Finder

Specialises in

• Behavioural Activation (BA)
• CBT with Exposure and Response Prevention (CBT with ERP)
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Counselling

• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Motivational Interviewing
• Schema focused therapy

• Short Term Psychodynamic Therapy
• Solution Focused Brief Therapy
• Trauma focused CBT

Offers

• Face-to-face consultations
• Video and telephone consultations

About me

Dr Maria Daves is a Consultant Counselling Psychologist with over 20 years experience of working therapeutically in the area of neurodiversity (ASD and ADHD) and mental health settings. She draws upon cognitive-behavioural, systemic and psychodynamic models, which she uses to tailor a unique formulation and treatment plan for each person, according to the difficulties with which they are struggling and the changes they wish to make. She often uses schema-informed therapy, as well as techniques from Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Dr Daves works collaboratively with neurodivergent clients who have ADHD/ASD to address their presenting needs and personal goals. Dr Daves's interventions are bespoke and acknowledge the biological underpinnings of ADHD/ASD and address the core symptoms of their mental health difficulties, as well as, addressing the academic, vocational, emotional and interpersonal life difficulties that can present in this client group. She helps clients find ways to overcome their challenges.

Dr Daves's approach is informed by an evolving psychological formulation; a shared understanding of a client's presenting difficulties arrived at through exploration and reflection.

Autism Spectrum, ADHD and Neurodevelopmental Diagnostic Assessment: Dr Daves provides Adolescent (16+) and Adult Autism and ADHD Diagnostic assessments. She uses the gold standard assessment tools recommended by the Clinical NICE Guidelines. She is an accredited DISCO user, ADOS and ADI-R administrator. She uses the DIVA (UKAAN) and ACE Plus assessment tools and the CONNERS for ADHD assessments.

Dr Daves also provides cognitive assessments using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - Fourth UK Edition (WAIS-IV UK) which provides the most advanced measure of cognitive ability in adults.

Dr Daves started her career working with Autistic people and those diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD). This remains one of her specialist areas. She has gone on to work with adults with longstanding emotional and psychological difficulties and she has a strong interest in Neurodevelopmental difficulties, especially in women, and those coming to terms with other health, personal issues and lifespan challenges. Dr Daves has had experience in both the National Health Service and the Private Healthcare Sector.

Dr Daves also works with people who are struggling with broader difficulties, for example, anxiety, low self-esteem, difficulties managing emotion and the impact of unresolved traumas from the past.

Areas of interest

Autism; ADHD; Autism and women; ADHD and women; Autism diagnostic assessment; ADHD diagnostic assessment; Neurodiversity; Depression; Anxiety; Trauma; Addiction; Emotional regulation; anger; OCD; Eating Disorder; Phobia; ages 16 - 85.

Specialist interests and expertise in the following physical conditions

• Eating disorders

• Gastrointestinal disorders

• Neurological disorders

Medical secretaries

• Jane Hill
• Baumhaus Medical Spaces 17B Bluehouse Lane OXTED Surrey RH8 0AA
• 07549 397635
• drmariasecretary@gmail.com