Qualifications and Experience

Qualifications and background

Dr Hazel Rayner AFBPsS, CPsychol, PsychD, BA(Hons), DipRSA
HCPC Registered Clinical Psychologist
Chartered Psychologist, Associate Fellow and Full Member of British Psychological Society and Division of Clinical Psychology 

Clinical Psychology training

I hold a degree (BA Hons) in Psychology from the University of Sussex and a Doctorate (PsychD) in Clinical Psychology from the University of Surrey.

Clinical Psychologists have extensive training in understanding and treating wide-ranging psychological difficulties across the lifespan. After completing a first degree in Psychology – the scientific study of how people think, feel, behave and make sense of the world – Clinical Psychologists go on to further post-graduate studies applying the science of psychology to understand the factors that can lead to, maintain and alleviate psychological distress. This includes training in a range of approaches to psychological therapy in order that treatment can be carefully tailored to clients’ unique situations, needs and preferences.

My own Doctoral studies included extensive training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as well as Behavioural, Systemic and Psychodynamic Therapies, neuropsychology, developmental psychology, attachment and research methods. 

Post-qualification experience

I have worked in a range of NHS settings since qualifying as a Clinical Psychologist in 2004, including 12 years in a community Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), four years in a specialist Child Protection service working with children and families who have experienced sexual trauma, a temporary redeployment (during the COVID-19 pandemic) to an adolescent inpatient unit, and two years in a community Adult Mental Health team.  

Continued professional training

Since qualification, I have undertaken further training and study in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing), Trauma-Focused CBT, Compassion-Focused Therapy for trauma, Schema-Informed CBT, CBT for Insomnia, CBT for Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Ecotherapy (including Walk & Talk Therapy) and Relationships & Sex Education for vulnerable children and families.  

Menopause & Peri-menopause

In 2023, while working for the NHS, I attended Myla Health’s Menopause Ambassador training.

After realising the profound but often overlooked impacts that the menopause transition can have on psychological wellbeing, work and family life, I have since been pursuing further study into the development of psychological therapies to support mental health as well as alleviate symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. I am hoping to develop my work in this specialist area and provide more online resources about this as I build my independent practice.