Dr Lydia French
Qualifications & Training
Who am I? I come from a rigorous, classical training at Oxford University and Bristol Medical School, a world defined by precision and established truths. This path provided structure and achievement, but beneath the surface of academic accomplishment, a deeper current pulled me away from certainty, towards something more real and alive.​ My work with plant medicines and wisdom traditions grew from this longing, not as a rejection of my training, but as a recognition that we are more than our credentials and the structures we build. We arrive in this world without these things. What shapes us runs deeper. Through these experiences, I encountered transformative forces; grief, desire, shame, and longing, that demand we engage with life at its rawest.
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Clinical Titles & Accreditations​: I completed my core clinical training at the University of Oxford, where I earned a Master’s (awarded with Distinction) in Psychodynamic Practice. This foundation is complemented by additional formal training in CBT, Depth Psychology, Attachment Theory and other lesser known transpersonal approaches, allowing me to tailor my methods to suit the unique needs of each client.
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I am also a Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol) and Associate Fellow (AFBPsS) of the British Psychological Society, and an accredited psychotherapist with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP), and the Universities Psychotherapy and Counselling Association (MUPCA, Accred). Alongside my clinical work, I hold a PhD from the University of Bristol Medical School and have spent over 20 years working in adult mental health. My research has been published in leading academic journals, reflecting a long-standing commitment to psychological inquiry and the evolution of therapeutic practice.
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As a trauma-informed, MAPS-trained Psychedelic-Assisted Practitioner and member of the Institute for Psychedelic Therapy (IPT), I also work as a research consultant with leading organisations in psychedelic research for mental health. In this role, I contribute to the development and analysis of clinical trials exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelics.
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Integrity & Commitment: I am committed to upholding the highest standards of trust, ethics, and professional integrity. I am a member of several accrediting bodies, including BACP, UPCA, BPS, and IPT. My practice is supervised, and I am dedicated to continuous professional development, ensuring that I provide compassionate and ethical care for my clients.
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