with children and families and feel passionate about supporting a child to develop their communication skills. The ability to communicate is an essential life skill, and I find it extremely rewarding to be part of some life-changing moments for children and their families.

I have specialised in the area of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and Neurodevelopmental difficulties/differences, for 16 years, taking on a lead diagnostic role within the NHS as well as working independently within Multi-Disciplinary Teams. I have developed an in-depth knowledge of child development in children and young people up to the age of 18. I have specialised my practise in order to focus on developing a broader understanding of child development; in particular providing assessment, diagnosis and support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and other related conditions including, Developmental Language Disorder, ADHD, Selective Mutism and reluctant talkers, Dyspraxia, Learning Disability, and sensory processing difficulties. I understand the impact that communication difficulties can have on a child and young person’s development in other areas including their behaviour and emotional and social well-being.

As a busy mum to two boys, I understand the gains and challenges that being a parent can bring. I tailor my advice and support to families with this understanding and empathy in mind.

Dr Nikki Mills - Clinical Psychologist

I specialise in working with children, young people, and their families, by offering assessments and therapeutic treatment for individuals experiencing emotional difficulties, behavioural and developmental disorders, experienced by children or young people, including those with ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder).

I qualified in 2004, taking up a post working with Looked After Children before moving into my speciality of Autism Spectrum Disorder, and leading a team within the NHS to assess for this neurodevelopmental condition, alongside offering therapeutic support for the person diagnosed, parental support, and psychoeducation/training for families and professionals.

Using a range of approaches, I tailor my interventions to be the most effective and appropriate to the individual needs of each child, or young person, and to promote mental well-being.

In 2015 I left the NHS to run a successful independent clinical psychology practise, before accepting a post within a specialist secondary school for boys on the autism spectrum in 2019. I have recently joined the neurodevelopmental team at Help for Psychology.

I also provide consultations and supervision in these areas and I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and the British Psychological Society.