About the Expert

Dr Rachael Tanner’s interest in psychology began at school, as it was “quite simply the most interesting lesson within general science studies”. Dr Tanner had to wait until university (at Southampton – she went twice, both as an undergraduate and again to complete her Doctorate several years later) to concentrate solely on the science of human behaviour. It was worth the wait and as her studies progressed she knew she wanted a career within Clinical Psychology. Dr Tanner states that “this was shaped by my childhood experiences of witnessing several older family members being affected by their experiences in the second world war; clearly this wasn’t due to solely biological illness, but the traumas and horrors of war were impacting on their mental wellbeing and who they were as people – and this in turn affected their children and then the next generation of grandchildren, of which I was one. I wanted to understand these processes and also be actively involved in making a positive change and helping treat debilitating mental health conditions. I have felt honoured and privileged to be allowed into others’ lives in such a personal way to do this over the last 25 years.”

Dr Tanner continues to work in the NHS as a Consultant and leads a team of psychologists and therapists working with complex presentations in working age adults. “Every day is different, every individual seeking help is different and the challenges in the NHS are varied and ever-changing. My Trust is currently transforming services for Complex Trauma and psychological treatments are rightly at the heart of this and I am proud to be playing an active role in improving services.”

Dr Tanner enjoys that the medico-legal work helps individuals receive psychological assessment (and treatment) who might not have received this via the NHS systems for multiple and varied reasons. “I regard the disciplines of psychology and law as having definite similarities in the need for logical thought and objectivity. I never tire of hearing others’ stories and making sense of their experience whether we use diagnostic labels to do so or simply understand that as humans we will be affected by aversive life experiences. I hope I never stop listening and truly hearing how it is in another’s world.”

“Outside of work, I enjoy living on the south coast, near the beach and the forest, where running, swimming and walking or admiring a great view is always there to clear your head or create a backdrop to think through a tricky issue or spend time with family and friends. I also love travel and am always planning the next trip, ideally in new places as well as returning to old favourites. I’m quite scared of flying but what psychologist would I be if I didn’t practice what I preach and get on that plane!”

Dr Tanner provides appointments in Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Salisbury, Southampton & remotely.