Professional statement
Dr Aleksandra Matakovic Manca is a holistic child and family psychiatrist, psychotherapist and coach based in South Devon. She specialises in working with families and adults impacted by different life challenges. Her areas of expertise include child development, complex PTSD and medical trauma, emotional regulation, grief, anxiety, depression, neurodiversity, chronic medical illnesses, difficulties with feeding, eating and sleep.
She has been working in both the public and private sector, in Italy since 2001 and in England since 2018.
In the NHS, she works as a consultant psychiatrist in CAMHS focusing on developmental trauma.
In the private sector, she works across the lifespans as a coach with individuals and families who are seeking guidance, support or a holistic perspective beyond diagnosis and medication for themselves or their children.
The diversity of her interests and expertises allows her to offer a personalised approach when working with families and individuals with complex needs. Her resource-based approach is a journey oriented towards healing and recovery. It is informed by neuro-developmental insights and it is deeply relational and collaborative. Embracing a systemic and integrative perspective, she works across disciplines in a trans-diagnostic, psycho-spiritual, and intuitive manner, fostering creativity and holistic well-being.
While Dr Aleks can work collaboratively alongside other professionals within or outside the NHS, she does not see in private practice those who are seeking diagnostic assessments, prescribing of medication or support when there is a significant level of physical or psychological risk which is usually best managed in the context of a multidisciplinary team.
BACKGROUND TRAINING, INTERESTS AND EXPERIENCE
Her passion for studying child development, the brain, trauma and health over the last 30 yrs was sparked and enriched by her own health journey and life experiences.
After six years of medical school she was lucky to embark on a five year-long neuropsychiatric training that is based on neurodevelopment, psychodynamic principles and therapeutic approaches while also being uniquely interdisciplinary. The specialist training completed at the University of Milan in 2006 , as well as the services she worked in for 15 years before moving to the UK, integrate knowledge and practice of eight interconnected disciplines: pediatric neurology and neurodevelopment, speech and language, physiotherapy, psychomotor and occupational therapy, clinical psychology, psychotherapy, educational psychology, psychiatry. One year of her training as a Specialist Registrar was spent at Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital where she acquired additional skills and a better appreciation of the health challenges in the UK.
While her first jobs in a psychiatric therapeutic community and child rehabilitation shaped the way she works with people and her orientation towards healing, her main work settings have been in community services, paediatric liaison and private practice.
Alongside her medical studies, over the last 25 years, she studied and gained experience in various complementary approaches and therapeutic modalities including CBT, DBT, systemic family therapy, art therapy, transformational coaching, anthroposophic medicine, somatic experiencing, EMDR, BMDR, flower essences, reiki, homeopathy, nature-based interventions, yoga for mental health and additional needs, interpersonal mindfulness.
Her current interest is on the intersection between science and the transformative power of consciousness and spirituality in the human experience. While informed by contemplative practices from both Christian and Buddhist traditions, her approach remains secular and inclusive, focusing on universal principles of compassion, mindfulness and personal growth.
Over the last 20 years she has also been involved in teaching, mentoring and supervision. Besides her professional vocations, Aleksandra has a passion for cooking, nature, walking and all forms of creative expression.
Clinics
Inner Being Medicine
Totnes, Lower Close, Dartington Lane, Dartington Hall, TQ9 6EDMedical insurances accepted
Credentials
Professional experience
- 21 years of experience
- Consultant Child and family psychiatrist (2007-present)
Subspecialties
- Adjustment
- Additional needs
Professional memberships
- MRCPsych, Royal College of Psychiatrists
Education
- Specialist in Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatry and Medical Psychotherapy, University of Milan, Italy (2006)
- Doctor in Medicine and Surgery (Equivalent of MBBS Medicine), Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan, Italy (2001)
Publications and conferences
- Organiser and presenter of the Conference "The Forgotten Narrative of Health" - The mind-body connection in the timeline of illness and health, Plymouth University (2018)
- Adverse childhood experiences and the mind-body connection in the timeline of a chronic illness, The 8th Croatian Congress of Endocrinology, Croatia (2017)
Prizes and awards
- Clinical Excellence Award – Devon Partnership NHS Trust (2019)
Languages spoken
- English
- Croatian
Reviews
- Would you recommend this doctor?
- Treatment of the doctor
- Treatment of the staff
- Waiting time
- Condition of facilities
- I am very grateful to have found Aleksandra. She is humble, down to earth, kind, caring and a very positive part of my life. Her approach empowers me, sees me, holds me and lifts me above and beyond what I thought was possible. She has a remarkable gift of deep presence, listening and playfulness allowing for the joy and reverence of deep connection to bring about the transformation I seek. I highly recommend working with her 🙏🏻
- I contacted Dr Matakovic Manca after years of accumulated stress, different kinds of anxiety, and inner discomfort I could no longer manage alone. She was extremely empathetic, caring, and always listened. She helped me look inside myself and find tools to get through this period. After each session, the “heavy burden” I carried became lighter. She also helped me handle unbearable work-related stress. She was fundamental in this phase,and I feel truly lucky to have been followed by a dr like her
- Aleksandra is a fantastic therapist. I appreciate her holistic approach, grounded support, clear listening and practical advice. For me her experience is essential. She is committed to her ongoing journey of growth and it is wonderful to feel that someone is alongside you. Sharing what they feel and has worked for them without judgement. I do highly recommend Aleksandra.
- A professional of rare sensitivity and dedication.She did accept my pain, listen to me without judging me.With great empathy she knew how to support me through a very difficult period. I will always be grateful to her for the extraordinary psychological and human help she gave me
- Alexandra has an incredibly holistic skillset. She heard me with deft emotional attunement and her recommendations supported profound healing. Thank you Alexandra, every hospital, every patient needs this holism that you provide!
- Professionista di rara sensibilità e dedizione. Ha saputo accogliere il mio dolore e ascoltarmi senza giudicarmi. Con grande empatia, ha saputo accompagnarmi in un periodo molto difficile. Le sarò sempre grata per il suo straordinario aiuto psicologico e umano che mi ha dato.
- Kind and sympathetic, very attentive to the medical records and deep listening to the issues presented. We feel supported and safe as Aleksandra demonstrates knowledge and professionalism in the advice she gives.
- Dr Aleks held the time I spent with her beautifully. I was a river breaching my banks. Guiding me back into the room to focus on myself. So valuable to be asked if I wanted to know what Dr Aleks thought. I did. Advice on what to do in real-time and aftercare, all unsurpassed.
- When I first met Alexandra I was reeling from previous negative experiences of psychiatry. Her friendly, warm, compassionately curious, deeply human approach, and delight in her work, has supported me in moving forward to embrace a richer and more meaningful life.