Detailed CV

Dr Josephine Swede is a Chartered Counselling Psychologist and HCPC-registered practitioner working with Clinic Autism London, a specialist neurodevelopmental clinic providing private autism and ADHD assessments in Central London and across the UK.

​

With over 10 years of experience across NHS services, private practice and voluntary-sector organisations, Dr Swede brings extensive clinical expertise in psychological assessment, autism, mental health and trauma-informed psychological care.

​

She holds a Doctorate in Psychotherapeutic and Counselling Psychology from the University of Surrey and is trained in two internationally recognised autism assessment instruments: the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised (ADI-R).

​

Her clinical work focuses on autism assessment, adult autism identification, psychological wellbeing and post-diagnostic support, with a particular interest in individuals exploring an autism diagnosis later in life.

​

Specialist Autism Assessment and Adult Diagnosis

At Clinic Autism London, Dr Swede contributes her psychological expertise to specialist autism assessment services, supporting individuals seeking a clearer understanding of their neurodevelopmental profile.

​

She has a particular interest in the experiences of autistic adults whose characteristics may have been overlooked or misunderstood during childhood, including individuals who have developed sophisticated social masking or camouflaging strategies.

​

Her areas of clinical interest include:

• Adult autism assessment and late identification of autism

• Autism in individuals who mask or camouflage autistic characteristics

• Autistic burnout, emotional exhaustion and psychological wellbeing

• Social anxiety, emotional regulation and overlapping mental health difficulties

• The relationship between autism, trauma and psychological distress

• Identity, self-understanding and adjustment following an autism diagnosis

​

Trained in ADOS-2 and ADI-R, Dr Swede uses her knowledge of structured autism assessment alongside clinical interviewing, psychological formulation and an understanding of individual developmental experiences.

Her approach is neurodiversity-affirming, recognising autism as a neurodevelopmental difference while remaining attentive to the challenges, strengths and support needs of each individual.

Post-Diagnostic Psychological Support

For many adults, receiving an autism diagnosis can bring greater clarity while also raising questions about identity, relationships, emotional wellbeing and previous life experiences.

Dr Swede offers individualised post-diagnostic psychological support to help autistic adults understand their experiences and develop practical approaches to everyday challenges.

Her therapeutic work integrates evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT).

Support may focus on understanding masking and burnout, managing anxiety, developing self-compassion, navigating relationships and identifying strategies that are appropriate to the individual's needs and circumstances.

Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, Dr Swede adapts psychological interventions to reflect each person's communication preferences, lived experiences and individual goals.

​

Mental Health, Trauma and Complex Psychological Presentations

Alongside her work in autism assessment and psychological therapy, Dr Swede has substantial experience supporting individuals with complex mental health needs, including anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD and trauma-related difficulties.

​

Her clinical background includes work within NHS psychological services, multidisciplinary mental health teams and independent therapeutic settings.

​

She has particular experience understanding the psychological effects of trauma, including how trauma-related experiences may interact with emotional functioning, interpersonal relationships and an individual's wider psychological presentation.

​

This broader clinical perspective informs her thoughtful and individualised approach to psychological assessment and support.

​

Independent Psychological Assessments and Expert Witness Work

Dr Swede is also a Full Member of the Expert Witness Institute (MEWI), with more than five years of experience preparing independent psychological assessments and medico-legal reports.

​

Her expert witness work includes immigration, asylum, human rights and criminal proceedings, with particular expertise in assessing the psychological consequences of trauma, trafficking and significant adversity.

She has undertaken specialist expert witness report-writing training through Bond Solon and prepares impartial, evidence-based psychological opinions in accordance with relevant professional and legal standards.

​

Qualifications and Professional Credentials

• Doctorate in Psychotherapeutic and Counselling Psychology (PsychD), University of Surrey

• Chartered Psychologist, British Psychological Society (BPS)

• Registered Practitioner Psychologist, Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

• HCPC Registration: PYL039087

• ADOS-2 Training and Certification, Pearson Clinical Assessment

• ADI-R Training and Certification, Sunfield Institute

• Full Member, Expert Witness Institute (MEWI)

• Specialist training in CBT, ACT, psychological supervision and trauma-informed therapeutic approaches

• ​

A Compassionate, Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach

Dr Swede believes that high-quality psychological assessment should extend beyond diagnostic labels to recognise the person behind the presentation.

​

Her work combines clinical knowledge, careful psychological formulation and a collaborative therapeutic relationship to help individuals feel understood, respected and actively involved in decisions about their care.

Through her work with Clinic Autism London, she contributes to a multidisciplinary approach that values clinical rigour, individual differences and meaningful support beyond diagnosis.

​

Explore autism assessment and post-diagnostic psychological support at Clinic Autism London.