Dr Sheena Macalister
Clinical Psychologist & Associate
Dr Sheena Macalister is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist who has gained a wide range of clinical experience within the 17 years that she has worked for the NHS. After qualifying in 2006, she initially worked in community Child and Adolescent Mental Health services. Over recent years, she has worked in various hospitals in London with people suffering with long-term physical health conditions and those with life limiting illness. She is passionate about applying psychological principles to help people adjust to their symptoms and find ways to engage with the most meaningful areas in their lives.
In private practice, Sheena uses a variety of therapeutic approaches to address a range of problems, including depression, anxiety and difficulties adjusting to illness and experiences of loss. She recognises that an individual’s problems can impact more widely on relationships, and her therapy can therefore include partners or family members if this would be of benefit to her clients.
In recent years, Sheena has developed a particular interest in compassion-focused therapy – an approach which goes straight to the heart of understanding the origins of our emotions. She particularly values how engaging in compassionate mind training can help to de-stigmatise a person’s experience of distress, reduce feelings of isolation and increase confidence in managing challenges as they arise.
Dr Sheena Macalister - Training and Experience
2006: Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, University of Southampton
1999: BSc (Hons) Psychology, University of Portsmouth
2021: Compassion-focused chair work and digital applications. The Compassionate Mind Foundation
2021: Advanced skills training in Compassion-focused therapy. The Compassionate Mind Foundation
2021: Using Compassion-focused therapy for shame based trauma memories. Deborah Lee
2020: Evolution, attachment and compassion-focused therapy. Paul Gilbert
2017: Compassion focused therapy for long-term conditions. Mary Welford
2012: Acceptance and commitment therapy: intermediate skills training. Mindfulness Training Ltd.
2012: Acceptance and commitment therapy: experiential introduction. Mindfulness Training Ltd.
2009: Systemic consultation in schools. Tavistock, London
HCPC Registered Psychologist: PYL16322
Aviva (600139865); AXA PPP Healthcare (SM08846); Cigna Healthcare (217965); WPA (920990174)
If you’d like to book a session with Dr Sheena Macalister, get in touch today
Interested in getting help, but therapy doesn’t feel right at the moment? If so, check out some of our compassion self-help options