About
Dr Dorothy Szinay (she/her)
I am a Chartered and HCPC-registered Practitioner Psychologist working across therapy and coaching, supervision and mentoring, research, evaluation and applied behavioural science.
My work is shaped by a long-standing interest in how people make sense of their experiences, how systems support or hinder wellbeing, and how psychological knowledge can be applied in ways that are ethical, practical and genuinely helpful.
I work with individuals, couples, trainees, professionals and organisations, and I value clarity, integrity and compassion across all areas of my work.
How I Came to This Work
My professional journey has taken me through a range of roles, including researcher, lecturer, consultant, and practitioner psychologist. Each of these has deepened my understanding of human behaviour in different ways and reinforced my commitment to evidence-based, person-centred work.
More than 15 years ago, I began working with autistic children and children with Down syndrome, often in therapeutic and community-based settings. During this time, I also facilitated support groups for LGBTQ+ communities, creating spaces where people could feel safe, respected, and understood.
I later moved into research and public health, focusing on patient-centred approaches, health inequalities, and the development and evaluation of interventions that could make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. This included work in digital health, implementation science, and service design, where I supported teams to translate theory into real-world practice.
Alongside this, I have taught and supervised students at undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral level, and I continue to value supervision and mentoring as a vital part of the profession.
Education and Credentials
I hold doctoral-level qualifications in health psychology and behavioural science and am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC - Reg: PYL045759) as a Practitioner Psychologist. I am also a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society (Reg: 428877) and a full member of the Division of Health Psychology. My training and qualifications include
Professional Doctoral-Level Qualification in Health Psychology - British Psychological Society
PhD Health Psychology and Behavioural Science - University of East Anglia
MSc Health Psychology - University College London
Accredited Neurodiverity Coach and Mentor - TeamOptix (via ADHD Foundation)
Diagnosis and Management of Adult ADHD - Harley Street Mental Health
Continuous Professional Development through various institutions in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing
Research and professional contribution
Alongside my clinical and supervisory work, I continue to contribute to research and applied projects in health psychology and behaviour change. I have authored peer-reviewed publications and presented at international conferences, including the European Health Psychology Society.
This work informs my thinking and keeps me engaged with current debates in the field, but it is distinct from my therapy and supervision practice.
Values
I am guided by a commitment to integrity, equity, and inclusion. I aim to work in ways that are transparent, respectful, and attentive to power, difference, and context. I actively support initiatives that promote equality and human rights, including LGBTQ+ inclusion, trans rights, and reproductive choice.
Final note
Whether you are here as a potential therapy client, a trainee psychologist, or a professional collaborator, I hope this gives you a sense of who I am and how I work. If you would like to know more, you are welcome to get in touch.