Meet Our Clinical Director
Dr. Zheng Zhou
BSc(Hons), MSc, PgDip, DClinPsy, FHEA,
HPCP registered (No. PYL040497)
Dr. Zheng Zhou is a Chinese-born, British-trained Clinical Psychologist with over 13 years of experience in the NHS. Known for her warm, open-minded, and non-judgmental approach, Dr. Zhou is deeply passionate about exploring culture, philosophy, and spirituality. This passion drives her commitment to tailoring her practice to meet the unique needs of each individual she works with.
Dr. Zhou’s work is grounded in collaboration, helping clients explore and understand their identities by integrating aspects such as ethnicity, gender, religion, sexuality, spirituality, and culture. She takes a holistic approach, guiding individuals through their emotional and psychological journeys, and helping them make sense of their lived experiences.
Fluent in both English and Mandarin, Dr. Zhou uses a variety of therapeutic models, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and Systemic and Narrative ideas. She is also currently training in Internal Family Systems (IFS). Dr. Zhou’s expertise spans a wide range of psychological presentations, including trauma, self-criticism, life stress, grief, and relationship difficulties.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Zhou is a senior lecturer in the UK for doctoral trainees in Clinical Psychology. Drawing on her extensive knowledge of psychological frameworks, particularly in clinical psychology, she delivers engaging teaching sessions, immersive workshops, and insightful seminars, enriched by her experience in clinical psychology practice.
Professional memberships & Qualifications
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The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
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Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
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Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, University of Hertfordshire, UK
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PgDip in Low-Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, UCL, UK
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MSc in Clinical Neuroscience, UCL, UK
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BSc in Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Leicester, UK
Publications
During her career, Zheng has published in journals such as Frontiers in Psychology, Psychiatric Intensive Care, and Early intervention in psychiatry. Her previous research focused on understanding and supporting the needs of individuals with psychosis and their carers. Currently, Zheng is a research supervisor and Internal Examiner to doctoral clinical psychology trainees. Her recent research interests are predominantly in the area of Clinical Psychology training and professional issues. These include:
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Increasing cultural humility, equity, and social inclusion within Clinical Psychology training and profession;
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Decolonising Eurocentric discourses, psychological theories, and practice;
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Centering concerns and different world views of the Global Majority;
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Respectfully acquiring and appreciating epistemology, ontology, research, and psychological theories from non-Western cultures.
2018
Onwumere, J., Zhou, Z., & Kuipers, E. (2018). Informal caregiving relationships in psychosis: reviewing the impact of patient violence on caregivers. Frontiers in psychology, 9, 1530.
2018
Reynolds, N., Desai, R., Zhou, Z., Fornells‐Ambrojo, M., & Garden, P. (2018). Psychological interventions on a specialist Early Intervention Inpatient Unit: An opportunity to engage?. Early Intervention in Psychiatry, 12(6), 1094-1099.
2017
Onwumere, J., Zhou, Z., Desai, R., Learmonth, S., Reynolds, N., & Gaughran, F. (2017). Attending a long-term support group for carers of adults with psychosis: a carer's perspective. Journal of Psychiatric Intensive Care, 13(2), 93-99.
OUR FOUNDER IN THE PUBLICATIONS
