Strider Collective associates
We provide an independent service, offering talking therapy and other psychologically informed interventions to individuals and groups online and face to face.
Dr Tomas Jelinek
Clinical Psychologist
Bio
Hello, my name is Tomas. I am a Clinical Psychologist with experience supporting individuals across a range of life stages and contexts, from physical health settings to staff wellbeing and public mental health research. I have a particular interest in how psychological resilience and meaningful connection with self, others, and the outdoors, can support people through complex or challenging periods, whether these involve chronic illness, professional burnout, or significant life transitions.
My approach is integrative and collaborative, drawing on models such as Compassion-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Analytic Therapy, and systemic approaches. I aim to offer a compassionate space where we can explore your experiences together and develop strategies that are tailored to your goals and values, leading to a lasting change.
Over the years, I have worked in NHS hospital settings, university environments, and international research teams. Whether offering therapy to individuals, consultation to teams, or teaching to students, I am continually inspired by the creativity, courage, and insight that people bring to the process of change. I look forward to working together to support your wellbeing in a way that feels grounded, practical, and hopeful.
CV
Education
- (2016-2019) University of Exeter: Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy)
- (2014-2016) University College London: MSc in Clinical Mental Health Sciences
- (2009-2013) University of Westminster: BSc (Hons) in Psychology with a placement year
Experience
- (01/2021 – present) Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist in Staff Health and Wellbeing; Occupational Health, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
- (10/2022 – present) Teaching Fellow on MSc Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health; Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK.
- (01/2023 – 02/2025) Clinical Psychologist in Public Mental Health Research; National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.
- (10/2019 – 12/2020) Clinical Psychologist in Medical Oncology and Palliative Care; St George’s University Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK.
Registration
- Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) since 2019.
Dr Stuart Smith
Clinical Psychologist
Bio
Hello I’m Stuart, I’m a principal clinical psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) practitioner registered with the association of cognitive analytic therapists (ACAT). I have experience in working with adults presenting with a wide range of problems, which often are driven by our best attempts at navigating traumatic life experiences and relationships. I take a relational approach to psychological therapy which focuses on the relationship we have to ourselves, others and the world; issues that often lead to feeling stuck with certain situations or problems.
I take a strongly collaborative approach to psychological therapy within sessions. I feel the therapeutic relationship is a place to be able to notice, name and navigate a range of difficulties as they emerge in the safety of session. I find this often helps people to develop solutions they can take into their lives. My goal over the course of therapy is for it to provide a scaffold of support to aid personal and relational growth which holds it’s shape after the scaffold of therapy comes to an end. In my view the impact of wider cultural and social influences emerge on the personal level and are critical for understanding the stories of our lives.
As a psychologist I have been deeply influenced and draw on CAT, and currently completing my specialist psychotherapy training in CAT. I draw upon my training in a wide variety of psychological therapies, including acceptance and commitment therapy, compassion focused therapy and motivational interviewing (advanced training).
I am principal psychologist within an adult mental health within the NHS in the Southwest of England. I have worked in the past within specialist drugs and alcohol settings, persistent pain and those living with neurological conditions. I work to adapt my work to individual needs and or adaptations for neurodiversity. My current work is focused around working with dissociation, complex emotional needs and complex trauma. As a gay man I have a specific interest in supporting members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
CV
Education
- (2016-2019) University of Exeter: Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy)
- (2012-2013) University of Exeter: MSc Psychological research Methods
- (2009-2012) University of Exeter: BSc (Hons) in Psychology
Experience
- (01/2025 – present) Principal Clinical Psychologist, Specialist Psychological Interventions Somerset Foundation Trust, Somerset, UK.
- (03/2021 – 01/2025) Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist, Open Mental Health. Somerset Foundation Trust, Somerset, UK.
- (11/2019 – 03/2021) Clinical Psychologist, Somerset Drugs and Alcohol Service. Somerset UK.
- (11/2019 – 04/2020) Clinical Psychologist, Somerset Pain Service, Somerset Foundation Trust, Somerset, UK.
Registration
- Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) since 2019
- Accredited cognitive analytic therapy practitioner with the Associate of Cognitive Analytic Therapist (ACAT) since 2024
Dr Harriet Toop
Clinical Psychologist
Bio
Hello, my name is Harriet. I work therapeutically with adults of all ages but have a particular
focus on the experiences of later life, including trauma, bereavement, role changes, and
physical or cognitive health challenges. I am continually inspired by the wisdom and
resilience of my clients and aim to harness this expertise alongside my professional skills to
help you adapt to or overcome the challenges you face.
I have experience working in several specialist NHS dementia services and have had the
privilege of supporting individuals and families to reduce distress and enhance the quality of
life for those living with dementia. My integrative approach draws on models such as CBT,
Compassion-Focused Therapy, and the Newcastle Model, tailored to your needs. This may
involve creating a safe space to process difficult experiences or developing practical,
personalised strategies to help you care for yourself and others.
CV
Education
- (2015-2018) University of Exeter: Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy)
- (2012-2014) University of Edinburgh: MSc in Human Cognitive Neuropsychology
- (2005-2009) University of Glasgow: BSc (Hons) in Psychology
Experience
- (02/2025 – present) Lecturer for Special Psychopathology (Master of Psychology program) at the University of New York in Prague.
- (02/2023 – 06/2024) Locum Clinical Psychologist in Older People’s Mental Health Community Teams and Inpatient Mental Health Services, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Hampshire, UK.
- (01/2020 – 10/2022) Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist in the Memory Assessment Service and Community Communication and Behaviour Support Service, Wandsworth, London, UK.
- (10/2018 – 12/2019) Clinical Psychologist in an Older People’s Mental Health Team, Livewell Southwest, Plymouth, UK.
Registration
- Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) since 2019
Dr Mandeep Bachu
Clinical Psychologist
Bio
I am a clinical psychologist, personal trainer that work across the NHS, private, and charitable sectors and am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and Chartered by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
My work is not just about addressing symptoms, but about helping you build a life that reflects your true self, where you feel more connected, fulfilled, and in control. I draw on evidence-based practices with a flexible, creative approach and provide a therapeutic experience that is as personalised.
My goal is to support you in discovering your strengths and developing your potential, so you can move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
CV
Education
- (2016-2019) University of Exeter: Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy)
- (2009-2010) University of Oxford Brookes: Msc Cognitive Neuroscience
- (2012-2014) University of Coventry: Msc Occupational Psychology
- (2013-2014) University of Surrey PG Diploma Psychological Interventions
Experience
- (11/2019 – present) Specialist Clinical Psychologist in Community Mental Health Recovery Service, Surrey and Boarders Partnership, UK.
- (11/2019 – 07/2020) Clinical Psychologist at Cygnet Hospital Woking, UK.
Registration
