Dr Nicola Sutton

Dr Nicola Sutton is a Registered Forensic Psychologist with over 15 years of experience working in mental health services. She specialises in the assessment, treatment, and risk management of complex presentations, including personality disorder, complex trauma, and individuals posing a serious risk of harm to themselves and others. Dr. Sutton has extensive experience with those experiences severe and enduring mental illnesses, particularly those with difficulties associated with complex trauma and dissociation.

Dr. Sutton currently serves as the Clinical Lead and Principal Forensic Psychologist for the Complex Needs Service within an NHS Health Board. In this role, Dr. Sutton provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for complex presentations, primarily involving personality disorder, complex trauma, and high-risk behaviour to self and others. Her therapeutic work predominantly focuses on addressing complex trauma, PTSD, and dissociative disorders using specialised therapies such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR).

In her role as an Independent Psychologist, Dr. Sutton has provided expert evidence in childcare proceedings related to the risk of harm and neglect of children. She has also conducted psychological assessments, interventions, and specialist consultations for children and adolescent with attachment difficulties, mental health challenges, learning disabilities, challenging behaviours, and sexualised behaviours. Dr. Sutton has presented psychological assessments to Parole Board hearing in criminal law proceedings, including risk assessments for sexual and violent offences.

Dr. Sutton’s areas of expertise and interest include the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults exhibiting serious risk behaviours, as well as the assessment and intervention of complex, severe, and enduring mental health issues and personality disorders. She provides supervision and consultation to staff in psychology, occupational therapy, nursing, and psychological therapies. Dr. Sutton conducts specialised risk assessments using tools such as the HCR-20 and the Risk of Sexual Violence Protocol (RSVP). She is also trained in administering the International Personality Disorder Examination (IPDE).

Dr. Sutton offers comprehensive services, including high-quality, evidence-based psychological therapy and clinical supervision. She provides specialised training on a broad range of psychological topics tailored to the needs of organisations. Dr. Sutton is dedicated to supporting her peers and other professionals in the field, consulting, advising, and delivering professional training to enhance their skills and knowledge.