Dr. Neil Drew

Chartered Clinical Psychologist
BSc(Hons), MSc, DClinPsy, CPsychol

About me

I’m Neil. I grew up in Bournemouth and have moved around the South West but now live in Dorchester with my wife and two children. We also have a dog named Gus, who loves a good walk or run on the trails.

My interest in psychology, the brain, and why people do what they do has always been fascinating to me. I personally have lived experience of mental health and neurodivergence, and have close friends and family that do as well. It has always been around in my life which is likely what led me here.

My aim within my private practice is to provide an authentic, transparent service. Finding the right person to work with can be overwhelming. I believe this process shouldn’t be confusing or anxiety-provoking, it should be collaborative and empowering for individuals. All you have to do is send me a message, and I will get back to you with next steps.

Experience

I have worked within mental health, autism, and neurodivergence since 2011 and qualified as a Clinical Psychologist in 2018 at Exeter University and continued working in the NHS until 2022.

I have worked in a wide range of settings, but once qualified I decided to specialise in neurodivergence, in particular autism and ADHD. This led to me working in an inpatient unit for adolescents with neurodivergence and mental health difficulties. I then worked within Dorset Healthcare at the Community Adult Autism Service (CAAS). A service that specialises in adult autism diagnostic assessments. Alongside this, I had a role within another specialist service that carried out cognitive assessments for memory and suspected dementia. Previous roles have also included learning disability services, community mental health teams, stroke hospital wards, and older people’s mental health. 

With regards to therapy, I tailor my approach to best meet the needs of the person in front of me.  I tend to take an integrative approach informed by Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Further information

  • Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) – Exeter University 2018
  • Masters Foundation of Clinical Psychology (MSc) – Bournemouth University 2013
  • Psychology Undergraduate (BScHons) – Plymouth University 2011
  • EMDR Practitioner – 2023
  • UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN): Diagnosis and Assessment Training – 2022
  • Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) Foundation – 2020
  • ADOS-2 Trained 2019
  • Kiddle., H. Drew, N. Wigmore, J. (2014). A pilot memory café for people with Learning Disabilities and memory difficulties. British Journal of Learning Disabilities.
  • Drew, N. (2012). The study of human interaction when playing rock paper scissors. The Plymouth Student Scientist, 5, (1), 119-139.
Contact me

It all starts with a message. Get in touch today for further details or to arrange a consult.