We’re Gayle and Alicia and we are the co-founders of Turning Tides Psychology. We are both Clinical Psychologists and understand from our work that life has its ups and down.
Our aim in setting up Turning Tides Psychology was to create a welcoming environment where people can access prompt, high quality support for their difficulties. We do this by offering a wide range of evidence based talking therapies.
If we cannot offer you what you need, we will signpost you to someone who can.




The Team
All our psychologists have a doctoral level qualification and over four years post-qualification experience. They also have additional qualifications in specific therapies and are registered with the HCPC which regulate the profession. You can find out more about the team below.
Who are we?
Dr Alicia Brown
Experience
I have over 10 years’ experience of working with adults (18+) with a wide range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, sleep and managing long term health conditions like chronic pain and cancer. I have a special interest in working with people who have experienced trauma (single event and complex). I use a number of evidence-based therapies including Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Approach
I understand therapy can be an unnerving prospect and therefore my first aim is to make you feel as comfortable as possible. Once this has been established we will work together on a plan for therapy which may involve using a blend of different therapies.
Training and Qualifications
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) - Teesside University.
Attachment Informed- Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (AI-EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR)
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT): Advanced Clinical Skills.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy(ACT) for Physical Health Problems: Advanced Level.
Accreditation to Professional Bodies
I am registered with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC- PYL36068) and uphold requirements for codes of conduct, CPD and supervision.
Dr Gayle Watts
Experience
I have over 12 years of experience working both in the NHS and the private sector. I completed my doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2016 and since then, I have worked within both mental health and physical health settings. I have gained extensive experience of working with difficulties such as anxiety, depression, stress, sleep difficulties, anger management and adjustment to living with long term conditions. As well as providing 1:1 support for clients, I have provided supervision and training to other members of a multidisciplinary team.
I have a special interest in the relationship between physical health and mental health and have found Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to be a particularly helpful model for helping people to adjust to difficult circumstances and to find a way to move forwards. I have undertaken further training in ACT and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) since qualifying as a Clinical Psychologist and find that incorporating elements from both models can enhance their effectiveness.
Approach
I understand it can be daunting coming to see a psychologist and therefore I initially prioritise building the therapeutic relationship. I have a warm, empathic approach to try and help you feel at ease. I offer a non-judgemental space where you can talk openly about your difficulties. I will work with you to gain a shared understanding of what is maintaining your problems. We will then discuss a tailored plan to try and help you achieve your goals. This often involves using a blend of different therapies to find the right fit for your individual needs.
Training and Qualifications
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) - Teesside University.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Physical Health Problems: Advanced Level.
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT): Advanced Clinical Skills
Accreditation to Professional Bodies
I am fully registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC - PYL34285) and uphold required standards for codes of conduct, continued professional development and supervision.
Associates
Dr Hayley Lyon

I offer online private therapy to adults and teenagers (17+)
Training and Qualifications
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) - Teesside University.
Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR)
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT): Advanced Clinical Skills
Accreditation to Professional Bodies
I am fully registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC - PYL34960. I uphold required standards for codes of conduct, continued professional development and supervision.
Our Values
At Turning Tides, we provide psychological care that is in line with the core values of our practice.
Compassion- Our psychologists will provide a safe, non-judgemental space for you to open up, and will always respond with empathy and compassion.
Trust- We understand the importance of building a trusting therapeutic relationship with your psychologist to allow you to feel comfortable and at ease.
Integrity- We also appreciate the importance of making progress during therapy and taking steps forward towards your goals and desired outcomes. All of our therapy is provided by fully qualified clinical or counselling psychologists, with at least 2 years post-qualification experience.
Competence- All of our psychologists have undertaken further training in specific, evidence-based therapeutic approaches to ensure they can competently apply and deliver these in clinical practice.


Contact Us Today
For a free 15-minute consultation with a psychologist complete the contact us form.