Who we are…

Dr Sarah-Jane Knight

Sarah-Jane has core training in CBT, systemic and psychodynamic approaches and additional training in group psychoanalytic psychotherapy, attachment-focussed therapies and approaches used in treating trauma. In addition, she has training in specialist assessment tools, such as the ADOS (autism assessment).

Working in outpatient and inpatient services in the NHS for many years and then in her own and a specialist practice for adopted children prior to establishing Commune. Sarah-Jane now spends much of her time offering a consultation services to specialist education settings, residential childrens’ services and other specialist providers.

Dr Nicola Meechan

Nicola is a Principle Clinical Psychologist, and has worked in a number of NHS CAMHS teams, over the last nineteen years, to broaden her skills and clinical experience. Over this same time frame she has also worked with adults and young people within private practice. Between 2019- 2022, Nicola led a specialist schools service providing clinical psychology input to children at risk of school exclusion, and to a number of mainstream schools, to support the emotional needs of primary and secondary age pupils. Currently she works in a London Tier 3 CAMHS Service in an Adolescent Team as a senior Clinical Psychologist. 

Aside from her core clinical training in Clinical Psychology, Nicola has undertaken further training in autism assessment, parenting work adapted for children with additional needs, trauma-based work (including EMDR) with both children, adolescents and adults, as well as Non-Violent Resistance approaches and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy. 

Emma is a Counselling Psychologist and has core training in CBT, humanistic and psychodynamic approaches. She has particular experience working with children, young people and parents. In addition to this, she also has both an interest and experience in working alongside schools to support young people with their emotional well-being and mental health. She works in a local Tier 3 CAMHS service when she isn’t at Commune.

Leora Berschtel

Leora is a Speech and Language Therapist (SaLT) who has spent many years doing autism assessments in both the NHS and private practice. She has joined the team to lead the Autism Assessment Clinic.

Scout is a Boston Terrier who spends time in the practice and is available for patients who feel they may benefit from having her in session. She is very friendly and affectionate and (mostly) very well behaved. Scout can really help children and young people who are anxious or reluctant to visit the practice.