About Me

Dr Kristina Westcott

My inspiration to become a Clinical Psychologist came to me while studying Computing at University. I found myself quite uninspired by my work and increasingly drawn towards topics around human behaviour, relationships and emotional wellbeing. This led to a complete refocus of attention with regards to my career towards psychology.

I completed my first degree in Psychology in 2002 after which I worked for three years as an Assistant Psychologist, working within children, adult and older adults mental health services, learning disabilities services and as a research assistant on a dementia project.

I completed my Doctorate degree in 2008 before beginning my working life as a qualified Clinical Psychologist in Newcastle, working for the NHS in adult mental health and physical health services. Over the years I have gained a wealth of experience working with individuals, couples and families with a wide range of physical, emotional, behavioural and psychological issues.

In 2016 I gained my accreditation as a Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, which brings together understanding from cognitive behavioural and psychoanalytic schools of thoughts. This therapy looks at the importance of relationships in your life, including your relationship with yourself as well as with others. I went on to train in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy between January 2022 and October 2023 which is a type of psychotherapy used to treat trauma amongst other conditions. EMDR aims to help individuals process and integrate distressing memories that may be “stuck” and continue to cause emotional distress.

In January 2019, I set up my private practice, offering assessment, formulation and psychological therapy. I also continue to work for the NHS at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle upon Tyne with adults with cystic fibrosis and other physical health conditions.

I am passionate about my work and have been inspired by many of the people I have worked with over the years. I enjoy being part of people’s motivation to change, helping them to feel understood and to confront and overcome their pains and struggles. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process and endeavour to maintain the most engaging, effective and ethically sound practice possible.

Further Training

January 2022 to October 2023

EMDR therapy

Richman EMDR training

March 2021

Compassion Focused Therapy

Chris Ions

December 2018

Good Clinical Practice

Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

July 2018

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Trauma

Dr Kevin Meares

February 2018

Enhanced Induction for New Managers

Newcastle upoin Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

March 2016

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

David Gillanders

April – December 2010

Intermediate Training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Newcastle CBT Centre

October 2009 – April 2010

Supervisors Workshop

Newcastle Clinical Psychology Doctorate

April 2009

Building Core Competencies in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Therapy Christine Padesky, London

March 2008

Psychodynamic Workshop

Tavistock Centre, London

Publications and Conferences

Askew, K., Bamford, J.,Hudson, N., et al. (2017). Current Characteristics, challenges and coping strategies of young people with cystic fibrosis as they transition to adulthood. Clinical Medicine, 17 (2), 121-125.

Wilson, A., Askew, K. & Dudley. R. (2017). An experimental investigation into the role of ruminative and mindful self-focus in non-clinical paranoia. Journal of behavioural therapy and experimental psychiatry. 54, 170-177.

Askew, K. & Dudley, R. (2010) ‘Attachment style and beliefs about self and others in paranoia and social phobia’. 38th Annual Conference. British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies Conference, Manchester University 21 st -23 rd July. July 2010.

Stephenson, M., Fraser, F. & Askew, K. (2007). Staffs’ perceptions of alcohol misuse in older people. PSIGE Newsletter (97).

McKeith, I., Rowan, E., Askew,K. et al., (2006). More severe functional
impairment in dementia with lewy bodies than Alzheimer’s disease is related to extrapyramidal motor dysfunction. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 14 (7), 582-588.

Rowan, E., Saxby, B., Askew, K., et al. (2004). ‘Improved attentional performance in DLB and PDD following Donepezil treatment. British Association for psychopharmacology Conference, Summer Meeting. 25-28th July. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 14 (7) Sage publications, 18 (3).