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My experience 

I have previously worked in forensic, personality disorder and Military Veteran services within the NHS. Since leaving the NHS I have specialised in trauma in clinical practice, academic teaching, research interests, publications and workshops. I have focused my continued professional development in this area and have completed a number of courses that have strengthened my expertise in trauma. 

 

My approach 

I am passionate about empowering individuals to find ways to make positive changes to their lives and heal from past trauma, and am able to adapt my approach based on your specific needs. I find it important to listen to someone’s story and to help them make sense of the difficulties they are facing. 

 

I like to work collaboratively with clients to decide on the best intervention to suit their needs, often using an integrative approach drawing from a range of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Analytic Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Internal Family Systems and EMDR therapy.

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​My qualifications 

• EMDR Accredited Training - EMDR UK & Europe /2018

• Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) - University of Liverpool/ 2017

• DBT group skills /2013 

• MSc Forensic Psychology- University of York/ 2012

• PGDip Psychotherapy Studies- University of Sheffield/ 2011

• Bsc (Hons) Law & Psychology- Sheffield Hallam University/ 2008

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Accreditation to Professional Bodies 

• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)   Registration: PYL34758

• Member of EMDR Association UK

• Member of UK Psychological Trauma Society 

• Member of European Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ESTSS)

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Publications 

• The Northern Hub for Veterans and Military Families Research with Armed Forces Covenant. Developing a holistic intervention to reduce social isolation and loneliness in veterans treated for PTSD.  https://covenantfund.org.uk/resources/developing-a-holistic-intervention-to-reduce-social-isolation-and-loneliness-in-veterans-treated-for-ptsd/d Trust

 

• Gettings, R., Kirtley, J., Wilson-Menzfeld, G., Oxburgh, G., Farrell, D., Kiernan, M.D. (2022). Exploring the Role of Social Connection in Interventions With Military Veterans Diagnosed With Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: Systematic Narrative Review. Frontiers in Psychology  13. doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.873885. 

 

• Kirtley, J. (2022). The Grieving Journey: Travel and healing after bereavement. Published in The Travel Psychologist: https://thetravelpsychologist.co.uk/f/the-grieving-journey-travel-and-healing-after-bereavement/

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• Kirtley, J. (2022). How to cope with PTSD while Travelling. Published at The Travel Psychologist: https://thetravelpsychologist.co.uk/f/how-to-cope-with-post-traumatic-stress-while-travelling/

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• Kirtley, J. (2023).  The Psychological Benefits of Travelling Alone. Published at The Travel Psychologist: https://thetravelpsychologist.co.uk/benefits-of-travel/f/what-are-the-psychological-benefits-of-travelling-alone

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• Kirtley, J., Chiocchi, J., Cole, J. and Sampson, M. (2018). Stigma, Emotion Appraisal, and the Family Environment as Predictors of Carer Burden for Relatives of Individuals Who Meet the Diagnostic Criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder. Journal of Personality Disorders, 33, 1-18. doi:10.1521/pedi_2018_32_355