Dr Lydia French
Qualifications & Training
Clinical Titles & Accreditations​: I am an Oxford University-trained Psychotherapist (Oxon, MBACP, UPCA, UKCP), Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol), and Associate Fellow (AFBPsS) of the British Psychological Society (BPS). I hold a PhD from the University of Bristol Medical School and a Masters from Oxford University in Psychodynamic Practice. With over two decades of experience in adult mental health, my research has been published in leading journals, reflecting my commitment to advancing the field.
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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Therapeutic Training: While I continue to work in academic research, my primary role is as a Clinical Psychotherapist in private practice. My principal training in Psychodynamic Practice at Oxford University is complemented by additional training in CBT, Depth Psychology, Jungian Psychology, and transpersonal approaches, allowing me to tailor my methods to suit the unique needs of each client.
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Psychedelic Assisted Therapy: My interest in plant medicines and lesser-known wisdom traditions is rooted in both personal experience and professional training. After completing my Psychedelic-Assisted Practitioner training with MAPS, I became deeply inspired by their ground-breaking work, particularly in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. While PAT is not yet legally available in the UK, I work internationally with clients where plant medicines are decriminalised.
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 UKCP, 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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