Abbreviated Resume

I am trained in several psychotherapy models, which enables me to effectively treat most mental health issues including some of the more complex conditions.

• My pre-qualification academic training is in Integrative Psychotherapy. I studied for five years at the leading UKCP training institution in Regents College (now university), London. Integratively trained psychotherapists are trained in a number of psychotherapy models, but importantly are specifically taught to expertly combine them to create effective treatment methods for each client. In Regents trainees are heavily scrutinized by UKCP examiners on this particular skill before allowing qualification. My pre-qualification clinical training focused on integrative short-term treatment, and on treating long-term complex mental health conditions (personality disorders, trauma, severe depression) using psychodynamic (psychoanalytic) psychotherapy. My initial training gave me a solid foundation in skilfully creating bespoke treatment models for individual clients’ symptoms and personality styles, rather than fitting a client around a single training model like CBT or psychoanalysis. The basis of all my treatment models is a modern research-based psychodynamic (attachment based) theory of personality development and contemporary trauma-based care.

• Upon qualification I trained in CAT (Cognitive Analytic Therapy) for a number of years with the South London & Maudsley NHS Trust, assessing and treating patients with very severe symptoms, including borderline personality disorder/ EUPD. CAT is a widely applicable treatment model, but is most frequently recommended for relational problems and for personality disorders. It’s use of jointly constructed diagrams and written summaries can be observed as both stabilizing and accelerating treatment progress. My experience is that most clients find this aspect particularly useful. In addition, training in the CAT model enables the psychotherapist to very quickly assess, formulate and communicate a concise psychological understanding of the client’s main problems.

• I then undertook further academic training and clinical work in Mentalisation Based Therapy (MBT) at the world-renowned Anna Freud Centre/ UCL and South London & Maudsley NHS Trust. This broadened and deepened my expertise in treating borderline personality disorder/ EUPD.  MBT is observed as being highly effective in the treatment of a number of more serious mental health conditions. It is based on developmental psychology and attachment-based psychodynamic psychotherapy and the specific ways in which the mind develops depending on our childhood environments, and the corresponding effect on self-understanding and relationships with others. The treatment focuses on assessing and improving the client’s capacity to reflect on emotional and relationship dynamics. It can help balance an at times overly-emotional or overly-cognitive temperament.
  

• I am qualified through the Anna Freud Centre/ UCL to assess the client’s reflective function: the capacity to explore and reflect upon emotionally complex interpersonal situations. Reflective functioning is the key quality that is observed as improving over the course of successful psychotherapy, correlating with more positive levels of well-being. This training helps me more acutely assess a client’s level of emotional functioning at any time and modulate the treatment to ensure maximum effectiveness and help prevent over-stimulation (too harsh treatment).  
  

• I was previously a Director of the International Attachment Network (IAN), a global non-profit established by colleagues of John Bowlby, the founder of attachment theory. It is responsible for the promotion of and professional training in attachment theory. We train clinicians locally and as far as Cuba. While there I also completed the Post Graduate Certificate in Attachment Theory.
  

• I recently completed the 3 year clinical and academic training in the body and touch based intervention for trauma treatment, Somatic Experiencing.  Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Peter Levine to help individuals heal from trauma by focusing on bodily sensations. It works on the premise that trauma is stored in the body, and by bringing awareness to physical sensations, it can be processed and released. SE involves gently guiding individuals to notice and discharge tension, pain, or discomfort through breathing and movement. It's used to treat trauma-related conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and chronic pain by addressing both the mind and body's role in healing.
  

• As a senior psychotherapist, I have completed the additional one-year training program at the Minster Centre, London, which qualifies me to oversee and consult on other clinicians' work. I currently supervise, individuals and groups, qualified and trainees, psychotherapists, counsellors, clinical and counselling psychologists as well as other supervisors.

• My professional title is UKCP Registered & Accredited Psychotherapist & Supervisor. UKCP registration guarantees that:

• I have studied and trained for a minimum of 4 years in a professionally recognised & accredited post-graduate academic and clinical training program, which includes hospital clinical training.
• I have been professionally assessed as working to a high standard;
• I undertake a minimum of 20 hours of professional supervision and additional training every year;
• I participate in and integrate psychotherapy research;
• I follow the UKCP code of ethical practice. 
• I am fully insured