Dr Simone Raenker is an experienced independent Clinical Psychologist and EMDR Therapist.
She has a PhD in psychological medicine from King’s College London and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Royal Holloway, University of London.
At the present time, she has over 15 years of research and clinical experience in the field of psychology.
Previously, Simone has worked in outpatient and inpatient NHS services for adolescents and adults at University College London and Great Ormond Street Hospital for children. She now works as a consultant clinical psychologist in residential therapeutic care for looked after children.Additionally, she sees private practice clients local in Sussex, Kent, and London, as well as nation- and world-wide. Furthermore, Simone supervises PhD students at Canterbury Christ Church University (Department for Applied Psychology).
Simone’s clinical training is extensive. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotion Focussed Therapy (EFT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Simone’s main approach to psychological therapy is attachment-based and trauma informed. For that reason, she works in a way that supports clients to emotionally process and recover from painful and traumatic life experiences.
Simone Raenker is a chartered clinical psychologist and regulated by the Health & Care Professions Council (HPCP); registration ID PYL34497.
Additionally, she is registered with the following health insurances:
AVIVA, AXA, Vitality, WPA
Contact Willow Tree Psychology for a free initial 30minute consultation with Simone – email simone@willowtreepsychology.co.uk
Qualifications and Therapeutic Training
MASTER IN PSYCHOLOGY
2003 – 2008
Simone studied psychology in Berlin which is where she grew up. During her studies she was particularly interested in Health and Clinical Psychology. Her thesis’ topic was on theory-based health promotion and its effectiveness to increase self-efficacy and the Masters was completed with a distinction.
PHD IN PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICINE
2008 – 2011
After her studies Simone started to work as a full-time researcher at the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London in the Department of Eating Disorders. Under the supervision of Prof Janet Treasure and Prof Ulrike Schmidt, she completed a PhD. Specifically, on the impact eating disorders have on family dynamics and how parents can support the person with the eating disorder most effectively. In addition, she worked clinically at the Maudsley Hospital in the Eating Disorder Outpatient Unit.
DOCTORATE IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
2011 – 2015
Simone Raenker completed her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London. Concurrently, she worked in IAPT (primary care adult mental health services), at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children – Autism Services, and at University College London Hospital – Perinatal Service. Additionally, Simone trained intensively in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). At this time, she also trained in Compassionate-Focussed, Mindfulness-Based, and Psychodynamic therapeutic approaches.
EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITISATION AND REPROCESSING (EMDR)
2019 – 2021
Simone is currently completing her Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) consultancy training with Alexandra Richman, one of the nations leading EMDR consultant. EMDR is a highly effective psychotherapy that is now used for almost every clinical presentation. Initially, EMDR was developed by Francine Shapiro to treat clients with trauma-related symptoms. EMDR protocols have been developed for anxiety and mood disorders and further mental health presentations (i.e. eating disorders). Please see here for further information: emdrassociation.org.uk
EMOTION FOCUSSED THERAPY (EFT)
2019
Simone trained in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) with Prof Robert Elliot at the Salomon’s Centre for Applied Psychology, Canterbury University. In short, the aim of EFT is to enable a client to become aware and to process emotions. Emotions are seen as key factor of someone’s identity. Therapy aims to support clients to become aware of their emotions and understand the processes involved in avoiding feelings. Subsequently, it is intended to enable to client to become more comfortable accepting and managing their feelings and experiences change in well-being and personal growth.
YOUTH MINDFULNESS COURSE
2020
Simone completed a Youth Mindfulness course with Michael Bready. Mindfulness practise has been a significant part of Simone’s personal and clinical life for many years and she is excited to be able to teach mindfulness to young people now. See here for more information: youthmindfulness.org