Welcome
I am a consultant clinical psychologist and psychoanalytic psychotherapist. I worked in the NHS for over 35 years and now see people privately in West Hampstead/Childs Hill, London NW3.
The people I work with are interested in trying to understand themselves at a deeper level and make changes. They come with all sorts of problems; many are troubled with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, problems adjusting to loss or change, eating disorders, or simply the wish to talk through something with someone impartial.
The first meeting is an assessment in order to understand what is causing concern. Sometimes the process of talking and clarifying things can be enough in itself but at other times, on-going therapy may help. I see people for either short or longer-term psychotherapy, usually on a weekly or more frequent basis.
I also offer clinical supervision to clinical psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors, or those in training.
I am a registered provider with BUPA and AXA-PPP.
About Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
What is Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy?
Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is a process of exploration between a patient and a therapist. It aims to uncover and understand mental processes that take place, often outside conscious awareness, that effect our lives and relationships and can cause symptoms of anxiety, depression or dissatisfaction and distress. Difficult experiences, especially in childhood, can shape how we think, feel and behave. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy aims to understand what relationships and experiences mean to each individual. Recognising repeating patterns, sometimes which occur in the relationship between the patient and therapist, leads to the opportunity to change. A consistent, reliable and confidential setting helps people bring whatever is on their minds, be it thoughts, feelings, dreams or memories, so that they can be looked into and understood.
Psychoanalytic psychotherapy takes place on a weekly or more frequent basis, and can be long-term, without a pre-determined end date, or brief, where a set number of sessions are agreed at the start.
Who is helped by Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy tends to help people who want to understand themselves and their difficulties by thinking about the connections between their present and past experiences. It does not offer a quick fix or a direct focus on reducing physical symptoms. People may present with troubling relationships at home or work, feelings of emptiness, sadness or depression, anxiety, problems with eating, difficulties which have followed life changes like bereavement, divorce or job loss, or traumatic life events.
Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (DIT)
DIT is a brief psychotherapy designed to help people with depression and anxiety within a circumscribed time-limit of 16 sessions. It aims to identify key interpersonal relationship patterns and to work with an agreed focus and goals.
Qualifications & Registration
Professional Qualifications
• 1985: BA Hons in Experimental Psychology (Oxon)
• 1990: Diploma in Clinical Psychology (DipClinPsych)
• 1998: Tavistock Qualification in Adult Psychotherapy (TQAP)
• 2012: Accredited Practitioner and Supervisor in Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (DIT)
Experience
• 2002 - present: Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist in private practice
• 2013 - 2017: Associate, Psychological Therapies Development Unit, Tavistock Clinic
• 1998 - 2020: Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Specialist in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation NHS Trust
• 1992 - 1998: Clinical Psychologist, Tavistock Clinic
• 1989 - 1991: Clincial Psychologist, Child & Family Psychiatry, Charing Cross Hospital
Professional Registration
• Member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and registered as a Chartered Clinical Psychologist (C Psychol)
• Registered with the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC)
• Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
I abide by the codes of professional conduct of these organisations.
What Happens Next
If you are interested in meeting with me please get in touch by email, giving your contact details. I will contact you and arrange a convenient time to talk to you on the phone about your situation. If I think that I may be able to help, we will arrange to meet for an assessment consultation which usually lasts for an hour. My fee for this initial assessment is currently between £120 and £180.
Based on the outcome of the first assessment consultation, we may make arrangements to meet again to continue the assessment, or may agree to start psychotherapy. Ongoing sessions are 50 minutes long and we will arrange a suitable appointment time and agree fees.
If I do not think I can provide you with the help you need, I will try to make alternative suggestions as to where might be more suitable.
Contact Me
My NW3 practice is within easy reach of Finchley Road, West Hampstead and Golders Green tube stations and Finchley Road and Frognal overground station. There is free street parking available.
Please contact me by completing the form.
I will give you the address of my consulting room when we arrange to meet.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential.