Meet the Team
At Fortitude we have a team of practitioners, carefully selected on the basis of their experience, skills and knowledge. We can provide Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Eye Movements Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Specialist Addictions & Mental Health Nurse Led interventions.
Taking the step to seek therapy is a difficult one and it is important that your therapist is appropriately professionally qualified and registered. Copies of qualifications can be provided on request. You can also check our credentials with the BABCP, NMC and EMDR UK.
Shelley Bradley-Scholey
Founder of Fortitude and Principal Therapist
'About Fortitude'
FORTITUDE was born through a personal journey of adversity during which opportunity was uncovered. In times of hardship we tend to focus our attention on a problem but tremendous growth can also occur. Through FORTITUDE we offer therapy, professional supervision and training that is high quality, and focussed on supporting people to develop skills that will enable them to develop resilience and cope with life as a human!
As a vastly experienced and highly trained mental health professional with multiple professional registrations, clinical training and leadership qualifications I created FORTITUDE, based on my vision of what psychological therapy and wellbeing support ‘should’ look like. That is having quick access to therapy that is proven to work delivered by down to earth practitioners.
We strive to provide people and teams with a chance to nurture their inherent resilience and strength, teaching them a philosophy of wellbeing, developing their own tools and skills that will enable them to become stronger through hardship. This will allow them to maintain psychological wellness and thrive in life.
'My Qualifications'
BA (Hons) University of Lincoln
Dip Nursing (MH) University of Nottingham
EMDR Training Level 1-4
PGDip CBT University of Oxford
MSc CBT Research University of Oxford
EMDR Consultant & Supervisor Training
Additional Clinical Training:
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Compassion Focussed Therapy
Mindfulness based CBT
Narrative Exposure Therapy
Interpersonal Counselling
Motivational Interviewing
Clinical Supervisor Training
Flash Technique
Dream Completion Technique
'My Experience'
My experience spans a lengthy career in mental healthcare beginning in 2003. I have worked in the NHS, private sector and Ministry of Defence, my knowledge is wide and varied. I have worked with many different types of client groups. During this experience I have developed a vast array of expert skills enabling me to work with problems such as Depression, Anxiety disorders, PTSD and other complex mental health conditions resulting from traumatic life events.
I have worked in female only mental health settings, and also male dominated environments such as the prison service and military. I have the experience to adapt my therapy to suit you, regardless of age, gender or circumstances. Some of my experience of working with trauma has been gained in military service, delivering mental healthcare on the frontline, I have first-hand experience of military life as both a deployed service person and as a military spouse. I hold a full NSV security clearance.
I currently hold a senior role within the NHS and I am an Associate Assessor and Supervisor on CBT therapy training courses at the University of Oxford. I am a contributor to academic literature and research, with a particular interest in psychological trauma. Alongside this I oversee the management and support clients in our busy private practice at FORTITUDE.
I have successfully helped and treated thousands of individuals. Further to this I have coached, mentored and supervised countless colleagues and trainees helping them achieve their goals, broaden their skills and gain professional accreditations.
'My Professional Accreditations'
Registered Nurse - Mental Health NMC
BABCP Accredited CBT Practitioner
EMDR UK Accredited Practitioner
EMDR UK Accredited Consultant and Supervisor
CPT Provider
'My Commitment to You'
I believe passionately in helping people to heal and become stronger through adversity, I believe everyone has the innate resilience to overcome whatever difficulties and challenges life causes. My approach is straight talking and down to earth, my strengths are engaging with people from all walks of life, particularly those who find it tricky to talk about things.
I work well with clients who are ready to engage with making changes and taking an active role in their therapy, I enjoy working together to understand your difficulties and get the most out of your therapy.
Fay Latter
Clinical Associate
'My Qualifications'
BSc in Mental Health Nursing University of Leeds
PGDip CBT University of Oxford
EMDR Training University of Worcester
Additional Clinical Training:
Cognitive Processing Therapy
'My Experience'
With over 10 years’ experience in working in a mental health setting, I am a passionate cognitive behaviour therapist/ mental health nurse that has worked with a variety of mental health problems. I share in the Fortitude values and goals in delivering effective, evidence-based healthcare. Having recently left the Armed Forces, my background and experience is treating service personnel (ages 16+) suffering from common mental health problems, I have vast experience treating PTSD and other complex presentations.
It can be daunting to ask for help but is often this first step that leads you on the path to feeling better. The therapeutic approach I offer is none judgemental, compassionate and collaborative. We'll work towards your own goals together, at your own pace.
'My Professional Accreditations'
Registered Nurse - Mental Health NMC
BABCP Accredited CBT Practitioner
EMDR UK Trained Practitioner Accreditation - in progress
CPT Provider
'My Commitment to You'
I achieve excellent recovery rates for my clients because I strongly believe that therapy is individual to that person, working initially on a trusting and strong therapeutic relationship. My approach to psychotherapy is collaborative and flexible, this means that we would take the time to work together through your past experiences in a compassionate way, we will look together at the skills to help you overcome problems and make positive, lasting change.
Darren Smith
Clinical Associate
'My Qualifications'
Diploma in Mental Health Nursing University of Birmingham
BSc (Hons) Health Science in Addiction Studies, University of Leeds
EMDR Training Levels 1 – 3, EMDR Europe
Additional Clinical Training:
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Introduction to CBT, Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre
Feeling State Addiction Protocol, EMDR
Mental Health First Aid
'My Experience'
My experience spans a career within the Defence Mental Health Services, working with a varied client group in mental health and primary care services. have experience in treating a wide range of mental health problems and psychological difficulties including Depression, Anxiety, PTSD and Addictions.
I am a qualified Mental Health Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and hold a current nursing registration. I have a BSc (Honours) Health Science Degree in Addictions Studies, I am currently the Defence Addiction Specialist for Scotland and have a vast experience in working with individuals who use substances and alcohol.
I practised in working with Psychological Trauma, delivering Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and working towards accreditation with EMDR UK & Ireland. Additionally, I have completed training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and working towards international provider status. I am trained in numerous psychological approaches including, CBT by the Oxford Cognitive Training Centre.
'My Professional Accreditations'
Registered Nurse - Mental Health NMC
EMDR UK Trained Practitioner Accreditation - in progress
CPT Provider
'My Commitment to You'
I am an autonomous, courteous practitioner who is hardworking, focused, and dynamic. I am a motivated individual who aspires to provide the highest possible care for my clients by using evidence base practice and adhering to NICE Guidelines and procedures.
Holly Jane Thurgood
Clinical Associate
'My Qualifications'
BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing University of Birmingham
PGDip in CBT University of Oxford
EMDR Trainee
PGCert Teaching in Higher Education
Additional Clinical Training:
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Introduction to CBT, Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre
Level 3 Coaching & Mentoring
'My Experience'
I am an experienced and highly trained mental health professional and psychological therapist. I have over 14 years of military healthcare experience delivering care in the UK and whilst deployed on operations. I have worked in acute and community mental health within the NHS and Ministry of Defence.
I have experience in risk assessment and crisis intervention and training in delivering CBT based therapy such as Motivational Interviewing, Compassion Focused Therapy and Mindfulness. I have worked with clients of varied age living with a mixture of problems such as Depression, Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and alcohol addiction. I also regularly deliver mental health workshops to executive level managers, I have a varied portfolio of experience in delivering training and skills workshops to large audiences and teaching to small groups.
'My Professional Accreditations'
Registered Nurse - Mental Health NMC
BABCP Accredited CBT Practitioner
EMDR UK Trainee
CPT Provider
'My Commitment to You'
Seeking help is the first step to recovery. I aspire to help others reach their full potential through a period of collaborative therapy and skills development focused on wellbeing, resilience and change. I am results focussed, I will work with you in a structured way to support you in understanding your difficulties and learning skills to achieve your therapy goals. I am energetic and enthusiastic, and I will work with you to motivate and guide you through therapy. My approach is based in the latest evidence of successful therapy approaches.