Debbie Longsdale

Debbie Longsdale has a diverse work experience spanning various industries. Debbie started their career as a Relationship Manager at HSBC, where they managed a portfolio of SME clients. Following this, they worked as a Commercial Business Development Manager at Royal Bank of Scotland Business, where they sourced finance opportunities and sought new business wins.

In 2005, Debbie founded and developed Petite Affair Ltd, an internet and mail-order e-tailer specializing in women's petite clothing. Debbie sourced suppliers, designers, and built a small team to bring a unique offering to women under 5'3". During their time as the Director of the company, turnovers approached £500k annually.

After leaving Petite Affair Ltd, Debbie joined Bluebell Care Trust as a Counsellor, providing support to families affected by perinatal issues. Debbie later became a Supervisor, offering clinical supervision and support to key members of the Bluebell care team.

Debbie then ventured into the field of education, working as a School Counsellor at Henbury Senior School and Redland Green School. Debbie provided counseling and therapy to students, working with an integrative approach and supporting those with anxiety.

In 2013, Debbie worked as a Counsellor for Bluebell Care Trust and as a School Counsellor for Place2Be. Debbie offered counseling services to individuals and school students to support their mental well-being.

In 2014, Debbie established Vitality Counselling & Psychotherapy, a private practice offering counseling and psychotherapy to individuals aged 11 and above. Debbie provided therapy sessions from the Birdwell Clinic in Long Ashton.

Debbie's work in the mental health field continued as an Integrative Psychotherapist, running semi-structured group therapy sessions for patients diagnosed with mental health conditions, including eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. Debbie utilized various therapies, such as CBT, DBT, and Transactional Analysis.

Debbie's career then took their to the Priory, where they held various roles, including Acting Therapy Services Manager, Lead Therapist, Therapy Services Manager, and Operations & Therapy Director in the Private Hospitals division. Their responsibilities included ensuring high clinical standards, directing therapy provision, recruiting clinicians, and overseeing risk management and governance protocols. Debbie also served as the Clinical Safety Officer for the "My Possible Self" mental health app.

In their most recent role at Priory, Debbie held the position of Therapy Director, overseeing therapy provision in private hospitals, wellbeing centers, and digital platforms. Debbie was responsible for ensuring high clinical standards, standardizing treatment pathways, and supporting recruitment and retention of quality clinicians.

Throughout their career, Debbie has consistently demonstrated a commitment to delivering high-quality therapy services, supporting individuals and families in need, and ensuring positive clinical outcomes.

Debbie Longsdale has a diverse education history in the field of mental health counseling and organizational leadership. Their most recent educational achievement was the completion of the Executive Leadership Programme in Organizational Leadership at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford in 2023. In 2019, they attended SDS Training to earn a degree in CBT and counseling for Autistic Spectrum Disorder, focusing on mental health counseling. Debbie also completed BPS approved training in ACT (acceptance & commitment therapy) at SDS Training in 2018. Additionally, in 2017, they received training in Essential Supervision Skills in psychology at SDS Training and studied Attachment Trauma at The Bowlby Centre, London. In 2016, they obtained a certificate in DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) skills from APT. Debbie also pursued their education with CPCAB, earning a Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in 2015 and a Level 7 diploma in Child and Youth Counselling in 2015 from Network Counselling. In 2014, they undertook the Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Children through Place2be, studying via CPCAB. Their education also includes Systemic Psychotherapy at the University of South Wales in 2013-2014 and a Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling from City of Bristol College from 2012-2014. Prior to their specialized education, Debbie graduated from Poynton County High School in 1991.