Anna Rigden - Clinical Associate Psychologist

Hello, I’m Anna Rigden, a Qualified Clinical Associate Psychologist with over 5 years experience in working within CAMHS teams across Dorset. My qualifications include a Degree in Psychology from the University of Loughborough, a Postgraduate Diploma from Reading University and a Masters Degree from the University of Exeter.

My interests are with supporting young people who might present with traits of Autism and considered as being Neuro-diverse or with young people who have already been formally diagnosed. I can work with you and your child / young person from the point of questioning whether Autism might be present, what else might explain what you have noticed and formulating with you whether your child needs a diagnosis. A formal diagnosis for EHCP or DLA is not currently offered in our service but screening of and elements of the assessment process can be used as part of a wider multi-disciplinary approach with other services.

From there, I will be able to support you and your family with the daunting question of ”what next”. I have been trained to offer a tailored programme for parents and carers and can also work within a neuro-diverse informed framework with young people. The aim of this is to help you all to make sense of what is happening for them; whether this may be with social difficulties, sensory needs and or behavioural support to help make daily life easier.

My work is driven by what you want support with and we can collaborate to decide on the focus and the pace of sessions. For some young people, progressing to a formal diagnosis is not required but having an understanding of what neuro-diversity is and how it can be supported is more pressing and helpful.

Alongside this, I am trained in mixed modalities of therapy including; Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) and Decider Skills & Emotional Regulation.

As well as a special interest in neuro-diversity I am also able to help clients with the following;

  • Social Anxiety
  • Separation Anxiety 
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 
  • Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
  • Sleep Concerns 
  • Behavioural Concerns (under 8’s)
  • Parent-led Work for Anxious Children 
  • Positive Behavioural Support Plans / The 5 Point Scale
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Autism Traits Assessment, Diagnosis and Recommendations 
  • WISC-5 and WAIS-4 to look a possible Learning Disabilities 
  • ADOS-2 and 3di

I am passionate about working with young people and their families and will ensure you feel well supported and informed at every stage of our time together.

Age Range:

Children and Adolescents from age 4

Membership:

Enhanced DBS