Percuro Psychology is a specialist clinical psychology practice with particular expertise in the complexities of adolescence, assessing and supporting anxiety (including OCD), neurodivergence and school-related distress.
We work directly with young people, and with the adults supporting them.
Our practice provides developmentally informed psychological therapy, specialist assessment where indicated, and parent-inclusive support for young people and families navigating one of the most complex stages of growth.
Our work is grounded in compassion, strengthened through connection, and guided by clinical integrity.
Percuro derives from the Latin percurare — to heal completely, to care for thoroughly, to treat something through to its conclusion.
It combines:
per — thoroughly, completely
curo — to care for, to attend to
This shapes everything we do.
Adolescence is not simply “older childhood.”
It is a period of neurological reorganisation, identity formation and heightened social demand.
For many young people, this stage brings increasing internal pressure and for families, it can bring uncertainty and change.
Families may find themselves facing:
Percuro Psychology was founded by Dr Melita Ash, HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist, following over a decade of specialist work within children’s services.
Through her work within complex systems, one theme became clear:
Young people do best when the adults and environments around them feel supported, informed and equipped, particularly during periods of stress or transition.
Adolescence, however, is the stage at which structured psychological support often reduces, despite being a time of significant neurological, emotional and social change.
Percuro was created to provide that missing layer of specialist understanding.
Today, the practice continues to grow, bringing together clinicians aligned in shared values and committed to excellence in adolescent mental health.
CompassionDistress makes sense.
Anxiety is not weakness.
Autism and ADHD are not deficits.
Adolescence can be a challenging and disorientating period.
We begin with understanding, for young people and for the adults supporting them.
ConnectionAdolescence naturally reshapes family relationships.
We support both young people and parents in navigating this shift, recognising that sustainable change is most likely when the wider family system feels understood and supported.
Relational work is not about blame, it is about strengthening what is already there.
IntegrityClinical excellence is not optional.
Our assessments follow NICE guidelines.
Our reports are clear, comprehensive and defensible.
Our recommendations are practical and grounded in research.
We practise transparently and communicate honestly.
Thorough care requires integrity at every stage.
Percuro Psychology brings together specialist therapy, assessment and formulation within a developmental framework focused on adolescence.
We work at the intersection of:
Where therapy is indicated, it is collaborative and developmentally attuned.
Where assessment is indicated, it is thorough and neuro-affirmative.
A practice where compassion and clinical rigour sit side by side.
Where families feel informed rather than blamed.
Where care is measured, thoughtful and thorough.
And where every young person is met with respect for who they are becoming.
Dr Melita Ash is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and the director of Percuro Psychology. With extensive experience in the NHS, third sector, and independent practice, Dr Ash specialises in supporting children, teens, and their parents in managing anxiety-related challenges, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety, and school avoidance (EBSnA).
A HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist and Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society, Dr Ash gained her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Staffordshire University. She is particularly passionate about helping parents of teenagers who feel unsure, overwhelmed, or stuck when trying to support their child’s mental health. She provides practical strategies to help parents feel more confident in their role, while also ensuring their own wellbeing isn’t left behind.
Dr Eleanor (Ellie) Marks is a qualified Clinical Psychologist with experience of working with children, adolescents, and adults. As well as working in private practice, Ellie continues in her NHS role as a Specialist Clinical Psychologist, supporting neurodivergent children and adolescents. Ellie has experience in supporting with a wide range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, and high self-criticism. Her skills and experience enable her to draw upon a variety of psychological models, using an integrative and flexible approach to providing specialist, tailored support, to those embarking on a therapeutic journey.
Ellie embodies a compassionate and inclusive approach in all areas of her work, and believes that you as the individual are the expert by your lived experience, and works collaboratively to get you to where you want to be.
Rachael is an RCSLT and HCPC registered Specialist Speech & Language Therapist with over 5 years of experience across the NHS, private sector, and specialist schools. She supports children and young people with a variety of speech, language, and communication needs. She is particularly passionate about neurodiversity, and has been supporting multi-disciplinary Autism assessments for children and adults for several years now. Rachael has experience contributing to differential diagnoses of complex presentations, including trauma and attachment needs, speech and language difficulties, and Pathological Demand Avoidance profiles. She strives to be neurodiversity-affirming within her clinical practice and believes there is no 'correct' way to communicate. Rachael is passionate about working with individuals and their families to deepen their understanding of their own communication and to support them in finding strategies that work best for them.