Miss Zöe Walker

Miss Zöe Walker is a Systemic Psychotherapist, Occupational Therapist and expert witness, currently practising at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where she has held her position since 2022.

Her principal clinical expertise includes family and systemic psychotherapy, adult and child mental health, occupational therapy, functional assessment, safeguarding and supporting individuals and families affected by trauma, relationship difficulties and complex psychological needs.

Miss Walker works with children, young people, adults and families experiencing emotional, psychological and functional difficulties. Her clinical experience encompasses depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), psychosis, attachment difficulties, substance misuse and co-occurring mental health and addiction problems.

She has particular expertise in supporting families affected by parental separation, relationship breakdown and conflict. Through family and couples therapy, she helps individuals improve communication, develop constructive co-parenting arrangements and understand how family relationships influence children's emotional development and wellbeing.

Her occupational therapy practice includes assessing functional abilities, identifying support needs and contributing to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). She also has experience in adult mental health services, including inpatient and community settings.

Miss Walker adopts a trauma-informed, sensory-informed and neuro-affirming approach, combining psychological understanding with practical assessment to support meaningful participation in everyday life.

Miss Zöe Walker commenced medico-legal work in 2026, providing independent expert opinion informed by her expertise in systemic psychotherapy and occupational therapy. She accepts claimant, defendant and joint instructions in clinical negligence, personal injury, family proceedings, Court of Protection matters, criminal proceedings and SEND/EHCP appeals.

Her medico-legal practice focuses on assessing the psychological, emotional and functional consequences of trauma, mental health difficulties and changes in family circumstances. She can provide opinions on how these issues affect daily living, relationships, education, employment and an individual's support requirements.

Miss Walker's reporting areas include condition and prognosis, functional capacity, psychological and family impact, occupational therapy and care needs, rehabilitation requirements and EHCP-related assessments. Her combined clinical expertise enables her to consider both psychological wellbeing and practical functioning when addressing questions relevant to legal proceedings.

Miss Walker's clinical interests centre on understanding how psychological difficulties, family relationships and environmental factors influence emotional wellbeing and everyday functioning.

A particular focus of her practice is working with children and families experiencing parental conflict, separation and changes in family structure. She explores how these circumstances affect children's emotional security, attachment, behaviour and relationships, using systemic approaches to support communication and more constructive family interactions.

Her mental health interests include complex presentations involving trauma, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, psychosis and co-occurring substance misuse. She considers the interaction between psychological symptoms, personal circumstances and an individual's ability to participate in meaningful activities.

Miss Walker also has a specialist interest in occupational functioning, particularly where mental health difficulties, neurodiversity or sensory needs affect independence, education and daily routines. Her assessments consider functional abilities, barriers to participation and appropriate support strategies, including contributions to Education, Health and Care Plans.

Safeguarding is another important aspect of her practice, particularly identifying risks, recognising the effects of abuse or neglect and working collaboratively with multidisciplinary professionals to address complex needs.