Dr Ian Smith

Clinical & Research Tutor, DClinPsy

Additional Information

Ian joined the Lancaster University DClinPsy programme staff in April 2006 and he now works full-time for the programme as a lecturer in research methods and as a clinical tutor. His work includes arranging clinical placements for trainees on the programme, helping to organise and contributing to the teaching programme, and helping to co-ordinate and supervise trainee research. He is also the deputy chair of the programme's examinations board. Prior to joining the programme at Lancaster, Ian worked at the University of East London (UEL) doctoral programme in clinical psychology as a clinical tutor.

Having trained on the Lancashire in-service Clinical Psychology programme, Ian is registered as a Clinical Psychologist with the Health Professions Council. Since quallifying nine years ago he has worked clinically in the National Health Service in forensic services and community services for adults with intellectual disabilities, and also with people with severe mental health problems and challenging behaviour,whilst providing support, training and consultation to the staff who work with them. He continues to conduct some clinical work in addition to his university duties.

Ian has a special interest in the teaching of micro-therapy skills and in using solution focused approaches to clinical work, and has an MA in Solution Focused Brief Therapy from the University of Birmingham. He has taught and facilitated workshops in the UK and in South America on these topics, and taught as a visiting lecturer at the Universities of Birmingham and Hertfordshire. He also provides specialist supervision on solution focused working.

Recent publications:

Smith, I. (2005). A solution-focused therapy case study. British Journal of Learning Disabilities 33, 102-105

Smith, I. (2006). Ideas for solution based working with people who have intellectual disabilities. Solution News 2 (2), 21-25.