Category Archives: News

Congratulations To Dr Valerie Sinason

Congratulations from all of us to Dr Valerie Sinason, CDS UK Founder and Former Director, who has just been made a fellow of the ISSTD – March 2018 – to add to her Lifetime Achievement Award of 2016. Fitting recognition to her lasting contribution to the field of complex trauma and dissociation.

Dr Rachel Thomas Appointed Clinic Director

RachelOn 9th January 2017 Dr Rachel Thomas, Consultant Clinical Psychologist & Consultant Adult Psychotherapist took over as Clinic Director, succeeding Dr Valerie Sinason, who retired from the post at the age of 70 years.

Dr Thomas stated:  ‘it is a challenge but a great privilege to be following in the footsteps of the Clinic’s founder and pioneer. I hope I can both do justice to her legacy and also take the Clinic forward into a new era of development in 2017. I am delighted that Dr Sinason’s expertise remains available to the Clinic in a senior consultative role going forward’.

Dr Thomas was previously the Clinic’s lead clinician, following 20 years’ experience working in the NHS in complex mental health with traumatised patients.

New Premises Opened

IMG_7684 (1)Sir Richard Bowlby and Lady Xenia Bowlby have formally opened the Clinic’s new premises in north London. Speaking to a packed room of leading practitioners in the field, Sir Richard praised the outstanding work of the Clinic. Lady Xenia read a tribute from Professor Brett Kahr.

clinic opening 2Other speakers included former Detective Chief Inspector Clive Driscoll, who highlighted the importance of supporting Clinic patients attempting the very difficult task of reporting historical abuse to the police when suffering from dissociative disorders.

Dr Rachel Thomas Addresses ESTD

RachelDr Rachel Thomas, spoke at the 2016 annual conference of the European Society of Trauma and Dissociation.

Dr Thomas, Director Elect at the Clinic for Dissociative Studies, gave two lectures, one on how to address professional scepticism in the field of dissociation.