About me, The Candid Psychologist
What I know from my over 14 years of practice as an Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychologist is that every child and teen is worthy of a fulfilled and expansive life experience. It may take time to get there - and what it looks like will differ for them all. But what should be the same is an even playing field – access to opportunity, support, self-esteem, play, safety, resources, possibility, structure and family support.
We all have a unique set of advantages and disadvantages in life. I am the same as everyone else. As a mother to three and as a psychologist I know that sometimes the smallest change can make the biggest difference, and sometimes it can take a lot of work to get there. I know that the path to success does not run smooth for many of us. What makes the difference is the adults around us who have the capability to reduce the obstacles in our path, to show us the glimmers of possibility and to advocate for our right to live a fulfilled and expansive life.
Dr Sharon Ladak, BSc, DEdChAdPsy, CPsychol
Educational, Child & Adolescent Psychologist
It is the cornerstone of my psychological practice that there is no such thing as an impossible situation – only possibilities that have not yet been unearthed.
Working with children and teens
When I work with children or teens, and when I am in a consultation with the adults who are concerned about them, I listen for the story first – what is going on around the edges, what is being said and what is being left unsaid, and what is the fear that is pushing the worry and concern. This story is unique to each situation and holds within its power possibility for change. Then I identify what it is that I can uniquely contribute towards unpicking and understanding what is going on. I apply in-depth psychological understanding and interpretation so that the possible solutions and the next steps are evident. My services page on this site will walk you through the various methods and ways in which I work from here on in.
I have the best training there is in child and adolescent psychology - a Doctorate in Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology - and I am a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society. I meet the highest standard of psychological knowledge and expertise and I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council which means that I meet their standards for my ongoing professional development and my psychological practice.
My private practice has been building since 2012 when I started working on a very small scale alongside working full time for the one of the largest unitary local authorities in England since 2010. In 2018 I moved fully into private practice, keen to dedicate my expertise and resources more fully to you, without criteria for my involvement and without a highly demanding caseload. I only work with a few children/teens/families/schools at a time so my focus and energy can go fully where it needs to be. In 2020 I formalised my private practice further and started my own company – Ladak Psychology Practice Ltd – for full transparency and full accountability. My logo – The Candid Psychologist – is thoughtfully chosen because I give open and sincere advice, provided in a straightforward way so that you are clear that the input and advice offered is focused solely on the needs of your situation and context.
Dr Sharon Ladak, BSc, DEdChAdPsy, CPsychol
Educational, Child & Adolescent Psychologist
