About me
Specialist experience in trauma and police psychology
I am Dr Thomas Peyton-Lander, a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society, now working as a Consultant Trauma Psychologist in my own practice, specialising in trauma prevention, reduction and treatment, with particular expertise in police and blue-light work.
I hold a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, an MSc in Forensic Psychology, and a PhD in police psychology, with a focus on trauma prevention, reduction, and treatment. Alongside my doctorate, I spent six years with a Midlands police service, gaining specialist experience in trauma, PTSD, cumulative trauma, complex grief, operational stress, and the psychological realities of frontline work.
This combination of academic training and applied experience has given me a detailed understanding of how trauma, cumulative exposure, pressure, and responsibility can affect psychological wellbeing over time.
Professional background
My specialist interest in this field has been shaped by sustained work at the intersection of trauma psychology and policing. Over the course of six years, I worked with a Midlands police service whilst undertaking my doctoral training, focusing on police psychology, trauma reduction and trauma treatment.
This work deepened my understanding not only of trauma itself, but also of the professional cultures in which distress often has to be managed quietly, practically, and alongside significant operational demands. College of Policing guidance has recognised the effects of repeated trauma exposure, constant vigilance, and the risk of psychological exhaustion and burnout within policing. That broader context continues to inform the way I work.
Qualifications and therapeutic training
Academic qualifications
- BSc (Hons) in Psychology
- MSc in Forensic Psychology
- PhD in Police Psychology, Trauma Reduction and Trauma Treatment
Therapeutic qualifications
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Trauma (TFACT)
- Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
These approaches allow me to work flexibly according to the nature of the difficulty, the aims of the therapy, and what is likely to be most clinically useful for the individual.
Professional memberships and affiliations
CPsychol
British Psychological Society
Chartered Psychologist
ACBS
Association for Contextual Behavioural Science
Professional Member
APT
Association for Psychological Therapies
Level 2 Member
These professional memberships reflect my commitment to professional standards, support ongoing professional development, evidence-based practice, and engagement with current thinking in psychological therapy and contextual behavioural science. My practice is regularly clinically supervised, and I abide by guidelines from the BPS.
My approach
My approach is calm, clear and clinically grounded.
Therapy is not about applying a fixed formula. It is about understanding the person properly, making sense of the difficulties in context, and offering treatment that is both credible and effective.
For many people, particularly those from frontline or high-responsibility roles, it matters that therapy feels steady, well judged, and professionally assured. I place a great deal of importance on that.
I aim to offer therapy that is
- Evidence-based
- Professionally focused
- Respectful of the individual and their circumstances
- Thoughtful in pace and structure
- Practical in helping people move forward
Blue-light and police specialism
My practice has a particular emphasis on supporting those working in, or formerly working in, the blue-light services, especially policing. Frontline professionals can face repeated exposure to distressing incidents, sustained pressure, high levels of responsibility, and the need to continue functioning under difficult conditions.
Therapy in this context requires more than general goodwill. It requires a sound understanding of trauma, together with an appreciation of the occupational setting in which these difficulties often develop. My background in police psychology helps me offer therapy that is informed by both.
A specialist practice that welcomes more than one client group
While my practice has a strong emphasis on blue-light and police work, it is not limited to those professions.
I also work with other adults affected by trauma, stress, anxiety, and related psychological difficulties. Whether difficulties arise from frontline work, a specific traumatic event, or the cumulative effect of pressure over time, therapy can provide a structured and confidential space in which to understand what is happening and work towards meaningful change.
Who I work with
I work with adults who may be experiencing:
- Unprocessed trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Traumatic stress and cumulative trauma effects
- Cumulative stress and operational strain
- Complex grief resulting from trauma or bereavement
- Anxiety and persistent worry
- Sleep disturbance and hyperarousal
- Burnout and emotional exhaustion
- Low mood, detachment or loss of confidence
- Guilt, shame or anger linked to traumatic events
- Difficulty adjusting after significant incidents or prolonged pressure
Working together
I offer therapy in a professional, confidential setting for people who want clear thinking, effective treatment, and a respectful therapeutic approach. If you are considering therapy and would like to discuss whether this may be the right fit, you are welcome to get in touch.
Get in touch