Optimism Psychotherapy & Supervision Services
Based in Portmouth, Delivering Remote Psychotherapy Nationwide
Introducing Alyson Reilly,
Optimism Clinical Associate,
EMDR UK Accredited Consultant Supervisor.
Military & Service Connections
As a psychotherapist with a strong interest in working with military veterans and emergency service workers, I am dedicated to providing specialised support for those, who because of their service present with Complex mental health difficulties, including Complex-Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In previous roles I have supported veterans within the justice system and delivered tailored treatment to emergency service workers and Royal Marines in need of psychotherapy. Additionally, I supervise clinicians who provide psychotherapy to this unique population, ensuring the highest standards of care are maintained at all times. Through experience, I have developed a good understanding of military culture, acknowledging the profound impact of prolonged trauma exposure over a career.
My Qualifications
EMDR Europe Accredited Consultant
PGCert CBT
EMDR Part, 1, 2 and 3 Practitioner Training
BACP Accredited Advanced Diploma
A.B.C. Level 4 Diploma in Person Centred Counselling
O.C.N Accredited Work Place Mentor
Additional Clinical Training
CFT Training, Deborah Lee
Complex PTSD Training, Sharif El Leithy
The Parsimonious use of EMDR within an IAPT Service, Kevin Dudman
Cognitive Therapy for PTSD Speaker – Prof. Anke Ehlers
Child and Adolescent Training Level 1, Child Trauma, Therapy Centre Ltd
EMDR and suicidality, Simon Proudlock
Understanding Psychosis and its relationship with trauma ,TEWV
EMDR with Sex, Porn and Love Addiction,Gary McFarlane
Working with voices workshop Alison Brabban,
Hope for Healing, Carolyn Spring
Working with Parts in Dissociative Disorders, Dolores Mosquera
DBT Basic Theory and Practice, TEWV NHS Trust
Flash Technique, Dr Philip Manfield
From early attachment to BPD and dissociation, Dolores Mosquera
Shame and EMDR in Adults and Children, EMDR North East
Attachment Focused EMDR, EMDR Focus
Trauma Informed Care Work, TEWV NHS Trus
Military Veteran Awareness Training, TEWV NHS Trust
EMDR and OC, EMDR North West
EMDR Consultancy Training
My Professional Accreditations
BACP Accredited Practitioner
EMDR UK Accredited Practitioner
EMDR UK Accredited Consultant Supervisor
Additional Information
Enhanced DBS Adults and Child
Extensive Experience Delivering Psychotherapy to Prisoners
My Experience
With over 17 years of experience delivering therapy in both community and residential settings, I have worked across various NHS talking therapy services and within secure environments such as prisons, where I provided trauma-informed and compassion-focused psychotherapy.
I bring a wealth of experience in mentoring and supervising colleagues in both NHS and private practice. This includes offering supervision to EMDR trainees undergoing HEE-funded EMDR training. I am proficient in delivering both group and individual supervision, ensuring high standards of care and professional development.
Clinical Supervision
I am a trained Clinical Supervisor with experience of supervising individuals, groups and EMDR trainees. I have completed my EMDR consultancy training and received formal accreditation as an EMDR UK Consultant Supervisor.
My Commitment to You
I aim to create a safe and supportive environment where we can establish and maintain a trusting therapeutic alliance, enabling me to develop a good understanding of your presenting issues and develop an agreed treatment plan that targets your needs.
Please contact Optimism if you would like a copy of my full Bio.