ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Dr Gavin Menzies is a highly experienced Clinical Psychologist with expertise in treating a wide range of psychological presentations.  He has 15 years of experience across a diverse range of mental health settings, and currently holds a senior leadership position within the NHS.   

Gavin completed his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Newcastle University, with a particular focus on ‘third-wave’ psychological approaches such as Mindfulness-Based Therapy, on which he completed a research dissertation.  In addition, he holds a Masters in Psychological Therapy in Primary Care from the University of Stirling.  He is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council as a Clinical Psychologist and upholds high professional standards with an emphasis on client choice, confidentiality and evidence-based practice. 

Gavin develops an effective therapeutic relationship where individuals can feel heard and understood, and are able to gain comprehensive psychological insights into their own experience.  He works collaboratively with clients to find meaningful and achievable solutions to problems, and can draw upon a wide range of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Schema Therapy in order to tailor interventions towards a client’s needs.  He is skilled in the use of experiential change techniques that can help to create significant psychological shifts in one’s life, and will give clients the skills to sustain changes into the future. 

Gavin has expertise in treating a wide range of presentations, including the following problems: 

• Anxiety
• Attachment difficulties / developmental trauma 
• Bipolar Disorder 
• Depression
• Eating Disorders 
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder
• Health Anxiety
• Low Self-Esteem 
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder 
• Perfectionism 
• Personality Disorders 
• Phobias
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder 
• Social Anxiety
• Stress and Burn Out 

Dr Heather Westwood is a highly skilled Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and Research Psychologist who has worked in mental health settings in the UK for over twelve years.

Heather completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Newcastle University before going on to study for a Post Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Studies at The University of Southampton, for which she gained a Distinction. Heather then completed a research PhD at King’s College London, focusing on the relationship between autism and anorexia nervosa. Heather achieved the Elsevier Outstanding PhD Thesis Prize for exceptional doctoral work in recognition for her studies. Wanting to shift her focus more to clinical work, Heather then completed her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Royal Holloway University of London, from which she gained HCPC registration as a Clinical Psychologist.

As a therapist, building rapport and creating a safe, judgement-free, and empathic space is at the core of what Heather does. Heather very much believes that being “in therapy” is an active, rather than a passive process and works collaboratively with her clients to ensure they are getting as much out of the therapeutic relationship and process as they can. This includes developing a shared understanding of a client’s difficulties through a comprehensive assessment process and working together to implement evidence-based interventions to address factors that may have led to and are maintaining these difficulties.

Heather specialises in the treatment of adults with eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other atypical presentations. Alongside her work with The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic, Heather holds a senior leadership position in an adult eating disorder service within the NHS. Heather is passionate about drawing on evidenced approaches within her practice, in line with current NICE guidelines. Heather draws upon several therapeutic approaches within her work, including Schema Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and “third-wave” approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion-Focused Therapy.

Outside of eating disorders, Heather has an interest in trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is skilled at treating trauma in the context of eating disorders and other presenting problems. Heather has extensive experience of treating a range of mental health problems including:

• depression
• anxiety disorders (including generalised anxiety, health anxiety, social anxiety, panic, and phobias)
• obsessive-compulsive disorder
• eating disorders (including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder)
• post-traumatic stress disorder and complex post-traumatic stress disorder
• low self-esteem
• personality disorders

Heather has extensive experience of working with autistic people and is experienced in delivering CBT to address symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Heather can tailor treatment accordingly for neurodivergent individuals.

Outside of her clinical work, Heather maintains her interest in academia and research and continues to conduct empirical research and to publish high-quality papers, working with some of the most prestigious researchers within the eating disorder field.

“Heather, thank you, most of all, for all your guidance and help: you have immensely improved my sense of myself, and how I approach adversity, and have illuminated much I didn’t know needed illuminating. So, thank you so much for being a fantastic therapist – I couldn’t have asked for more! (. . .) I’m just very glad that I reached out to Fitzrovia and was connected with you in the end!” Former Client

Dr Jasmine Shingadia is a Principal Counselling Psychologist and a Clinical Lead holding registrations with the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC). After graduating with first-class honours in Psychology, she pursued her doctoral training, emerging as a qualified Counselling Psychologist. Jasmine has considerable specialist knowledge and experience in various mental health conditions, having delivered evidence-based therapies and interventions to adults and adolescents in NHS clinical settings and the private sector.

Jasmine’s passion lies in assisting individuals to make sense of themselves and their lives, fostering growth and achieving their full potential. Central to her approach is the therapeutic relationship based on respect and equality, prioritising empowered choices in healing and growth. Providing a secure, non-judgemental space to explore thoughts and feelings, Jasmine offers attentiveness, empathy, and respect whilst providing evidence-based interventions. Acknowledging the significance of social and relational contexts, she has had the privilege of aiding individuals from diverse backgrounds in achieving their personal and emotional well-being goals.

Dr Jasmine Shingadia has been working with children aged eight and above through to adolescence since 2015. She enjoys supporting young people with a wide range of mental health difficulties, including depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, eating disorders, and challenges with mood and emotional regulation. Jasmine takes a warm, child-centred approach, ensuring each young person feels heard and understood. She also values working closely with parents and guardians, involving them at a level that helps best support the child throughout their therapeutic journey.

Specialising notably in eating disorders, Jasmine’s expertise is underscored by her work at leading NHS and private eating disorder services with both adults and adolescents. Her proficiency extends to the treatment of various eating disorders, including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, Other Specified Eating Disorders (OSFED), and Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Additionally, she is adept at working with individuals on the autism spectrum, tailoring therapy to their specific needs. Her doctoral thesis, delving into the impact of social media on body image and eating, informs her practice by integrating the latest clinical research in this domain. Beyond her specialisation in eating disorders, Jasmine is highly experienced in a range of mental health conditions, including:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• OCD
• Panic
• Body Dysmorphia
• Personality Disorders
• Trauma and PTSD
• Emotional and Relationship difficulties

Jasmine works integratively to ensure a customised and holistic approach that aligns with each client’s needs. Her repertoire includes various therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, MANTRA, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Cognitive Analytical Therapy.

“I am incredibly grateful for the support I received at The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic in my journey overcoming an eating disorder. What I appreciated most was the methodical and thoughtful approach Jasmine took, as well as being given the choice to explore the type of treatment that felt right for me. The therapy was holistic, combining talking sessions with additional resources to educate me about nutrition and meal planning, which made me feel supported both emotionally and practically.” Former Client

“I am so grateful for the incredible support I’ve received from my eating disorder counsellor, Jasmine. She has been so patient, understanding, and genuinely caring throughout my journey. Jasmine has always been there for me by being responsive and attentive whenever I’ve needed guidance or reassurance. Thanks to her amazing support, I’ve been able to make real progress and feel so much more hopeful about my recovery. I truly couldn’t have done this without her kindness and dedication.” Former Client

Dr Mirko Esposito is an HCPC accredited Clinical Psychologist and Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. He is a Principal Clinical Psychologist within the NHS and has worked in a range of mental health settings in the UK for over ten years.

Mirko completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology and a master’s in the Psychology of Cognitive Processes (MRes) in Italy, before undertaking his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) at University College London. 

Mirko aims to translate evidence-based interventions into the therapeutic space. Instrumental to this practice is an accurate assessment and formulation process, which he tailors to the individual needs of his clients. He values co-creating therapy as a safe, insightful, and transformative experience. 

Mirko is trained in a range of therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Systemic Therapies, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). He is fluent in English and Italian and delivers treatment in both languages. 

To date, Mirko has accrued extensive experience in working with adults with eating disorders, as well as supporting clients with body image, perfectionism, self-esteem, and relational difficulties. He has worked with individuals across the lifespan and is highly experienced in treating a wide variety of disorders including: 

• General Anxiety Disorders 
• Depression  
• Eating Disorders 
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder 
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder 
• Personality Disorders 
• Acute work stress, burnout and moral injury

Alongside his clinical work, Mirko is passionate about academia and clinical research. In his role as a Senior Lecturer and Clinical Tutor on the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at University College of London, he continues to be actively involved in the teaching, training, and supervision of aspiring Clinical Psychologists.

“Working with Mirko has been incredibly helpful. His therapeutic approach is patient, empathetic, and grounded in kindness. What stood out most to me was the structure he brings to each session, creating a sense of continuity that allowed me to build on insights and deepen my self-understanding over time. He strikes a thoughtful balance between being gently direct and offering meaningful reflections, often helping me see things from perspectives I hadn’t considered before. His questions are thought-provoking and consistently led to valuable personal insights.” Former Client

Eda Erturk is a Highly Specialist Dietitian dedicated to fostering a positive and sustainable relationship between individuals and food. With extensive experience in both the NHS and private sectors within the UK, Eda works with adults and young people, employing evidence-based practices infused with compassion and collaboration.

Eda is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Association for Nutrition (ANutr). She is also an active member of the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and the London Eating Disorders Dietitians Group. Eda holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Dietetics and is currently pursuing a second MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice in Paediatric Dietetics at the University of Plymouth. She is trained in various therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E), ARFID treatment, and family-based treatments (FT-AN), which allows her to tailor her methods to address complex eating and feeding challenges effectively.

Eda specialises in supporting individuals with eating disorders, autism-related feeding issues, weight management challenges, and gastrointestinal conditions such as IBS. Her experience spans refeeding assessment and management, nutrition education, parental support, and the development of clinical guidelines for best practice.

Eda is passionate about empowering her clients through personalised, collaborative care plans that promote long-term recovery and well-being. Her approach integrates evidence-based nutrition therapy with techniques such as motivational interviewing and psycho-education. With a non-judgmental and empathetic approach, Eda is dedicated to helping individuals and families rebuild a healthy connection with food, guiding them on their journey towards recovery.

Dr Cara Eilender is a Clinical Psychologist who has worked in mental health for 10 years. Cara is a registered practitioner with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) and has a plethora of experience within a variety of different mental health services.

Cara completed her undergraduate degree and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at University College London (UCL), during which she specialised in Avoidant and Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Over this time, Cara has acquired substantial experience of providing highly specialised and evidence-based therapies, individually tailored to clients with a variety of needs.

Cara holds expertise in Eating Disorders, having worked within national teams. She has worked in the Feeding and Eating Disorder Service at Great Ormond Street Hospital, and the National Eating Disorder Service at the Maudsley Hospital. She has experience of working both with children/adolescence and adults and provides treatment for Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder and ARFID. Cara has also been part of the validation study of the Pica, ARFID and Rumination Disorder Interview. A tool that is now largely used within NHS services to provide accurate ARFID diagnosis. She has also co-authored several publications in peer-reviewed journals.

In the last years, Cara has specialised in working with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), particularly with refugees and asylum seekers. In her trauma focused work she uses a variety of different evidence-based interventions, for which she has been extensively trained. Cara delivers trauma focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Tf-CBT), Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and believes in the importance of treatments that are supported by national guidelines and are informed by the latest research.

Cara believes in compassion being at the heart of any therapeutic intervention she delivers. She is passionate about giving her clients a voice and empowering them to find their own resilience when endeavouring to improve their mental health. With that in mind, Cara strives to find each person’s unique skillset and strengths. Fundamental to Cara’s approach is the collaboration with her clients. She believes in the important of designing and co-creating a therapeutic space in which the client can feel heard and seen. Cara places great emphasis of developing a safe, trustworthy and authentic therapeutic relationship, in which all emotions are welcome and met without judgement.