Louise Passey

I qualified as a mental health nurse in 1998. I have extensive clinical experience at a senior level working within the NHS and have worked in a variety of mental health areas including forensic mental health. These have enhanced my clinical skills and knowledge base. I have vast experience in risk assessment and devising robust risk management plans; these skills can be transferable from a community setting to an in-patient environment.

In my current role, I work as an Accredited Psychological Therapist in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy with adults diagnosed with emotionally unstable personality disorder (formerly known as borderline personality disorder). This diagnosis can cause individuals to have difficulties with emotional regulation and be at high risk of suicide and self-harm.  I also work with autistic people and those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who have emotional regulation difficulties.  Many patients also have depression and anxiety.   I provide adherent Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), 1-1 psychotherapy sessions, and group therapy; I also offer DBT telephone skills coaching to enable the generalisation of skills.   As a DBT therapist we do not readily consult with the environment discuss patients with other professionals, or attend meetings however, there is an expectation for therapists to continually assess patients at high risk of suicide/self-harm often with complex mental health difficulties/diagnoses, and complete risk management plans. On occasion, I have to refer patients to crisis emergency services if I believe their risk of suicide/self-harm is high to maintain safety, so it is paramount I have an understanding of how the crisis team, home treatment team, community mental health team, and psychiatric liaison team work and what care under those services should be.  I must remain registered as a mental health nurse with the NMC to be in this role. I have a sound working knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and forensic sections. I also have experience in safeguarding and ensuring processes are put in place within a timely manner. I have effective communication skills, both verbal and non verbal and possess the ability to critique and analyse all arguments and viewpoints that are presented to formulate a clear plan and opinion with proposed actions and recommendations.

In March 2020 I completed my foundational training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and in August 2021 my intensive training. In July 2023 I graduated with a post graduate diploma in dialectical behaviour therapy from Bangor University. I am also now an accredited DBT therapist with the society for Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. In addition, I have a good understanding of NHS processes and policies and I have extensive working knowledge of CPA and care, education treatment plans for individuals. These are part of NHS England's commitment to transforming mental health services. During my time practising within the drug and alcohol team I was required to provide oral evidence in Court. I have also provided oral evidence to a professional regulation hearing as an expert witness and attended a Coroner's inquest to provide expert evidence.

I accept instructions from both claimant and defendant solicitors and insurers. I have undergone formal training in the medico-legal process and am fully aware of my responsibilities under Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) pertaining to expert witnesses.