Dr Aimee Swithenbank
Director of Swithenbank Psychology Ltd.
Educational Psychologist
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Swithenbank Psychology Ltd. is a private educational psychology service for children and adults, based in Colchester (Essex), managed by Dr Aimee Swithenbank.
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Dr Swithenbank obtained her Professional Doctorate in Educational and Child psychology at UCL in 2015. She has been a practising educational psychologist (EP) for nine years and has experience in both the private and LA sector. Prior to this, Dr Swithenbank worked in several roles in education and adult vocational day services, supporting individuals with neurodiversity (e.g., autistic spectrum condition/ASC and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder/ADHD), learning differences (e.g., dyslexia/dyscalculia) and regulation difficulties to achieve positive outcomes.
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Dr Swithenbank is registered as a Practitioner Psychologist with the HCPC (registration number PYL32205) – the regulator of health and care professions in the UK. Registration with the HCPC is a legal requirement for all practising EPs in the UK. She is fully insured and holds an enhanced DBS.
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The issues that Dr Swithenbank has special interests in are neurodiversity (e.g., ASC and ADHD), learning differences (such as dyslexia and dyscalculia), cognition and problem-solving skills, and emotional factors affecting learning (e.g. low self-esteem and high anxiety).
In addition to her school and parent commissioned work, Dr Swithenbank is currently commissioned by several local authorities to write Psychological Advice for Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments. ​​​​​​​​
Approach and values​
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Personalised. Every individual is unique and Dr Swithenbank tailors the assessment to the needs of the individual and the presenting concerns.
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Holistic. Dr Swithenbank takes a holistic perspective on the presenting concerns, taking account of a range of factors that can impact learning and access to education.
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Rigorous and evidence-based. Assessments are rigorous, thorough and use the latest technology and assessment tools to ensure reliable and valid results. This enables Dr Swithenbank to pinpoint any underlying challenges. highlight the learner's unique strengths, and provide tailored evidence-based advice to address the presenting concerns.
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Collaborative. Dr Swithenbank works collaboratively with the child, their parents and the school to gather views on the presenting issues and help move the situation forward.
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Experience and expertise. Dr Swithenbank draws on 15 years' experience in special needs and education, working with children, families, schools, local service providers and LAs. ​
