Dr Erica Eassom (they/them)

Dr Erica Eassom (DClinPsy, BSc) | Clinical Psychologist | Clinical Associate

I am a Clinical Psychologist with a specialist focus on relational and complex trauma. My work is attachment-informed, meaning I pay close attention to how our earliest relationships shape the way we relate to ourselves and others throughout life.

Difficult relational experiences include not just the impact of individual relationships, but wider experiences within society — for example, how experiences of discrimination and marginalisation can become internalised, shaping how you feel about yourself and your place in the world.

I help people understand the ways they may have developed to survive and cope - ways that once made sense, but can leave you feeling stuck, often in repeating patterns.

In my practice, I mainly use Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT), which combines a practical, collaborative approach with a deeper focus on relationships and developing personal insight into the meaning of ‘symptoms.’ I frequently also integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS), inner child work and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). You don’t need to know anything about these approaches — I’ll guide you through what feels most helpful for you.

I work with a wide range of presenting difficulties but a relational approach may be a good fit if you experience any of the following:

• Feeling repeatedly let down, hurt, or rejected, or fearing abandonment

• Feeling frequently depressed, anxious, ashamed, or deeply self-critical

• Hypervigilance, emotional overwhelm, or feeling numb and disconnected

• Difficulties with trust, anger, jealousy or conflict

• Being affected by past trauma, including childhood abuse, neglect, domestic violence or other interpersonal traumas

• Feeling like different parts of you are in conflict, experiencing sudden shifts in how you feel, think, or see yourself that feel hard to make sense of

• A problem with food and eating, self-harm, unstable emotions, problem drinking or substance use

• Feeling unsure of who you are, low self-esteem or poor body image

• A struggle to be assertive and people pleasing, finding yourself in vulnerable situations and problematic relationships

• Having difficulty establishing long-term relationships or connecting with emotions

A crucial part of relational therapy is building a relationship between us that is authentic, sensitive, and compassionate — to build trust and explore new ways of connecting safely.

I work affirmatively with LGBTQ+ individuals, those exploring ethical non-monogamy or kink and neurodivergent people. I strive to adapt my approach to fit how your mind and nervous system actually works.

I have wide-ranging experience working with people with complex emotional difficulties in academia, the NHS, and the third sector, specialising in experiences that are often described as Complex PTSD (CPTSD), Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), psychosis, and personality disorders. In addition to being a HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist I am an accredited CAT practitioner and act as an expert witness in cases of gender-based violence and complex trauma.