Dr Rachael Macleod, BSc, MSc, Dip, DClinPsy
Chartered Clinical Psychologist | HCPC Registered
Hi, I’m rachael
I am an HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist specialising in psychological support for the media and entertainment industry, with extensive experience across broadcast television, documentary filmmaking, healthcare, and private practice.
I work closely with production teams to ensure ethical duty of care, robust psychological risk assessment, and best-practice mental health support throughout all stages of production. This includes pre-production screening and assessments, contributor and cast support, on-set psychological care, crisis management, and structured post-production aftercare.
Alongside my media work, I have a strong clinical background in highly emotive and sensitive areas, including childhood cancer and paediatric health, developmental and relational trauma, and supporting military families and communities affected by deployment, loss, and transition. This experience enables me to work confidently with complex emotional material and vulnerable contributors.
My consultancy services support productions in balancing creative ambition with participant welfare, navigating the emotional, ethical, and operational pressures of high-profile, fast-paced environments.
I am known for being friendly, 'human' and passionate, combining advanced clinical expertise with a deep understanding of the psychological demands of high-visibility production work. My practice is trauma-informed, neurodiversity affirming and tailored to the unique needs of each production - for cast and crew.
Training and interests
I have special interests in ADHD as an ADHDer myself, neurodivergence, burnout, rejection sensitivity, perfectionism, people pleasing behaviours, and supporting crew.
My therapeutic approaches include EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing), Compassion focused therapy (CFT), Attachment and Commitment Therapy), which is narrative- and trauma-informed. As a neurodivergence specialist, my work is always neuroaffirmative.
Qualifications and Training
HCPC Registered Clinical Psychologist – PYL040113
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) – South Wales (2018–2021)
MSc Clinical & Developmental Neuropsychology – Bournemouth University (2015–2016)
BSc Psychology – Cardiff University (2012–2015)
Foundation Level in Family Therapy and Systemic Practice
ADHD Assessment & Management
Seasons of Matrescence Educator & Guide
ACT for Grief & Loss
ACT for Perfectionism & People‑Pleasing
EMDR Training Parts 1-4
Yoga Instructor Diploma (Level 3)
Compassion Focused Therapy for Trauma
Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy Level 1
ACT Levels 1–3
Full CV available on request
favourite saying
Don’t set yourself on fire to keep others warm