Dr Adele de Gray Towell
Clinical Psychologist
About me
Hi! My name is Adele (yes, like the singer!). I am a HCPC registered clinical psychologist, who specialises in working with young people and families, and adults with physical health difficulties. I moved to Birmingham from the South for my clinical training and have not looked back since. I have been working in the psychology field since 2012 with significant experience of working within a range of populations across the lifespan and settings.
My experiences
My initial interest in working in psychology originated from me supporting my family to care for my grandfather following a stroke. This experience at an early age shaped me and continues to be a driving factor in the work I do. Following completion of my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, I chose to work with young people in various settings including inpatient, children’s homes and CAMHS services (including within a neurodevelopmental assessment service). Having experienced challenges with my own physical health, I am able to combine these experiences with my passion in helping others. I currently work part time in an NHS paediatric service alongside my associate work.
My unique approach
I pride myself on being an integrated practitioner, who enjoys working with a range of therapeutic models to suit my client’s needs. I am passionate in working alongside you in therapy and am keen to embrace the strengths and resources you bring to therapy in order to help facilitate change and enhance your quality of life. My particular therapeutic interests are in systemic, narrative, compassion-focused and acceptance and commitment approaches. I find that these therapies offer warmth, empathy and understanding to overcoming the obstacles that may be getting in the way of you living the life you want to.
I acknowledge that someone’s difficulties do not just impact them but also on the system around them. When I work with young people, I always have this in mind and can work flexibly to suit the needs of the individual, such as working with parents and consulting with the school environment. Having experienced the impact of both mental health and physical health challenges within my own family system, I feel I have a strong understanding of how brave and courageous a decision to take up therapy can be. This is why it is vitally important to me when working with you that I adapt my work to suit you. I have found sensitivity and trust in the therapeutic relationship is particularly integral. I have significant experience of working with neurodevelopmental difference and enjoy using creative methods in my work.
Outside of work…
I spend a lot of my free time reading and discovering new music. I enjoy exploring new places, particularly if it involves discovering an unexpected restaurant! I like to live life close to my values of connecting with others and finding joy in the little things.
Thank you for choosing to read more about me. I look forward to hearing more about your story.
Professional Membership
- HCPC Practitioner Psychologist PYL041851
- Qualifications
- University of Birmingham (2019-2022) Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
- Bournemouth University (2011-2012) MSc Foundations of Clinical Psychology including Placement in Oncology - Distinction.
- Southampton Solent University (2008- 2011) BSc Psychology (Accredited with British Psychological Society) - 2.1.
Additional Training
- Application of CFT with Children, Families & Young People- Compassionate Mind Foundation (2023)
- Supervisor Training and Recognition (STAR)- University of Leicester (2023)
- Introductory Certificate in Cognitive Analytic Therapy- University of Birmingham (2022)
- Putting ACT into Practice- Think Psychology, Dr Richard Bennett (2021)
- Explain Pain- Neuro Orthopaedic Institute (2018)
- ACT skills for therapy- EDAS UK (2016)
- DBT Skills for Adolescents- Oxford Health (2013)
