Clinical Psycholigist Dr Ben Shanmugam

Hi, I’m

With roughly 15 years experience of working across a range of NHS and local authority services, I am experienced in offering evidence-based psychological therapies to both young people and adults.

I completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at UCL and, as such, draw on a range of models such as CBT, psychodynamic therapy, and systemic family therapy. I have pursued additional specialist training in child and adolescent developmental psychology and neurodevelopmental conditions. My formal qualifications include:

  • BSc in Psychology

  • MSc in Mental Health Studies

  • PGCert in Advanced Practice in Mental Wellbeing

  • Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

  • 3di (Autism Diagnostic Interview) training

  • ADOS-2 training (Beginning with A)

  • ADHD Child Evaluation (ACE) training

  • Compassion-Focused Therapy (Balanced Minds)

  • Family & Systemic Therapy (AFT, Foundation Level)

  • MBT-A, Mentalisation-Based Treatment for Adolescents (Anna Freud Centre)

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Dr Ben Shanmugam Clinical Psychologist in Kent
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Having grown up in Kent, I returned here a few years ago with my wife, two children, and our dog after living in London and Surrey for several years. I also dedicate one day a week to working with the charity Kids Matter, where I develop and evaluate parenting programs in the community and within prisons.

At The Hopewell Practice, I provide independent clinical psychology services, including a range of psychological and neurodevelopmental assessments, as well as specialist therapies for children, young people, and families.

All HCPC-registered psychologists have completed extensive training and education, but selecting the right support for you or your family involves several important factors.

It’s essential to feel a strong connection with your psychologist. While this can be difficult to assess through a website, booking an initial appointment or assessment can help you gauge this connection.

We also encourage you to explore other professionals or support options that might benefit you. Please visit our Useful Links section for additional resources and support you may want to consider.

Registered Mental Health Nurse Kirsty Shanmugam

Hi, I’m

I am a Registered Mental Health Nurse with a specialisation in working with children and families. I hold a Master's degree in Developmental Psychology and have a passion for supporting children and young people, as well as their families.

After becoming a parent, I relocated to Kent from Surrey, where I previously worked within NHS services in London. Since then, I have contributed to local NHS services in Kent and currently manage services at The Hopewell Practice. My formal qualifications include:

  • BSc Psychology

  • MSc Developmental Psychopathology

  • MSc Mental Health Nursing

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) training (The Association for Psychological Therapies)

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Kirsty Shanmugam Registered Mental Health Nurse

We work closely with other professionals including those from other disciplines such as paediatricians, psychiatrists, specialist teachers, speech & language therapists, and occupational therapists.

We are sometimes able to refer to these colleagues as needed through our work at The Hopewell Practice.

Where are we based?

We are based near Ashford, Kent, in the wonderful Evegate Business Park.

We are situated between Ashford and Folkestone on the A20, just three miles from junction 10 of the M20.

Our full address is Evegate Business Park, 15 Park Barn, Smeeth, Ashford, Kent, TN25 6SX.

15 minutes from Ashford
20 minutes from Hythe
35 minutes from Canterbury

We also provide appointments online and via the telephone, and can liaise with schools/colleges and undertake school observations as needed. 

Hours
Tuesday–Thursday
9am–5pm

Some limited availability for assessment appointments on Saturdays