We are a team of specialists empowering patients in pain
In Person in Exeter & Online from Anywhere
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Nick Critchley
SPECIALIST PAIN PHYSIO & PAIN COACH
Before training as a physiotherapist, Nick completed a degree in Exercise Physiology & Human Performance and worked in various sporting and clinical settings assisting clients who were already fit to further improve their physical abilities.
Since qualifying as a physiotherapist in 1997, Nick has worked largely in the private sector helping patients from all backgrounds overcome various pain and injury problems. Over the years he has developed an increasing interest in pain neuroscience and has been working as a specialist physiotherapist helping patients with persistent pain for more than 20 years. In 2018 he finished a Masters degree in the “Clinical Management of Pain & Headache Conditions” at the University of Edinburgh.
As well as treating patients, Nick is currently working on a PhD proposal looking into how the latest theories on pain perception integrate with common clinical practice in musculoskeletal rehabilitation.
Nick is passionate about helping his clients achieve optimal physical and mental wellbeing through knowledge, continued education, exercise and lifestyle.
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Dr Sam Jenner (GMC 3492660)
GP WITH SPECIAL INTEREST IN PAIN
Sam is a GP with a specialist interest in Pain and Integrated Musculoskeletal Medicine.
After qualifying as a Doctor in 1990 she chose to specialise in General Practice. The main attraction of GP was the opportunity to develop long term therapeutic relationships with patients.
Sam completed a Masters in Sports and Exercise Medicine in 2004, after which she trained and gained qualifications in Medical Osteopathy and Acupuncture in 2006. Along side this she also developed an interest in musculoskeletal medicine and spinal pain. Sam also became more interested in the mind-body connection and the patient centred biopsychosocial approach to healthcare.
Over the last few years her interest has continued to evolve as she has explored alternative models of health care to suit the specific needs of each patient. Sam has come to develop a more functional approach to medical problems with a real focus on listening to the patient in order to experience the world through their lens. By doing this she can understand the patient’s concerns and fears with deep empathy. This allows her to help patients reach their own health care goals. At the same time she is uniquely placed in that she has the safety net of traditional medical training.
“My goal is to empower patients to make informed decisions about their health and to facilitate their journey from illness to a sense of wellbeing by encouraging the individual to take control.”
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Jamie Webster
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Jamie’s interest in psychology began at an early age, due to his mother’s profession as a counselor and psychotherapist. He spent much of his early adult life reading books on philosophy, psychology, spirituality and mindfulness.
While studying for his degree he worked in a psychiatric intensive care unit, where the academic world and the real world of human distress were initially embedded in his therapeutic understanding. Jamie graduated in 2006 and spent 2 years working in forensic psychology for the prison service before returning to the NHS to train as a Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist in 2010.
Between 2012 and 2016 he completed a Masters Degree in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and further training in EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing). These are both recommended by NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence). Jamie has also completed postgraduate training in Advanced Trauma Focused Therapy and Compassionate Focused Therapy.
During the past 10 years Jamie has worked in a wide range of therapeutic settings for the NHS, as well as in private practice, as a therapist and clinical supervisor.
Jamie has a natural affiliation with people making it easy for his patients to feel they are in a safe environment. His extensive experience both professionally and personally has allowed him to develop a modern and holistic approach to helping individuals or businesses remove or reduce the psychological barriers preventing personal or professional growth.
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Maria Rodriguez Bernal
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Maria has over fifteen years experience working with patients struggling from depression, anxiety and many other emotional difficulties.
Maria moved to England from Spain 21 years ago and shortly after completed her degree in Psychology. During the following two years she worked in various mental health roles from caring for young people with brain injuries to supporting adults in their recovery from addictions and assisting clients with housing relating issues.
Maria then shifted her focus to developing skills within psychological interventions. Whilst working in a mental health and addiction rehabilitation hospital she provided Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to groups as well as individuals. Following this she trained and worked in a Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) service in the East London and the City Mental Health NHS Trust.
In 2005 Maria moved to Devon and worked in Primary Care NHS services for seven years including the Depression and Anxiety Service in Exeter. In 2009 she specialised in CBT through the University of Exeter. As well as working in private practice, Maria has worked with adults with severe and enduring mental health and personality disorders in the Psychology and Psychotherapy NHS Service in Exeter.
Maria’s work has given her a broad and deep experience in the understanding and treatment of mental health issues.