Meet the Team
We have a great team of experienced and passionate professionals here at 3 Counties Counselling and Autism Assessment.....
Founder
Beth Jacobs
Beth is a Mental Health Therapist. She gained her MA Ed. from Walsh University and a BS Ed from Central Michigan University both in the USA. She is an Accredited Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) (reg. MBACP 597829 accred) and a member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) (MBPsS 301324). In the past fifteen years Beth worked in a Child and Adolescent Mental Health unit of the NHS in the southern UK utilizing Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and counselling young people with Autism. In 2014, she co-founded 3 Counties Counselling and Autism Assessment and acts as lead Counsellor and diagnostic Assessor. As an Accredited Autism Assessor with BeginningwithA, UK, Elizabeth is qualified to administer assessments specific to Autism/ASD.
Qualified Assessor
Melanie Bowen
Melanie holds an MSc Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, BSc (Hons) Psychology,Certificate in Counselling. She specialises in working with Children from 2 years upwards, with a range of special educational needs such as, Autism, ADHD, Global Development Delay and Social and Mental Health Needs.
Melanie has supported families through the Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) process, by submitting the application and working with professionals to achieve a plan put in place to support the child. ADOS and ADI Accredited.
Consultant
Hayley Fairbairn
I have dedicated my career to the care, learning and development of children and young people, in both mainstream and SEND settings. Throughout my career, I have worked with children from 3 months old through to early adulthood and beyond.
I completed my BSc (hons) Psychology degree in 2020, having previously completed qualifications in children’s care, learning and development and children and young people’s mental health.
Alongside my work with Beth, I currently work as an Education Co-ordinator in a specialist college for young people aged 16-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
PDA Specialist
Donna Smith
Donna is an ELSA Support Teacher in secondary school. She has over 16 years working with children from ages 0-16.
She is currently studying to be a Speech and Language Therapist.
Donna has experience as the Mum of a son diagnosed with ASD and features of PDA.
Donna has helped many parents to navigate getting the help they need both in schools and outside including support for siblings of someone with ASD.
Senior Clinical Psychologist
Dr Vicki Warden
Dr Vicki Wardman is a Senior Clinical Psychologist and a member of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). She qualified 14 years ago in 2008 with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology following her BSc in Psychology. Dr Wardman has extensive experience in the assessment and diagnosis of neurodevelopmental conditions, including the assessment and diagnosis of ASD.
Dr Wardman has held the role of the Clinical Lead for the Neurodevelopmental team within a CAMHS service, leading multi-disciplinary teams in the assessment and diagnosis of neurodevelopmental conditions. This role also included the assessment and treatment of mental health conditions in children and young people.
Dr Wardman currently works within specialist educational provisions for children with neurodevelopmental conditions and children who have experienced developmental trauma. Dr Wardman is trained in a range of therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
GP & Qualified Assessor
Dr Susie Deacon
Susie has transitioned from her previous medical role and is now fully dedicated to her passion in Neurodiversity and Mental Health.
A renown pluraistic counsellor and coach for children, adults and families uniting her support to clients.
Susie's applicable qualifications include:
Bsc Psychology Hon ( BPS Acc) whilst incorporating her senior level of counselling, coaching and diverse therapeutic interventions. ( NCPS and ACAMH Acc.) into her practice.
Current training pursuits include a MSc in The Psychology of Mental Health and Well Being as well as a CPD to further expand her knowledge and skill set. Dr. Deacon is trained in both the ADI-R and ADOS assessment.
Consultant - IOW
Dora Kintli-Downer
I have dedicated my professional life to supporting Neurodivergent children and adults in various roles over my career. This is something I am very passionate about and thoroughly enjoy. I am also a parent and one of my children is diagnosed autistic.
I have spent 10 years working in local authority social work teams (Children's Disability Team, Transition Team, Adult Learning Disability Team) and more recently decided to fully focus my attention on Autism and completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Children and Young People's IAPT, I became a psychological therapist specialising in Autism and Learning Disability. I also work for a third sector organisation supporting autistic and other neurodivergent children and young people with moderate co-occurring mental health difficulties, I am part of the local MHST team as a specialist practitioner.
I am also an Autism trainer, qualified to deliver training to Community CAMHS teams via the NATP (National Autism Trainer Programme).
I am currently working towards BABCP accreditation as a CBT therapist. I am also pursuing an MSc in Psychology to gain British Psychological Society accreditation and be able to further expand on my existing knowledge. My specialist interest is Autism in girls and women, the female presentation.
Take the first step towards emotional well-being and support for autism.
Schedule an assessment with our experienced team today.