Andrew Thompson

Professor Andrew Thompson is Professor of Clinical Psychology (Hon) at Cardiff University’s School of Psychology and Programme Director for the Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) funded Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClin) and Certificate in Applied Psychological Practice (CAAPs) programmes across South Wales. He is also a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with Cardiff & Vale University Health Board, HCPC-registered in both clinical and health psychology, and an accredited Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner.

Education & Training: While specific degree details are not listed, Professor Thompson is doubly registered with the HCPC as a Clinical Psychologist and Health Psychologist, and holds practitioner-level accreditation in Cognitive Analytic Therapy, indicating extensive postgraduate clinical training.

Research Interests: Professor Thompson’s work is organised around three core themes:
• Psychodermatology & Body Image: investigating the psychosocial impact of visible skin conditions such as vitiligo, psoriasis, alopecia, hidradenitis suppurativa and burns, with a focus on stigma, appearance distress and body dysmorphia.
• Autism Spectrum Conditions: exploring the lived experiences of autistic adults and parents, diagnostic disclosure, and the intersection of autism with parenting and employment.
• Acceptance, Mindfulness & Self-Compassion Interventions: developing and evaluating self-help, ACT and compassion-focused therapies for chronic health conditions including pulmonary hypertension and dermatological disease.

Publication Trends: Between 2022 and 2025 Professor Thompson has published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and clinical guidelines. The dominant focus is on clinical trials and qualitative studies of psychological interventions in dermatology, cardiopulmonary and neurodevelopmental populations, with recurring keywords of mindfulness, ACT, self-compassion, stigma, body image, autism, vitiligo, psoriasis, alopecia, pulmonary hypertension, burns and qualitative methodology.

Scientific Awards & Editorial Roles:

• Co-Editor-in-Chief, British Journal of Health Psychology (current)
• Former Associate Editor, British Journal of Dermatology (2015-2024)
• Reviewer for ESRC, NIHR, MRC and multiple journals in psychology, medicine and nursing

Visiting & External Examining Appointments:

• Visiting Professor of Clinical Psychology, University of Sheffield (2021-present)
• Former Visiting Professor of Clinical Psychology, University of Hull (2014-2017)
• External examiner for DClin programmes at Newcastle University and Oxford University
• External examiner for MSc programmes at University of York and City College Thessaloniki

Professional Committees & Advisory Work:

• Workforce & Training Sub-committee (Wales), Division of Clinical Psychology, BPS
• Representative to BPS Research Board, Group of Trainers in Clinical Psychology
• Research Board Member, Vitiligo Society
• Former Psychological Advisor to All-Party Parliamentary Group on Skin, Katie Piper Foundation, Scar Free Foundation
• Former Trustee, Changing Faces (2019-2024)

Clinical & Teaching Leadership: Professor Thompson leads the South Wales DClin programme and co-leads the pilot student psychology clinic. His teaching spans research methods, ethics, psychological aspects of long-term conditions, CBT and cognitive analytic therapy, and he has developed national e-learning resources for Health Education England on psychosocial aspects of skin disease.