Dr Alessandra De Petrillo, Clinical Psychologist
Alessandra is a highly experienced Clinical Psychologist with specialist expertise in paediatric and health-related psychology, neurodiversity, and eating and weight‑related difficulties, working across the lifespan with children, young people, adults, and families.
She holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from King’s College London, is HCPC registered, and has over five years’ post‑qualification experience developing and leading psychology services within hospital-based paediatric settings. Most recently, Alessandra was the Senior Psychologist within a specialist Complications of Excess Weight service across two major London hospitals, where she worked extensively with disordered eating, body image concerns, self-esteem, neurodiversity, school and social difficulties, anxiety, and low mood.
Alessandra works in a warm, compassionate, and collaborative way, drawing on a fully integrative, evidence‑based approach. Her primary therapeutic models include Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Narrative Therapy, which she flexibly tailors to each individual’s needs and goals. She is particularly skilled at creating a safe, validating therapeutic relationship, helping clients feel understood while building practical tools for change.
Her work is neuro‑affirmative and inclusive, and she adapts both her therapeutic style and materials to ensure accessibility for neurodivergent clients. Alessandra is certified in ADOS‑2 and ADI‑R assessments and has extensive experience working with children and young people with neurodiversity, such as ADHD and Autism, and adults, as well as providing parental and family support.
Alessandra works with a wide range of presentations, including anxiety and depression, trauma, emotional regulation difficulties, low self‑esteem, eating disorders and disordered eating, body image concerns, neurodevelopmental conditions, chronic illness, family and relationship difficulties, and identity‑related concerns. Her sessions are person‑centred, values‑based, and creative, supporting clients to build resilience, self‑compassion, and meaningful change.
Specialisms
Neurodevelopmental assessments and therapeutic interventions
ADHD
Autism
Anxiety disorders
Depression
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
CBT
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
Compassion Focused Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Individual & family work for young people and adults with long term health concerns
Parenting Support