Clinical & Forensic Psychology in Exeter & South-West.
Psychological assessments & interventions: mental health problems; neuro-developmental disorders - ADHD and Autism; & PTSD.
About Isca Psychology
Overview of Services
A highly experienced Consultant Clinical and Forensic Psychologist offering expert witness services to the Courts, comprehensive psychological assessments, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions for individuals. Additionally, providing professional teaching, consultation, and supervision to healthcare professionals, legal teams, and organisations.
Dr Karen Gough
I am a HCPC registered Clinical & Forensic Psychologist with over 25 years experience working in NHS and independent healthcare services, universities, and providing expert witness services. I am warm, approachable and flexible in my approach and specialise in comprehensive assessments, schema therapy and EMDR for PTSD.
Specific Assessments & Interventions
Mental Health Assessments
Assessments are designed to provide a comprehensive picture of your emotional, psychological, and behavioral health. Through clinical interviews, self-report questionnaires, and observations, I will gather information on your mental and physical health history, current symptoms, and life circumstances.
Psychological Formulation
Beyond diagnosis, psychological formulation is a collaborative process that explores the “how” and “why” behind your experiences. Using a biopsychosocial approach, I will consider biological, psychological, and social factors that may contribute to your current challenges. By understanding predisposing factors (e.g., past experiences), precipitating events (e.g., recent stressors), perpetuating elements (e.g., ongoing stress), and protective factors (e.g., strengths and support), the client will have a deeper understanding of their difficulties with a view to learning to manage them or seeking therapy / interventions to address them.
Neuro-diversity Assessments
ADHD and Autism are conditions that are often misdiagnosed or missed altogether, especially in females. With a diagnosis, individuals will have a better understanding of themselves and learn to find ways of adapting to a world which is more tailored to neuro-typical people. Comprehensive psychological assessments of these neuro-developmental disorders can be completed, and summarised in detailed reports that can be used to facilitate access arrangements in education settings, e.g., the need for extra time or to sit exams separately from other students.
These assessments are available for individuals aged 16 years +.
Assessments of Trauma & Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Trauma can result from any deeply distressing experience, such as accidents, abuse, natural disasters, or loss. Trauma impacts each person uniquely, often leading to intense emotional reactions and changes in how we see ourselves and the world. Symptoms may include persistent feelings of fear or sadness, emotional numbness, difficulty concentrating, and a heightened startle response. People with PTSD may experience vivid flashbacks, intrusive memories, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, and heightened anxiety. These symptoms can interfere with daily life, relationships, and one’s overall sense of well-being.
EMDR
EMDR is a highly effective, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals heal from traumatic experiences and distressing memories. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses guided eye movements or other forms of rhythmic stimulation to reduce the emotional impact of traumatic memories, allowing the brain to process and re-frame them in a healthier way.
How Does EMDR Work?
During an EMDR session, you’ll focus on a specific memory or negative belief while following the therapist’s guided eye movements or other sensory cues. This process helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge and allowing for a greater sense of control and resolution.
Schema Focused Therapy
Schema-Focused Therapy is an evidence-based approach designed to help individuals understand and change deep-rooted patterns, or “schemas,” that can negatively impact thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Schemas often develop in childhood and represent unhelpful beliefs and coping mechanisms that may lead to challenges in relationships, self-esteem, and emotional regulation. Schema Therapy is particularly effective for individuals dealing with chronic depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, personality disorders, and trauma-related issues. It helps clients break free from limiting patterns, fostering long-term change and emotional resilience.
Psychological Reports
I provide comprehensive psychological assessment and intervention reports tailored to meet individual needs. These reports offer in-depth insights and clear recommendations to guide both treatment and personal growth.