Sonia Gleeson

Dr Sonia Gleeson worked with child and family services in the NHS for approximately twenty years after qualifying as a clinical psychologist. Dr Gleeson’s last NHS role was within NDAS, the Neurodevelopmental Assessment Service which covers the Highlands. Significant expertise has been acquired with clients with intellectual and developmental impairments, including assessment to consider whether diagnostic criteria are met. Given the significant overlap in symptomatology with trauma and neglect, Dr Gleeson undertook additional training and is certified in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics. Understanding the impact of trauma and neglect at sensitive periods of development, along with additional training in family therapy, has facilitated comprehensive and constructive conversations with families and young people.  Consultation and training has been provided across organisations and agencies, aimed to promote optimal functioning for individuals and communities.

Dr Gleeson has also developed close working relationships with families who have experienced inter-generational trauma, including difficulties with substance misuse, violence, psychiatric conditions, as well as both chronic and acute health conditions.  Dr Gleeson was fortunate to have developed knowledge of FASD from the first training provided by the Scottish Government, and continues to promote knowledge of the condition. In combination, Dr Gleeson has developed a solid foundation of skills in assessment of neurodevelopmental conditions within the context of adversity.

Since leaving the NHS, Dr Gleeson is a co-founder of the Highland Child Development Centre. Dr Gleeson also works as an expert witness through NEW Psychology (Neurodevelopmental and expert witness psychological services) providing psychological opinions to Family Courts across Scotland.