About
Dr Ian Smith is a Senior Tutor and Research Director at Lancaster University’s DClinPsy programme, with over two decades of NHS clinical experience. He specializes in solution-focused therapy, intellectual disabilities, and digital mental health tools, while co-coordinating clinical psychology training and teaching undergraduates in Topics in Clinical Psychology.
- Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology (University of Wales, Bangor)
- MA in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (University of Birmingham)
His research spans grounded theory investigations into therapy training, psychological interventions for autistic and intellectually disabled populations, and digital health innovations. Recent work explores table-top games for autistic adults (2025) and non-psychology staff training (2025). Articles demonstrate expertise in aggression management, therapeutic relationships, and forensic service adaptations, with keyword trends in Clinical Psychology, Autism, and Intellectual Disabilities.
Scientific contributions include 40+ peer-reviewed publications, notably in Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities and Lancet Psychiatry. Supervises postgraduate students including Jenny Allen, with a focus on playful learning and solution-focused skills across UK and South American institutions.
