Dr Carey Viala
Dr. Carey Viala is an experienced Consultant Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of expertise in adult mental health. With a focus on areas such as depression, anxiety, adjustment to injury and illness, eating disorders, trauma, burnout and imposter syndrome, Dr. Viala has made a significant impact in helping individuals navigate their psychological challenges.
Dr. Viala's key skills lie in utilizing third wave behavioral therapies, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Additionally, Dr. Viala is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, offering a comprehensive approach to trauma therapy.
She has recently undertaken training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. As a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) holder and a registered member of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), Dr. Viala maintains the highest professional standards in the field. Driven by a genuine passion for helping others, Dr. Viala's approach is characterized by warmth, honesty, and approachability. With Dr. Viala, you can expect a compassionate, knowledgeable, and experienced professional who is committed to empowering individuals on their journey to mental well-being.
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Gavin Copland
Gavin believes the natural world is one of our greatest teachers and healers. As a trained Outdoor Mental Health Practitioner and Wellness Coach, he helps people step away from stress, burnout and overwhelm, slow down, and reconnect with themselves.
His work blends forest bathing and sylvotherapy, wild mindfulness, breathwork and wild water swimming. These practices help calm the nervous system, create space for reflection, and build simple, lasting habits for looking after your wellbeing. Working alongside Carey, Gavin brings the outdoor and experiential side of Northward, complementing the clinical psychology at the heart of what we do.
Gavin has spent much of his working life supporting people through challenge, including young people with special educational needs and adults facing difficult times. He brings a calm, grounded and trauma-aware presence to every session.
He grew up exploring the Pennines and Lakeland fells from his family home in Teesdale. At 19 he joined the Army Reserve and later also served as a Coastguard Rescue Officer while living on the Isle of Rum. That experience taught him first-hand how pressure builds, and how much the outdoors can help us recover from it.
A qualified Mountain Leader (Plas y Brenin), Gavin is Rescue Emergency Care first aid trained, fully insured, holds an Enhanced DBS and is trained to Level 4 in Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults. He has also worked as a Designated Safeguarding Lead in specialist education. Whether you’re forest bathing or cold water dipping, you’re in good hands.
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