Meet the Team: Dr Lisa Gadon
Welcome to the Harris Psychology blog, and thank you for taking the time to read my first post.
I'm Lisa, one half of Harris Psychology, a private clinical psychology practice based in Glasgow. I thought I'd use this first blog to introduce myself, share how I found my way into clinical psychology, and tell you a little about the work that I've been fortunate to do throughout my career.
Where My Interest in Psychology Began
My interest in psychology started many years ago while studying for my A Levels. I was fascinated by how varied the subject was and how it offered insights into why people think, feel, and behave the way they do. That fascination led me to study psychology at university.
During my second year, one of my lecturers recommended The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by neurologist Oliver Sacks. The book explores real-life stories of people living with neurological conditions and highlights the incredible complexity of the human brain. Reading it was a pivotal moment for me. It sparked a lifelong fascination with neuropsychology and continues to influence my work today as a clinical psychologist.
While completing my undergraduate degree, I spent my holidays working in a nursing home. I loved listening to residents' life stories and learning about their experiences. Looking back, I can see that this was where my interest in working with older adults first began, although I didn't realise it at the time.
Research, Learning and Finding My Path
After graduating, I initially believed my future lay in research and academia. I completed a Master's degree in research methods followed by a PhD, and I worked as a postdoctoral researcher for several years.
While I enjoyed research and teaching, I gradually realised that something was missing. I wanted more direct contact with people. I was interested not just in understanding psychological theories, but in helping people apply psychological knowledge to improve their lives and wellbeing.
This realisation led me to train as a clinical psychologist.
During my clinical psychology training, I completed placements across a wide range of services, including adult mental health, learning disabilities, child and adolescent services, and older adult services. I was particularly drawn to working with adults and older adults.
My Career in Older Adult Mental Health and Neuropsychology
After qualifying as a Clinical Psychologist, I joined an NHS Older Adult Mental Health Team and spent many years working in a variety of services, including a young-onset dementia service and community mental health teams.
Over the course of my NHS career, I had the opportunity to work with people experiencing a broad range of psychological and cognitive difficulties. My role involved delivering individual therapy, facilitating groups, providing staff training and consultation, contributing to research and service development, and conducting neuropsychological assessments.
A significant part of my work involved helping people who were experiencing changes in their cognitive functioning, including memory problems, attention difficulties, and concerns about possible dementia. Through detailed neuropsychological assessment, I worked alongside multidisciplinary teams to determine whether cognitive difficulties reflected normal ageing, stress-related changes, neurological conditions, or dementias.
This remains an area of psychology that I find both intellectually fascinating and deeply rewarding.
Building Harris Psychology
In 2024, I made the decision to leave the NHS and focus on developing Harris Psychology alongside Michelle.
It was a significant decision, but also an exciting one. We had worked together previously in the NHS and shared a vision of creating a psychology practice that reflected our values: compassion, professionalism, evidence-based care, and a genuine commitment to helping people navigate life's challenges.
At Harris Psychology, we provide private clinical psychology and neuropsychology services in Glasgow and online across Scotland. One of the most rewarding aspects of this new chapter has been creating a service that allows us to focus on the work we are most passionate about while offering a personalised and accessible experience for our clients.
Why I Love Being a Clinical Psychologist
Being a clinical psychologist allows me to work alongside people during some of the most challenging periods of their lives.
Whether someone is struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, adjustment to illness, memory concerns, loss, trauma, or major life changes, I believe every person has strengths and resources that can help them move forward. My role is to help people better understand their difficulties, develop practical skills, and find new ways to navigate challenges and build meaningful lives.
It is a privilege to hear people's stories, and I genuinely love the work that I do.
A Little About Me Outside Work
Away from work, I'm a wife and a mum, and our family also includes two much-loved cats.
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, eating good food, reading, listening to music and podcasts, and making the most of being outdoors. You'll often find me walking, gardening, or out for a run.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me a little better. I look forward to sharing more about psychology, mental health, neuropsychology, and wellbeing in future blogs here at Harris Psychology.