About me

I began working with children and young people nearly 20 years ago as a Nursery Nurse, specialising in parental and behavioural support. Since then, I have had various roles across health and educational settings supporting young people and families with a range of needs, including communication (PECS, behavioural, play), sensory preferences (including support to identify sensory profiles and diets), fine and gross motor skills.

I currently work in CAMHS specialising in working with young people who are neurodivergent and supporting the emotional growth and personal development of individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Condition, ADHD and Tics/Tourettes.

Although much of my clinical experience is with children and young people, I have also worked within adult mental health and clinical health psychology. My experience here consists of supporting the mental health of those with a physical health condition and individuals seeking support with weight management.

I'm Jessica Hayward, a down-to-earth, friendly and non-judgemental Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist based in Devon. I have been working for the NHS for over 10 years, supporting the health and wellbeing of both young people and adults.

I specialise in working with children, young people and families and have expertise in Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC), Tics/Tourette's and other neurodevelopmental conditions.

My Qualifications

When you choose a therapist, it is important that they are appropriately qualified and accredited, so that you know they are using established, evidence-based techniques.

I am a fully qualified and accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist. I hold a range of postgraduate qualifications in psychological therapies (PgDip Psychological Therapies, PgCert Psychological Therapies, PgCert Clinical Supervision of Psychological Therapies) as well as a Master of Science (MSc) in Applied Neuropsychology and a Bachelor of Science (with honors) in Psychology with Education. I am also a qualified Nursery Nurse (NNEB).

All of this means that you are in safe hands with me.

It is important that you choose a therapist who is accredited by a recognised professional body. This ensures that they are skilled and competent in their work and that they continue to perform to the highest professional standards and best practice, giving you peace of mind and confidence in the quality of care and expertise that you will receive.

I am a member of the British Psychological Society and I am accredited by the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).

You can check my accreditation by clicking here.

Accreditation