Meet the Team
Dr Sarah Baxter
Principal Clinical Psychologist
Clinical Director of Aurora Psychology Ltd
HCPC Registered Psychologist, DClinPsych​, BSc (Hons)
Available - Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays
​I set up Aurora Psychology Ltd in 2020 and at the time I also worked as a Principal Clinical Psychologist for the NHS, supporting people with both physical and mental health difficulties; I have over 15 years’ experience. I have specialised in supporting individuals with respiratory conditions and the psychological difficulties which can occur as a result; people who were struggling with their body weight; chronic pain; diabetes; and I have worked with individuals and families at the end of life. Throughout this work I have worked with a wide range of mental health problems. In particular, I am extremely experienced in supporting people with anxiety, depression, and trauma; and I am passionate about individuals being able to rebuild their lives after adverse experiences.
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Unfortunately, in 2023 I came to the tough decision that working in the NHS had become untenable, and so I decided to hand in my resignation and focus my attention on Aurora, my family, and a better work-life balance.
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It possibly sounds strange but from the age of 12 I wanted to be a clinical psychologist; I knew I wanted to help people, to try to understand others and their difficulties as best as possible. I have a deep-rooted empathy, compassion, and an ability to accept others as they are without judgement. I am also what we call congruent – genuine, honest, there is a correspondence between what I feel and what I express.
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It is an absolute privilege to do this job, to hear peoples stories and be trusted with them, to walk alongside them on their journey, and to do what I can to help people help themselves.
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I am passionate about compassionate focussed therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, EMDR and using psychodynamic therapy to first understand where difficulties originate from, however I pride myself in being able to tailor therapy to the individual.
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I am a mum, a partner, a family member, a friend, a walker, a gym-goer, a countryside lover, a pub-goer, a human with human struggles.
Dr Vicky Thurlby
Consultant Clinical Psychologist
HCPC & BPS Registered Psychologist, DClinPsych​, MSc, BSc (Hons)
Available - Thursdays
STARTING FEBRUARY 20206​
Hi, I'm Vicky, I have over 20 years of clinical experience, working as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist in the NHS for the last 8, primarily working with adults and older people (65+) with a wide range of psychological difficulties. I offer individual assessment, formulation & psychological therapy using an integrative approach drawing on a variety of models including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) & Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). I use a formulation based approach to identify each client's unique needs and use this to guide selection of the most suitable therapeutic approach.
My aim is to create a safe space where we can work together to explore your concerns and develop strategies to improve your quality of life. I tailor the therapy to your individual needs, work at your pace and use regular reviews to ensure that the therapy is being effective and meeting your needs. I work with individuals experiencing a range of psychological difficulties, including: anxiety, depression/ low mood, trauma related difficulties, adjustment to health issues/life events, sleep difficulties, carer stress, bereavement/loss and cognitive difficulties.
Outside of work I am a mum of 2 who moved with my family from Scotland to the beautiful North West of England to enjoy more of a work/life balance. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, exploring the beautiful Lakes, reading, drawing (badly!) & walking the dog.
Dr Naomi Parsons
Practitioner Psychologist
HCPC registered psychologist, DEdChPsy, CPsychol, BSc (Hons)
Available - Monday Mornings & Wednesday afternoons
Hi, I'm Naomi. I am an experienced psychologist who specialises in therapy for anxiety; burnout; chronic illness/fatigue/invisible disabilities; parenting; people pleasing; perfectionism; and trauma (including complex PTSD and dissociation).
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I pride myself in being inclusive and neuro-divergent affirming, and work mostly with adults using a gentle blend of IFS (Internal Family Systems) therapy, EMDR, somatic attunement and nervous system regulation.
Wherever you are in your journey I can hekp you find a way through, in a way that is just right for you and your circumstances, opening up a path to the life you hope to live.
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I’m a forty-something Mum of 2 young girls and I live in Lancaster in the North West of England. I love sunsets, stargazing, mountains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, sea waves, crunching through autumn leaves, listening to an eclectic mix of music from the 90s and 00s, immersing myself in live jazz/funk/soul, learning from audiobooks, eating good food, watching TV shows like the Bake Off, Sewing Bee and the Pottery Throwdown and making a mess while doing arts and crafts.
Lee Richards
Counsellor & EMDR Practitioner
BACP Registered Psychotherapist, BA(Hons)
Available - Monday afternoons & Tuesday evenings.
Hello, I’m Lee. I’m an experienced BACP accredited therapist and I’ve worked therapeutically within a variety of settings. My experience includes being a secondary school counsellor, and within post-adoption services for the local authority supporting children, young people, and their families. I also have 14 years of personal experience of being a foster carer.
In addition to this I provide counselling and EMDR therapy at a local cancer support service which helps families affected by cancer and bereavement.
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My knowledge and experience allows me to be able to support a broad range of mental health challenges within a trauma informed practice.
My approach to working therapeutically is grounded in my training of person-centred therapy. This allows clients and their experiences to be fully and caringly accepted within a non – judgemental relational space which promotes a process for insight and growth.
​ Counselling is available for adults and young people (11+), whereas I provide EMDR therapy for adults only.
Clarissa Withers
Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist
BACP psychotherapist, BA(Hons), MA
Available - Mondays
STARTING FEBRUARY 2026
Hi, I'm Clarissa (or Rissa), and I'm a experienced child & young person's psychotherapist, working exclusively with people aged 8-21 years. Over 10 years I have worked within a variety of environments including children's homes, colleges, and mental health charities, and have gained a deep understanding of emotional, behavioural, and relational needs—and how difficult experiences can influence a young person’s wellbeing, confidence, and daily life. This background now informs my specialism in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, where I focus on emotional health, behaviour, attachment, and trauma.
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I have experience and specialist training in supporting children, adolescents, and families with: emotional and behavioural needs, low self-esteem, self-worth and identity, anxiety and depression, trauma, bereavement, emotional regulation and resilience building, self-harm, and developing new coping strategies. My work also supports you to navigate friendships or family challenges, school pressures, identity development, or feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or confused by your emotions.
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My Therapeutic Approach
I use a creative and artistic therapeutic approach that allows young people to express themselves in ways that feel natural, safe, and engaging. Creativity can open up space to explore feelings that are hard to put into words, and it gives young people choice and autonomy in their sessions.
To support this, I integrate components from Cognitive Analytical Therapy (CAT)—a structured, compassionate approach that helps us:
• Build a shared understanding of current difficulties
• Explore how certain emotional or behavioural patterns developed
• Identify cycles that may be keeping a young person stuck
• Understand how these patterns influence thoughts, feelings, and relationships
• Develop healthier, more empowered strategies for moving forward
Together, we work at a pace that feels right and ensure that the young person’s voice, opinions, and comfort remain central throughout the therapeutic journey.
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Outside of work, I am passionate about mindfulness and enjoy hobbies that bring calm and balance into my life. I find joy in live music, socialising, and health and fitness, all of which help me stay grounded, energised, and wholesome.