DCounsPsych, PhD, CPsychol

Dr Susie Dawson is an HCPC Registered Counselling Psychologist and Chartered Psychologist with The British Psychological Society. Susie works with the NHS in a consultancy role within a Complex Safeguarding Team and also has a private practice. Susie has two doctorates (DCounsPsych; PhD); her Professional Doctoral Research (2015) investigated veterinary surgeons’ experiences of depression. In Susie’s research PhD (2007) she investigated caregivers’ lived experiences of companion animal euthanasia and identified the concept of responsibility grief. Susie has presented her research findings at conferences internationally (Canada, Japan & Vienna) and to BVNA, BEVA and BSAVA. Susie has developed and delivered training programmes for veterinary surgeons and nurses, including being a touring guest speaker for Hills Pet Nutrition. Susie has two master’s degrees; in addition to Susie’s first degree she also has PGCE and is a qualified teacher. Susie is trained in advanced skills in compassion focused therapy and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy Skills. Susie has a particular interest in neurodiversity, trauma sensitive mindfulness and compassion-focused approaches to self-care. Before becoming a psychologist Susie worked with a number of animal welfare charities including, The Blue Cross, The RSPCA and RSPCA International in post war Bosnia.