Anxiety Treatment

Dr Jon Davidson is an HCPC accredited Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years of clinical experience in a wide variety of psychological settings.  

He completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology and a masters degree in Health Psychology at the University of St Andrews, before undertaking his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London.  

Jon adopts a client-centred approach, working collaboratively with clients to support them to understand and overcome their difficulties. The therapeutic relationship is at the heart of his ethos as a psychologist; he values the importance of providing a safe, containing and non-judgemental environment as the basis for a positive therapeutic experience. Jon is passionate about taking a holistic view of the individual, seeing them as more than the sum of their needs and difficulties. He believes in supporting clients to draw upon their strengths and life values to promote positive wellbeing.  

Passionate about drawing upon evidence-based practice in his clinical work, Jon is trained in the use of a range of therapeutic models. This includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Systemic Therapy and Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT). Jon is skilled in adopting an integrative approach, by drawing upon multiple models to tailor therapy to suit the individual needs of each client.

Across his career to date, Jon has worked extensively with children and adults across the lifespan, alongside their families and interconnected systems such as other support services, schools and workplaces. Jon has specialist skills and experience in a variety of indirect and parent/carer support models such as Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and Non-Violent Resistance (NVR). Jon is also skilled in neuro-developmental and cognitive assessment for young people, providing specialist assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Intellectual or Learning Disability (LD). He further has a specialist interest in working with clients with physical health difficulties.

Jon is experienced in the treatment of:  

• Anxiety disorders 
• Adjustment disorder  
• Autism
• Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Behaviours that Challenge 
• Chronic pain and other physical health conditions
• Depression
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder
• Health Anxiety
• Intellectual and Learning Disabilities
• Low Self-Esteem 
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)  
• Panic Disorder
• Perfectionism 
• Psychosis  
• Self-harm  
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Specific Phobias
• Stress and burnout

Jon’s clinical work is grounded in theory and informed by the latest evidence-base, and he works in adherence with the NICE guidelines. He is committed to delivering and maintaining the highest standards of psychological care at all times.

“Jonathan is fantastic. I found our sessions to be a very calm environment that really helped me to reset each week. Jonathan really builds a great rapport, and is very practical and realistic during the process. I could not recommend him more!” Former Client

Dr Allison Hayes is the Founder and Clinical Director of the Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic. Dr Hayes is a highly respected Consultant Clinical Psychologist who has acquired a wealth of clinical experience and a track record of delivering high-quality services, having worked with an international client group in the private sector for 20-years.

Dr Hayes completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology with first class honours and later went on to be awarded her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She worked in the NHS and founded her private practice in 2003. The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic has grown out of her pursuit of establishing a centre of clinical excellence, which provides outpatient care for individuals and families with mental health challenges and emotional needs.

Dr Hayes is an optimistic, compassionate and kind psychologist who is committed to working with patients to facilitate and achieve change. She has expertise working with adolescents and adults with emotional difficulties and those with a diagnosis of personality disorder, and is further experienced in supporting individuals who present with:

• Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Adjustment Disorder
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Addiction
• Adult Survivors of Childhood Trauma
• Bereavement
• Bipolar Disorder
• Depression
• Eating Disorders
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Health Anxiety
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Personality Disorders
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Psychosis

Dr Hayes has trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapies, Compassion-Focused Therapy, The MANTRA model for Eating Disorders, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR), Radically-Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (RO-DBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).

Dr Hayes has been highly influential in the development of services for Eating Disorders and group programmes for a range of disorders. She is an experienced clinical supervisor of psychology colleagues, and delivers regular multi-disciplinary training on all aspects of mental health and psychology. Dr Hayes has facilitated a range of corporate training programmes on Stress and Emotional First Aid in the workplace.

Dr Hayes oversees recruitment of all professionals to the Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic to ensure the highest clinical standards in treatment. She promotes that all work undertaken at the Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic is grounded in evidence-based practice, is adherent to the NICE guidelines, establishes treatment efficacy, and reflects the principles of the Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic.

“I am extremely grateful for the care Allison showed me during our sessions. She always adapted sessions to match my needs and demonstrated a real understanding of the difficulties I was facing. Her openness and kindness meant that trust was developed very quickly, and I would have no hesitation in seeing her again should I ever need to.” Former Client

Dr Emily Alteirac (nee Smyth) is a Co-Founder of The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic and Team Lead of our specialist Trauma Team. As a highly experienced Clinical Psychologist, Dialectical Behaviour Therapist, Cognitive Behaviour Therapist, and Integrative Psychotherapist, she brings over a decade of clinical expertise spanning private, public, and charitable sectors.

Dr Alteirac holds a Master’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Integrative Psychotherapy, a Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and a Postdoctoral Certificate in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). She was also awarded her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Royal Holloway, University of London, where she specialised in treating Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) with refugees and survivors of torture. Her doctoral research was innovative in examining the relationship between trauma and psychosis in refugees.

Building on her clinical and research expertise, Dr Alteirac went on to work as a Trial Psychologist on the Study of Trauma and Recovery (STAR): an NIHR-funded multi-site Randomised Controlled Trial led by internationally-renowned experts at The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London and University of Oxford. This pioneering trial was the first of its kind to deliver trauma-focused therapy to individuals with psychosis, challenging long-held clinical assumptions and paving the way for integrated trauma treatment in this population.

Dr Alteirac’s commitment to advancing the field of psychology is further reflected in her research contributions. They include published work in neuropsychology examining multisensory detection tasks for screening cognitive impairment, a systematic review on the prevalence of psychosis in refugees, and an empirical study exploring the relationship between complex victimisation trauma and psychosis in refugees compared to non-refugees.

Alongside her trauma specialism, Dr Alteirac has extensive experience in the treatment of complex and enduring mental health difficulties stemming from her work across Personality Disorder services. Since 2012, she has delivered specialist DBT, supporting populations who present with severe emotion dysregulation and high risk presentations. At The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic, Dr Alteirac thus also sits within our specialist DBT team, providing individual DBT therapy, running DBT Skills Groups, and facilitating DBT Consultation meetings.

Central to Dr Alteirac’s approach is the creation of a safe, trustworthy, and authentic therapeutic relationship. Her testimonials speak to her genuine care, commitment, warmth, approachability and non-judgmental nature – qualities that form the foundation of her work. She believes deeply in the power of kindness, empathy, and validation, and maintains an unwavering belief in people’s capacity for change and growth, regardless of complexity. Dr Alteirac focuses on recognising each person’s unique strengths and in creating a collaborative process at all times that is approached as a partnership. She advocates that while therapy often involves tackling emotionally heavy and challenging subjects, it can coexist alongside the use of humour, positive experiences, and celebrations of therapeutic progress.

Dr Alteirac is highly experienced in delivering integrative, formulation-driven and evidence-based treatment that is tailored to each person’s individual needs. She also provides specialist clinical supervision and consultation to multidisciplinary professionals, career and educational consultation services, and has training resources showcased by the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies. She works with a broad range of difficulties, including:

• Adjustment Disorder
• Agoraphobia
• Behaviours that Challenge (BtC)
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Depression
• Dissociation
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Grief and Bereavement
• Health Anxiety
• Hoarding
• Low Self-Esteem
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Panic Disorder
• Personality Disorders
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD & C-PTSD)
• Psychosis
• Self-Harm
• Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
• Specific Phobias
• Suicidality

Dr Alteirac draws on a range of therapeutic models including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based therapies, Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and numerous trauma-specific interventions including Imagery Rescripting (ImRes). She is also trained in delivering relational, person-centered psychotherapy, offering a reflective and exploratory approach where more suitable. This breadth enables her to create highly personalised treatment plans.

Dr Alteirac offers both short- and long-term interventions and is experienced in working across cultures and languages with interpreters. Her practice is grounded in theory, informed by the latest research, and delivered in line with NICE guidelines to ensure the highest standards of psychological care.

“The early stages showed me that Emily truly cares about helping other people. I was hesitant to start sessions, but Emily remained consistent with reaching out and always remained patient and understanding. The depth and structure of the sessions was incredible, I’ve never worked with a therapist who has left me feeling like I understand and appreciate who I am to such a level.” Former Client

Dr Lucy Viney is a Clinical Psychologist and Co-Founder of the Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic. Lucy initially completed a masters degree in Psychology with distinction before undertaking her doctoral training and qualifying as a Clinical Psychologist from University College London.  Across her work in the NHS, Lucy specialised in working with adults with complex mood disorders and personality disorders and her specialist knowledge of developmental psychopathology enables her to understand an individual’s psychological wellbeing from a longitudinal perspective. She is experienced in working with a range of difficulties including:

• Addiction
• Anxiety Disorders
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chronic Pain and other Physical Health Conditions
• Dementia and other Neurological Conditions
• Depression
• Low Self-Esteem
• Perfectionism
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Personality Disorders
• Psychosis
• Self-Harm
• Suicidality

Lucy is trained in a number of therapies including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapies, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing and Narrative, Systemic Therapies.  She is also a certified and experienced Schema Therapist and delivers Parenting Skills workshops.

Lucy is highly experienced in delivering both short and long-term psychological interventions and is a skilled group facilitator. Lucy has extensive experience in neuropsychological assessment and intervention for a range of conditions, including neurodegenerative illnesses such as dementia and developmental disorders including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Lucy’s clinical work is informed by theory and the latest evidence-base, and she works in adherence with the NICE guidelines. She is experienced in delivering Mental Health Awareness training programmes across both corporate and educational settings.

Lucy has an active media presence, and is regularly featured in the press, journals and other psychological literature.  Some of her recent work is listed below:

• https://www.mrporter.com/en-gb/journal/lifestyle/holidays-festive-season-alone-without-family-friends-2022-23683596
• https://sheerluxe.com/2020/07/…
• https://www.standard.co.uk/esmagazine/psychiatry-vs-psychics-london-crystal-healing-jewellery-tarot-b1095124.html
• https://metro.co.uk/2021/06/28/what-is-body-dysmorphia-and-what-treatments-are-available-14827087/
• https://edition.pagesuite-prof… (page 80-81)
• https://www.ok.co.uk/lifestyle…
• https://medicaltravelmarket.co…
• https://medicaltravelmarket.co…
• https://www.lbbonline.com/news…

Please contact Lucy at hello@thefitzroviaclinic.com for any media enquiries.

“I just wanted to say thank you to Lucy. After what feels like two years, I feel like I’ve finally gotten over my depression. I’m feeling happy again and generally positive about the future… which honestly feels amazing after so long of not feeling that way.

A lot of that is down to what I learned in our sessions and how to deal with and cope with depression. I still think back to some of the things we talked about, and they really stick with me.

So yeah, just wanted to say a proper thank you! You really helped me!” Former Client

***

“I cannot recommend Lucy Viney highly enough to anyone facing difficult times. I sought Lucy’s support while coping with profound grief after the loss of my husband and the estrangement of my daughter. Lucy provided me with practical coping strategies and, just as importantly, offered genuine reassurance and validation for my feelings. Her compassionate approach made it easy to open up, and I always felt understood and supported throughout my sessions.”

Dr Hannah Stringer is a highly specialist Clinical and Community Psychologist. She has 9 years of clinical experience across public, private and charitable sectors.

Hannah completed an undergraduate Psychology degree with first class honours, going on to be awarded a postgraduate diploma in CBT interventions and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. During her doctorate she specialised in severe and enduring mental health presentations.

Hannah is an experienced Clinical Psychologist with a background in innovating voluntary and statutory sectors in the UK. Alongside her work at the Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic, Hannah also works in North London leading an emotional wellbeing service for young people. Hannah’s current expertise is in working with marginalised young people to improve access to and transform mental health services.

Hannah has significant experience working with individuals experiencing a range of emotional difficulties including anxiety, low mood, attachment difficulties and traumatic reactions, including psychosis. This includes undertaking complex assessments and developing a shared understanding of a person’s difficulties within the context of their past experiences and current situation. She has specialist experience working with adolescents and young adults with physical, emotional, learning and social communication difficulties. Hannah also works with the families and systems around an individual to help develop a way forward.

She has experience supporting individuals who present with:

• Anxiety Disorders
• Chronic Pain and other Physical Health Conditions
• Depression
• Low Self-Esteem
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Personality Disorders
• Psychosis
• Self-Harm
• Suicidality

Hannah believes in the importance of building a good therapeutic relationship, valuing a collaborative approach guided by an individual’s goals. With this in mind, therapy is tailored to the individual, working creatively based on the person’s interests and values. Hannah is trained to use a range of evidence-based approaches, namely Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Narrative Therapy. However, she also draws on attachment theory and systemic approaches to help understand the wider context around a person’s difficulties. She therefore offers an adaptable and integrative therapeutic framework to best meet individual needs. She is currently completing additional training to acquire a diploma in Narrative Therapy and is registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC).

“Hannah was a fantastic support. She was able to remain 1 step in front of me, whilst never giving me the impression she was leading me down a path. She nudged me in the right directions, letting me find answers to my own questions, whilst remaining fluid and responsive to my immediate needs.” Former Client

Dr Vallabhi Khurana is a highly specialist Clinical Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC). Vall completed her Undergraduate degree from the University of Nottingham and subsequently a Masters degree in Developmental Psychology and Clinical Practice from University College London. She then completed her doctoral training (DClinPsy) in London and qualified as a Clinical Psychologist.

Vall is a warm, compassionate and kind psychologist who places importance in creating a safe and non-judgemental therapeutic space for her clients. She strives for individuals to feel seen, heard and held in order to facilitate growth and change. Additionally, Vall’s open therapeutic stance enables her to acknowledge and respect that clients are positioned as experts on their lives, identity and culture, leading her to practice in a culturally sensitive, inclusive and non-discriminatory manner.

Promoting emotional well-being and resilience is at the core of Vall’s clinical work and she endeavors to be alongside individuals through any difficulties experienced, no matter how big or small. This approach has led Vall to believe that hope can always be built in the therapeutic relationship and process, to empower individuals to better understand themselves and navigate through life’s challenges and adversities.

Vall has extensive experience in supporting children, adolescents, parents and adults from a range of diverse backgrounds. She uses a flexible and collaborative approach to tailor assessments and interventions to the individual needs of her clients. Her clinical work is grounded in theory and evidence-based practice, whilst simultaneously being led by an individual’s own goals and hopes for support.

Vall practices integratively and has received training in a range psychological therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Systemic and Narrative Therapies. Most recently, Vall has also completed training to provide Eye-Movement and Desensitisation Therapy (EMDR).

Vall is experienced in working with a range of difficulties including (but not limited to):

• Anxiety Disorders
• Bereavement & Grief
• Behaviours that Challenge (BtC)
• Depression
• Health Anxiety
• Low Self Esteem
• Parenting
• Perinatal Trauma
• Personality Disorders
• Physical Health Conditions (Oncology)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Relationship Difficulties
• Self Harm
• Stress & Burnout

Alongside her work at the Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic, Vall works at Great Ormond Street Hospital, leading on psychological care and support for children and families undergoing cancer treatment. She has a particular interest in the mind-body link and is passionate about providing psychological support in healthcare settings. Her role in this setting also includes providing bereavement support, with a focus on loss, grief and trauma.

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

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. 

Dr Kate Watchorn is an HCPC accredited Clinical Psychologist and Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. She completed her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at University College London (UCL) and has since gained extensive experience working across NHS specialist services, private practice, and family focused settings.

Kate offers therapy for children, adolescents, and adults, with a particular interest in the emotional wellbeing of families during key developmental transitions. Her work is informed by a deep understanding of family systems, developmental psychology, and trauma informed care.

She is a highly skilled clinician who has received further trainings in specialist therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, Compassion Focused Therapy, and Couples Therapy for Depression. As such, she is able to work in a structured yet flexible way, integrating evidence based models with a strong focus on each client’s individualised goals.

Across all areas of her practice, Kate is recognised for her warm, compassionate, and collaborative style.

Adult Mental Health Specialism

Kate is an experienced adult psychologist who provides therapy for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, low self esteem, and significant life transitions.

Kate’s approach is relational and reflective, helping clients explore the roots of their difficulties and understand how past experiences shape current patterns. Therapy often involves gently exploring the safety strategies that may have helped in the past but may now be keeping things stuck. Alongside this depth focused work, Kate also offers skills based interventions with a focus on developing practical coping strategies in the here-and-now to manage symptoms and move towards meaningful change.

She has a particular interest and expertise in working with the impacts of unresolved childhood trauma, relational difficulties, self criticism, and low self esteem. Her style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in a deep understanding of how early experiences shape adult wellbeing.

“I really valued and appreciated the structure that Kate gave this work – it helped me see that the issues that felt overwhelming could be broken down into more manageable pieces and that by chipping away at each of these I could get results. Kate was always clear at the start and end of sessions about what we were working on, what the work between sessions should be and how we were progressing. This was hugely helpful. I wanted to thank Kate from the bottom of my heart for her empathy, kindness, astute insight and expert. She is brilliant!”
Former Client

Dr Sabrina Appadoo is a Counselling Psychologist who has accumulated years of clinical experience, knowledge, and expertise in the NHS since 2012 alongside maintaining a successful private practice. She is currently working on secondment as a commissioner for therapy for clients with complex care needs in the NHS. Her usual NHS role typically involves her working as a Lead of a Personality Disorder Service.

Sabrina believes that through therapy a client can develop the necessary skills and understanding needed to enable them to make positive changes in their lives and, through her private and NHS experience, has had the privilege of journeying with her clients to help them to achieve their specific goals and motivations. Sabrina’s extensive experience and training allow her to tailor therapy to her client’s needs, preferences and personality.  She is skilled in delivering both short- and long-term psychological interventions for individuals and groups with a range of presentations.

Sabrina completed an Undergraduate Psychology Degree in 2005 from the University of Royal Holloway, going on to be awarded a postgraduate diploma in Counselling Psychology in 2007 and her Doctorate in Counselling Psychology in 2011 from the University of Surrey. Sabrina has also completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) in June 2023 and was awarded with a distinction. Across her work in the NHS, she has primarily specialised in working on Acute Inpatient Wards and in Personality Disorder Services. She provides training and support to NHS staff and supervises both qualified and trainee Clinical and Counselling Psychologists and Psychotherapists.

Sabrina is a compassionate, warm and approachable Counselling Psychologist who works with clients to establish a safe therapeutic space where the client can feel free to express themselves and where Sabrina can actively listen to, reflect upon and understand their experience. She has experience of delivering high-quality, evidence-based therapy for clients typically between 18-65 years of age, presenting with a variety of emotional and psychological difficulties. She is experienced in the treatment of:

• Adjustment disorder
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Depression
• Dissociation
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Grief and Bereavement
• HIV
• Low Self-Esteem
• Personality Disorders
• Psychosis
• Self-harm
• Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
• Suicidality

Sabrina is trained in Person-Centred Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).  She is a fully accredited DBT practitioner. She is hoping to work towards becoming an accredited DBT supervisor.

Sabrina’s clinical work is continuously informed by theory, evidence-based practice and is adherent to NICE guidelines. She is passionate about delivering the highest quality of care to her clients. Sabrina is registered with the Health Care and Professionals Council (HCPC) and is a Chartered member of the British Psychological Society (BPS).

“Sabrina has been incredible. She will always be with me now and is a huge part of who I am. She is patient, empathetic, funny, kind and fierce and isn’t afraid to hold you accountable. She encouraged me to open up, trust again and love myself, teaching me skills I will now use always. You are not another ‘patient.’ I have learnt patience, discipline and how to structure my life so that I can achieve the goals that I want to achieve.” Former Client

Dr Sam Russ is a highly trained and skilled clinician with over 15 years of experience in the therapy field. This has included within the NHS, voluntary and private sector. He has completed intensive trainings, as a Clinical Psychologist, Psychodynamic Psychotherapist and as a Humanistic-Integrative Counsellor. He is adept in working both short and long-term with anxiety, depression and stress, and also has considerable expertise with more complex mental health problems, including psychosis, personality disorder and trauma. Sam currently practices within forensic psychology services and supervises other professionals as a Clinical Psychologist within the NHS. He previously was a Co-Director of a large emotional support and suicide charity in London. He also delivers lectures to psychologists in training at University College London (UCL).

Sam has trained extensively in a range of therapies. Taking a modern and flexible approach, he integrates these to meet the unique needs of his clients. He recognises that a key predictor of successful therapy is the fit between the client and therapist. Sam’s diverse trainings as a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist and Counsellor have allowed him to develop skills in building strong therapeutic relationships, to help clients see links between their past and present and have a more in-depth understanding of themselves.

Moreover, as a Clinical Psychologist, he draws upon a range of modern, evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT),  Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which focus more heavily on strategies for positively changing the present and future. He believes that helping people clarify their goals, and taking action to reach these, can often be the most effective approach.

Sam is particularly passionate about and experienced in the use of online therapy, understanding the need to offer new ways of connecting with clients who have hectic work and home schedules.

More recently, Sam has specialised in the use of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and is skilled at applying this to anxiety-based issues.

Sam is experienced in the treatment of:

• Adjustment Disorder
• Addiction
• Anxiety Disorders
• Depression
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder
• Grief & Bereavement
• Health Anxiety
• Low Self-Esteem
• Panic Disorder
• Perfectionism
• Personality Disorders
• Phobias
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Psychosis
• Relationship Difficulties
• Self-harm
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Stress and burnout
• Suicidality

Dr Christopher Bonner is a highly respect Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Behavioural (CBT) Therapist and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapist with over 15 years of academic and clinical experience. As Lead of the Health Psychology Team at the Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic, he is committed to providing innovative, evidence-based psychological care, particularly for individuals experiencing the psychological impact of physical health conditions.

Christopher is an expert in Health Psychology and is particularly passionate about supporting individuals facing the emotional challenges associated with medical diagnoses and treatment. While he has extensive experience working across a range of physical health conditions, his primary area of expertise is cancer care. He has significant experience helping individuals navigate the emotional complexities of receiving a cancer diagnosis, undergoing treatment, adjusting to life with and beyond cancer and coping with uncertainty and fear of cancer recurrence and disease progression.

Alongside his work at the Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic, Christopher is a Lead Psychologist within the NHS at a world-renowned cancer centre in London, where he provides specialist psychological care to people affected by cancer. He has also played a key role in developing a new specialist Cancer Psychological Service in the South-East of England. In addition to his expertise in Health Psychology, Christopher has extensive experience working within Adult Mental Health services and continues to work across both specialties.

Christopher holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, a Master of Science (MSc) in Applied Psychology (Distinction) from Trinity College Dublin, a Postgraduate Certificate in CBT Interventions from University College London and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Royal Holloway, University of London. He is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).

At the heart of Christopher’s therapeutic approach is the development of a safe, supportive and authentic therapeutic relationship. Known for his warm, compassionate and collaborative style, he works closely with clients to develop a shared understanding of their difficulties and the factors contributing to their distress. He is passionate about helping clients build on their existing strengths as well as introducing empirically supported frameworks and strategies to support meaningful and lasting change.

Christopher offers personalised, evidence-based interventions in line with National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines and integrates a range of therapeutic models to meet each client’s individual needs. His therapeutic approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Narrative Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT).

Christopher works with a broad range of psychological difficulties, including:

• Adjustment Disorders
• Agoraphobia
• Chronic Pain
• Depression
• Distress related to End-of-Life
• Distress related to Physical Health Conditions
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Health Anxiety
• Low Self-Esteem
• Panic Disorder
• Perfectionism
• Phobias
• Psychosis
• Self-Harm
• Sleep Disorders
• Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
• Stress and Burnout
• Suicidal Thoughts

Alongside his clinical work, Christopher is actively involved in teaching, supervision and research. He works as an Associate Clinical Tutor on a Clinical Psychology Doctorate programme in London, supporting Trainee Clinical Psychologists in their professional development. He has taught on Masters-level psychology programmes, facilitates educational workshops in healthcare settings and provides training, supervision and reflective practice groups for healthcare professionals working in cancer care. His research interests and publications include digital mental health interventions and his doctoral research explored experiences of paranoia in the general population.

“I cannot recommend Dr Bonner highly enough. I worked with him to address my fear of cancer recurrence and the confidence issues that came with it, and the support I received was genuinely life changing.

He used a combination of EMDR, CBT and talking therapy, always tailoring sessions to what I needed at the time. What stood out most was his adaptability and care. Some weeks EMDR was the right approach, while at other times we needed space for talking therapy instead, and he always responded with sensitivity and professionalism.

Throughout the process he was patient, kind, thoughtful and incredibly supportive. He created a safe and trusting environment where I felt listened to and understood, never rushed or judged. His approach was compassionate, flexible and highly skilled, and I always felt he genuinely cared about helping me make progress.

I am so grateful for the support he gave me and the positive impact it has had on my confidence and wellbeing. Dr Bonner is an exceptional therapist and I would wholeheartedly recommend him”. Former Client

“Christopher has a remarkable aptitude as a therapist, but it is also his kind and calm nature, his empathy, and feeling like he genuinely cares that make him a cut above the rest. He’s professional yet down-to-earth, takes the time to get to know you, remembers every detail you share, and carefully crafts a therapy programme that is tailor-made. He also brought structure and a clear plan to our sessions, which helped me chart my progression clearly. I saw Christopher at a particularly challenging time and his therapy was transformative for me”. Former Client

Dr Richard Pomfret is a Counselling Psychologist with extensive experience of psychological assessment and treatment for individuals with a wide range of emotional difficulties, mental-health problems and life challenges. Richard is registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). Richard completed his undergraduate degree in Humanities at Nottingham Trent University. Following a career in the technology sector , Richard made the decision to change path and retrain as a psychologist. Richard completed a postgraduate diploma course in Psychology followed by a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology at City University, London.

Richard has worked in the NHS since 2015 and currently works for a specialist Behavioural Addictions service. Richard’s doctoral research focused on internet addiction and he specialises in habit change, helping treat those with a variety of addictive behaviours, including gambling, gaming, shopping and pornography. Richard has helped clients in coaching & performance, including phobias around public speaking/performance, test anxiety, sports anxiety and stress management skills. Richard has experience working with adolescents and adults, including supporting parents of young people with Behaviours that Challenge (BtC). Additionally, he has worked in a NHS Psychodermatology service, providing psychological treatment for skin disorders. Richard has experience working with:

• Addiction (including Gambling, Gaming, shopping, pornography)
• Anxiety Disorders
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder
• Coaching & Performance Related Issues
• Depression
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder
• Low Self-esteem
• Panic Disorder
• Phobias
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Social Anxiety Disorders
• Skin Disorders
• Stress

As a Counselling Psychologist, Richard draws on an integrative, evidence-based approach.This can include a range of techniques or theories in order to tailor therapy to the needs of the client. He is trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Psychodynamic, Person-centred and Non-Violent Resistance (NVR) therapies. Additionally, he has experience using Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and Compassion-focused Therapy (CFT). He has a warm and compassionate approach, challenging when appropriate and always solution-focused.

Dr Camilla Cookson is a specialist Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychologist. She has 10 years of clinical experience working across various mental health settings within the NHS, with a current position as a Senior Clinical Psychologist in a London Community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). She is registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC).

Camilla obtained a First-Class degree in Experimental Psychology at Oxford University and went on to complete her doctoral training in Clinical Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London. It was during this time that Camilla developed her passion for working with children, young people and their families, where she has focussed her work since.

Camilla’s experience reflects the great variety that comes with working with children, and includes individual, family, parenting, school-based and consultative work across a range of presenting needs, covering the following:

• Attachment Difficulties
• Behaviours that Challenge  
• Depression 
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder
• Health Anxiety
• Low Self Esteem
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Panic Disorder
• Parenting
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD
• Separation Anxiety
• Social Anxiety Disorder

Camilla understands that building a trusting, supportive and open therapeutic relationship is of great importance, and enjoys working creatively and compassionately in order to engage the young person to work in collaboration towards achieving their personal goals. Camilla also recognises the value of working together with family and any other important people/systems in a child’s life where appropriate.

Camilla has experience undertaking complex assessments and understands the benefit of reaching a comprehensive shared understanding of the presenting concerns in order to achieve positive therapeutic outcomes. Within her therapeutic work, she draws on a variety of evidence based psychological therapies and models to best meet the needs of her clients, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based approaches, Behavioural and Parenting work (including Personalised Individual Parent Training, PIPT), and Family and Narrative interventions.

Camilla has additionally undertaken training in specialist trauma therapies, including Trauma-Focused CBT, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Narrative Exposure Therapy for Children (KIDNET), developing her interest and experience in this area through working within a specialist NHS service supporting children, young people and their families who have been affected by trauma. She also has experience undertaking cognitive assessments and working with children with additional neurodevelopmental needs. 

“Dr Cookson worked with us with a great amount of interest and involvement which was showed by her preparedness, by thoroughly understanding our emotions and working in a structured way so we could see a change. She asked us our input in the very beginning in terms of our expectations and was open to take it onboard.” Former Client

Dr Gabrielle Brady is a Principal Counselling Psychologist and Cognitive Analytic Therapist who has worked in mental health services for fifteen years. Gabrielle is a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society; the Psychological Society of Ireland and she is a registered Practitioner Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council. 

Over this time, she has acquired substantial experience of providing highly specialised and evidence-based therapies, tailored to suit clients across a range of emotional difficulties and complexity. Gabrielle is dedicated to help her clients improve the quality of their lives. She holds the therapeutic relationship at the core of her work and endeavours to create a safe and trusting space for her clients to bring their vulnerability. Gabrielle listens to her clients with compassion, curiosity, and responsiveness.   

Gabrielle has spent the past 13 years working in specialist eating disorder services, and since 2019 she has been Principal Psychologist at one of the largest NHS eating disorder services in the UK.  She is specialist in the treatment of Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder and Other Specified Eating Disorders (OSFED). Alongside her work with complex eating disorder presentations, she is highly experienced in working with a range of emotional difficulties, including:

• Anxiety
• Body Dysmorphia 
• Depression
• Grief
• Personality disorders
• Relationship difficulties

Gabrielle has a proven ability to lead and develop services. In her NHS role, she is the Lead Psychologist for a large therapy team; holding responsibility for the organisation, management and leadership of high quality specialist psychology and psychotherapy services to service users. In this role she also provides specialist second opinions and recommendations about assessments & treatment of complex cases.  

Gabrielle offers a range of therapeutic models including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), “Enhanced” CBT, Cognitive Analytic Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.  

Alongside her clinical work, Gabrielle has presented papers and facilitated workshops at international eating disorder conferences and has provided specialist teaching on doctoral training programmes. She also has substantial experience of providing specialist supervision.  

As a therapist and in her consultancy work, Gabrielle has a special interest in early intervention and has played a key role in piloting the now established FREED (First Episode Rapid Intervention for Eating Disorders) pathway in her NHS service.  

Gabrielle believes in providing treatments that are proven to be effective. Treatments that are supported by national guidelines for the treatment of psychological disorders and are informed by the latest research.

“Working with Gabrielle has been life-changing for me. For decades I have had various issues in relation to my relationship with food and body image and at the age of 44, had started to wonder if I could ever change. After reaching a real low, I decided to seek help and found Gabrielle. Our sessions have been incredibly useful, thought provoking and insightful. I’ve been able to work through many assumptions I held about myself and have challenged many internal narratives that I held. I’ve reached the most freeing sense of acceptance about myself and my body and food no longer represents something to fear, control or restrict. I used to read testimonials about people who had reached the place I am now in, but didn’t believe that I would ever be in a position where I could write one, yet here I am! I can’t recommend Gabrielle highly enough.” Former Client

Dr Leonora Marshall is a highly specialist Clinical Psychologist, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP). Leonora completed her undergraduate psychology degree with first class honours at University College London. She undertook her doctoral training and qualified as a Clinical Psychologist from the University of East Anglia.  

Leonora has substantial experience working across numerous mental health settings in the NHS. This includes adult outpatient, child and adolescent mental health, drug and alcohol, and chronic pain services. In her current NHS role, Leonora works in a community mental health team with adults with severe and enduring mental health difficulties, including complex trauma, personality disorders, psychosis and bipolar. Leonora is experienced delivering both short and long-term interventions to individuals and groups.  

Leonora’s clinical work is guided by scientific theory and National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines. She seeks to create a supportive and safe therapeutic space for her clients to express themselves. She is a warm, non-judgmental, and compassionate clinician who works alongside her clients to support them to access their personal strengths and resources, and work towards their goals. She places importance on taking a person-centred approach to developing a shared understanding of an individual’s difficulties, in the context of their current situation and past experiences. This shared understanding then forms the foundation for developing a collaborative treatment plan.  

Leonora uses several therapeutic approaches in her clinical practice including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-based approaches, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).  

Leonora is experienced in working with a range of difficulties, including:  

• Anxiety disorders 
• Bipolar disorder 
• Chronic pain and other physical health conditions 
• Depression  
• Low self-esteem 
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder 
• Psychosis  
• Self-harm  
• Suicidality

“I couldn’t have asked for a better professional to help me through some very complex and deep-rooted trauma and issues in my life. She was incredibly empathetic towards my struggles and provided some very supportive and useful feedback and conclusions. Leonora has given me some life-long techniques to help moderate my emotions and ultimately helped me to start loving myself again. The 20 sessions with Leonora were the most comfortable I’ve felt within therapy before and she made it easy to open up; even opening wounds I didn’t even know I still had and needed to tackle. I can’t thank her enough for her patience and kindness throughout our sessions.” Former Client

Dr Nadia Khan is Clinical Psychologist and accredited Cognitive Behavior Therapist. She has worked across various mental health settings within the NHS and the charitable sector for over ten years.  

Nadia completed her undergraduate degree in Politics and International Relations at The University of Manchester, before steering towards a career in psychology. She achieved a Masters with distinction in Educational Psychology, followed by a Post Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice. She then completed her training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (PGDip) at the prestigious Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IOPPN; Kings College University) before undertaking her doctoral training in Clinical Psychology from Royal Holloway, University of London.  

At the core of Nadia’s therapeutic approach is to provide an empathic, safe and open space, thus enabling clients to develop awareness and understanding of complex psychological patterns and problems. Nadia uses this basic foundation to help clients (and the systems around them) work through these challenges by applying appropriate, evidenced-based intervention models in a gentle and collaborative way. She believes that while life can bring tragedy, traumas and other adversity, therapy can help people and families find compassion, strength and hope; supporting them to cultivate and grow from these experiences and offering a path to a happier and more settled existence. 

Nadia currently specialises in working with women, infants and their families during the perinatal period (pregnancy and the first two years post birth). Alongside her work at the Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic, she works as a Senior Clinical Psychologist in a Specialist Perinatal NHS service. She has experience working with post-natal depression, anxiety (including post-natal OCD, panic disorder etc), birth trauma, post-partum psychosis, personality disorder/complex trauma, implications of birth injury to mothers/infants and also issues related to maternal mental health (including infertility, miscarriage, infant loss/stillbirth).  

Prior to her work in perinatal mental health, Nadia worked in child and adolescent mental health providing evidenced based care to young people and their families, particularly adolescents engaging in self-harm and experiencing emotional dysregulation. She also has extensive experience working psychologically with adults, including working within a primary care setting (IAPT), providing both via individual and group support. 

Nadia has a strong interest in the implications of culture, race and ethnicity within mental health and upon the therapeutic process.  She has worked extensively with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds to ensure they are seen, held and nurtured; where previously they may have felt alienated or misunderstood. She is passionate about working towards intersectional and anti-racist therapeutic practice and has links with the South Asian Therapy networks in the UK. 

Nadia is an integrative psychologist and draws on a range of evidence-based psychological models and interventions including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). She is currently undergoing training in Eye Movement De-Sensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).  

She has experience and training in the treatment of:  

• Anxiety Disorders 
• Depression 
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) 
• Low Self-Esteem
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 
• Panic Disorder 
• Perinatal Trauma
• Personality Disorders 
• Post-Partum Psychosis
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 
• Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

• Anxiety Disorders
• Behaviours that Challenge
• Depression
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Health Anxiety
• Life transitions (including school transitions)
• Low Self-Esteem
• Loss and Bereavement
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Panic Disorder
• Parental Illness
• Parenting difficulties
• Perfectionism
• Perinatal Trauma
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Relationship Difficulties
• Self-Harm
• Sexual Abuse and Trauma
• Specific Phobias
• Stress and burnout

Welcome! Thank you for landing here. The decision to begin or restart therapy is a brave one and finding a therapist you connect to and feel safe with is important.

Dr. Ama Hagan is a skilled HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist. She has over 9 years of experience working with adults, children and families experiencing a range of difficulties such as depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, psychosis, stress, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and personality disorders. She has worked across NHS, local authority, and private settings as well as the charity sector and third sector community organisations. Ama completed her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at University College London and her master’s degree in Clinical & Forensic Psychology at King’s College London. She then completed a doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London (DClinPsy) where she became a qualified Clinical Psychologist. Ama currently practices within clinical and community settings with marginalised and racialised groups.

Ama focuses on building trusted relationships with clients and creating a protected space to explore their experiences, thoughts, feelings and identities in a safe, non-judgmental environment. She offers a space to be yourself and to explore your difficulties with care, compassion and kindness.

Dr Hagan uses an integrative, holistic, person-centred approach using evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Narrative, Systemic and Acceptance and Commitment Therapies. She also integrates learning and wisdom derived from lived experiences and our social, cultural and political world. Ama works collaboratively with her clients to make sense of their difficulties, strengths, experiences and personalities arise in the context of their intersectional identity and the culture, family and systems they live in.

Ama can work flexibly either in person or online, to continue to connect with clients who have hectic work and home schedules.

Ama is experienced in working with a range of difficulties including (but not limited to):

• Anxiety Disorders
• Bereavement & Grief
• Depression
• Low Self Esteem
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Parenting
• Personality Disorders
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Psychosis
• Relationship Difficulties
• Self-Harm
• Stress
• Trauma

Dr Frances Maclennan is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and has worked for the NHS for more than 20 years.  She has huge experience working with complex presentations in a range of settings.  She has worked in adult mental health settings in the community, hospital and prison.  She has a particular interest in trauma and complex trauma, personality disorder and neuro-developmental presentations including Autism and ADHD.  She is trained in a range of therapeutic models including schema therapy and EMDR.  She provides assessments, formulations and interventions. She teaches and provides training for a number of universities and organisations.

Dr Adela Mrkaljevic is a Counselling Psychologist, with over a decade of clinical experience across the NHS, private sector, and third-sector organisations. She works integratively, drawing on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Person-Centred approaches, and third-wave modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).

Adela completed her Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology at City, University of London, alongside an MSc in Health Psychology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Practice. Her doctoral research explored the experience of therapy among survivors of childhood sexual abuse, work that continues to shape her trauma-informed and relational approach.

In her most recent NHS role, Adela held a senior position in the Crisis Therapy Service at East London NHS Foundation Trust. There, she provided brief and highly focused psychological interventions for individuals experiencing psychosocial crises. Her work involved complex presentations including suicidality and trauma, and required comprehensive assessment, formulation, and collaborative care planning within multidisciplinary teams.

In addition to her NHS work, Adela has worked in a wide range of settings, including inpatient hospitals, primary care, and specialist services for survivors of trauma. She has delivered both individual and group therapy and has facilitated DBT-informed groups for clients with enduring and complex difficulties. Her clinical practice is rooted in evidence-based models and guided by collaborative, client-centred formulation.

Known for her warm, reflective, and relational therapeutic style, Adela places strong emphasis on building safe, trusting relationships. She supports clients to explore their experiences with openness while developing psychological flexibility, resilience, and the capacity for meaningful and lasting change. Her approach combines thoughtful, depth-oriented exploration with practical strategies tailored to each client’s individual needs and values.

Adela is experienced in working with:
• Anxiety (including GAD, Health Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder)
• Depression and bipolar disorder
• Low self-esteem
• Work stress
• PTSD and complex trauma
• OCD
• Personality Disorders
• Self-harm and suicidal thoughts
• Adjustment difficulties
• Chronic illness
• Bereavement and loss
• Identity concerns
• Relationship and attachment issues
• Survivors of abuse (including domestic violence and childhood sexual abuse)

Adela works flexibly with both short- and long-term models and is experienced in supporting clients from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, including when working with interpreters.

She is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and her clinical work is grounded in current research and aligned with NICE guidelines. She is committed to delivering the highest standards of psychological care and continues to invest in ongoing professional development to ensure her practice remains current, ethical, and effective

Dr Camilla Cookson is a specialist Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychologist. She has 10 years of clinical experience working across various mental health settings within the NHS, with a current position as a Senior Clinical Psychologist in a London Community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). She is registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC).

Camilla obtained a First-Class degree in Experimental Psychology at Oxford University and went on to complete her doctoral training in Clinical Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London. It was during this time that Camilla developed her passion for working with children, young people and their families, where she has focussed her work since.

Camilla’s experience reflects the great variety that comes with working with children, and includes individual, family, parenting, school-based and consultative work across a range of presenting needs, covering the following:

• Attachment Difficulties
• Behaviours that Challenge  
• Depression 
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder
• Health Anxiety
• Low Self Esteem
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Panic Disorder
• Parenting
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD
• Separation Anxiety
• Social Anxiety Disorder

Camilla understands that building a trusting, supportive and open therapeutic relationship is of great importance, and enjoys working creatively and compassionately in order to engage the young person to work in collaboration towards achieving their personal goals. Camilla also recognises the value of working together with family and any other important people/systems in a child’s life where appropriate.

Camilla has experience undertaking complex assessments and understands the benefit of reaching a comprehensive shared understanding of the presenting concerns in order to achieve positive therapeutic outcomes. Within her therapeutic work, she draws on a variety of evidence based psychological therapies and models to best meet the needs of her clients, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based approaches, Behavioural and Parenting work (including Personalised Individual Parent Training, PIPT), and Family and Narrative interventions.

Camilla has additionally undertaken training in specialist trauma therapies, including Trauma-Focused CBT, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Narrative Exposure Therapy for Children (KIDNET), developing her interest and experience in this area through working within a specialist NHS service supporting children, young people and their families who have been affected by trauma. She also has experience undertaking cognitive assessments and working with children with additional neurodevelopmental needs. 

“Dr Cookson worked with us with a great amount of interest and involvement which was showed by her preparedness, by thoroughly understanding our emotions and working in a structured way so we could see a change. She asked us our input in the very beginning in terms of our expectations and was open to take it onboard.” Former Client

Dr Kate Watchorn is a highly skilled Clinical Psychologist, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).  Kate completed an undergraduate Psychology degree with first class honours, before undertaking her doctoral training and qualifying as a Clinical Psychologist from University College London. 

Kate has substantial experience working across a wide range of NHS settings including child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), inpatient and community adult mental health, perinatal, psychosis and specialist trauma services for refugees. Alongside her private clinic, Kate currently works in the NHS as part of a London CAMHS team, specialising in supporting families and children spanning the full age range from early years to adolescents. Kate is especially passionate about supporting parents with the transition to parenthood, to enable them to develop positive relationships with their babies.  

Kate values a systemic approach and likes to involve partners or family members in treatment where appropriate. Understanding the wider context of her client’s experience is fundamental to her practice. Kate has substantial experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds and is sensitive to the role of cultural identity, gender, race, sexual orientation and all forms of difference. Kate has a warm, compassionate, and non-judgemental style. She believes the therapeutic relationship is fundamental and strives to create a space in which clients feel empowered to create positive changes in therapy.  

Kate’s clinical work is grounded in theory and informed by the latest evidence-base, in adherence with the NICE guidelines. She takes a formulation driven approach, coming to a shared understanding of difficulties with her clients before collaboratively developing a bespoke treatment plan. Kate has training in a range of therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Systemic and Family Therapies, Trauma Focused Therapy, brief psychodynamic approaches and evidence-based parenting programmes. Kate is also skilled in conducting formal neurodevelopmental assessments for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). 

She is experienced in working with a range of difficulties including (but not limited to): 

• Anxiety Disorders
• Behaviours that Challenge 
• Depression 
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Health Anxiety
• Low Self-Esteem 
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 
• Panic Disorder
• Parenting difficulties 
• Perfectionism 
• Perinatal Trauma
• Personality Disorders 
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 
• Psychosis 
• Relationship Difficulties  
• Self-Harm 
• Specific Phobias
• Sleep Disorders
• Stress and burnout  
• Suicidality

“This therapy did nothing short of changing my life. Kate went above and beyond to support me in understanding why I felt how I felt after having my baby. I have been able to work through some of my unresolved childhood trauma which has helped me massively. Not only did Kate help me understand that I was not alone in this process but also how to cope. My relationship with my daughter has greatly improved as I am starting to understand her better without being so harsh on myself. I will always be thankful to Kate for getting me back on track.” Former Client

Dr Allison Hayes is the Founder and Clinical Director of the Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic. Dr Hayes is a highly respected Consultant Clinical Psychologist who has acquired a wealth of clinical experience and a track record of delivering high-quality services, having worked with an international client group in the private sector for 20-years.

Dr Hayes completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology with first class honours and later went on to be awarded her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She worked in the NHS and founded her private practice in 2003. The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic has grown out of her pursuit of establishing a centre of clinical excellence, which provides outpatient care for individuals and families with mental health challenges and emotional needs.

Dr Hayes is an optimistic, compassionate and kind psychologist who is committed to working with patients to facilitate and achieve change. She has expertise working with adolescents and adults with emotional difficulties and those with a diagnosis of personality disorder, and is further experienced in supporting individuals who present with:

• Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Adjustment Disorder
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Addiction
• Adult Survivors of Childhood Trauma
• Bereavement
• Bipolar Disorder
• Depression
• Eating Disorders
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Health Anxiety
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Personality Disorders
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Psychosis

Dr Hayes has trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapies, Compassion-Focused Therapy, The MANTRA model for Eating Disorders, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR), Radically-Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (RO-DBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).

Dr Hayes has been highly influential in the development of services for Eating Disorders and group programmes for a range of disorders. She is an experienced clinical supervisor of psychology colleagues, and delivers regular multi-disciplinary training on all aspects of mental health and psychology. Dr Hayes has facilitated a range of corporate training programmes on Stress and Emotional First Aid in the workplace.

Dr Hayes oversees recruitment of all professionals to the Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic to ensure the highest clinical standards in treatment. She promotes that all work undertaken at the Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic is grounded in evidence-based practice, is adherent to the NICE guidelines, establishes treatment efficacy, and reflects the principles of the Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic.

“I am extremely grateful for the care Allison showed me during our sessions. She always adapted sessions to match my needs and demonstrated a real understanding of the difficulties I was facing. Her openness and kindness meant that trust was developed very quickly, and I would have no hesitation in seeing her again should I ever need to.” Former Client

Dr Hannah Stringer is a highly specialist Clinical and Community Psychologist. She has 9 years of clinical experience across public, private and charitable sectors.

Hannah completed an undergraduate Psychology degree with first class honours, going on to be awarded a postgraduate diploma in CBT interventions and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. During her doctorate she specialised in severe and enduring mental health presentations.

Hannah is an experienced Clinical Psychologist with a background in innovating voluntary and statutory sectors in the UK. Alongside her work at the Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic, Hannah also works in North London leading an emotional wellbeing service for young people. Hannah’s current expertise is in working with marginalised young people to improve access to and transform mental health services.

Hannah has significant experience working with individuals experiencing a range of emotional difficulties including anxiety, low mood, attachment difficulties and traumatic reactions, including psychosis. This includes undertaking complex assessments and developing a shared understanding of a person’s difficulties within the context of their past experiences and current situation. She has specialist experience working with adolescents and young adults with physical, emotional, learning and social communication difficulties. Hannah also works with the families and systems around an individual to help develop a way forward.

She has experience supporting individuals who present with:

• Anxiety Disorders
• Chronic Pain and other Physical Health Conditions
• Depression
• Low Self-Esteem
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Personality Disorders
• Psychosis
• Self-Harm
• Suicidality

Hannah believes in the importance of building a good therapeutic relationship, valuing a collaborative approach guided by an individual’s goals. With this in mind, therapy is tailored to the individual, working creatively based on the person’s interests and values. Hannah is trained to use a range of evidence-based approaches, namely Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Narrative Therapy. However, she also draws on attachment theory and systemic approaches to help understand the wider context around a person’s difficulties. She therefore offers an adaptable and integrative therapeutic framework to best meet individual needs. She is currently completing additional training to acquire a diploma in Narrative Therapy and is registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC).

“Hannah was a fantastic support. She was able to remain 1 step in front of me, whilst never giving me the impression she was leading me down a path. She nudged me in the right directions, letting me find answers to my own questions, whilst remaining fluid and responsive to my immediate needs.” Former Client

Dr Vallabhi Khurana is a highly specialist Clinical Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC). Vall completed her Undergraduate degree from the University of Nottingham and subsequently a Masters degree in Developmental Psychology and Clinical Practice from University College London. She then completed her doctoral training (DClinPsy) in London and qualified as a Clinical Psychologist.

Vall is a warm, compassionate and kind psychologist who places importance in creating a safe and non-judgemental therapeutic space for her clients. She strives for individuals to feel seen, heard and held in order to facilitate growth and change. Additionally, Vall’s open therapeutic stance enables her to acknowledge and respect that clients are positioned as experts on their lives, identity and culture, leading her to practice in a culturally sensitive, inclusive and non-discriminatory manner.

Promoting emotional well-being and resilience is at the core of Vall’s clinical work and she endeavors to be alongside individuals through any difficulties experienced, no matter how big or small. This approach has led Vall to believe that hope can always be built in the therapeutic relationship and process, to empower individuals to better understand themselves and navigate through life’s challenges and adversities.

Vall has extensive experience in supporting children, adolescents, parents and adults from a range of diverse backgrounds. She uses a flexible and collaborative approach to tailor assessments and interventions to the individual needs of her clients. Her clinical work is grounded in theory and evidence-based practice, whilst simultaneously being led by an individual’s own goals and hopes for support.

Vall practices integratively and has received training in a range psychological therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Systemic and Narrative Therapies. Most recently, Vall has also completed training to provide Eye-Movement and Desensitisation Therapy (EMDR).

Vall is experienced in working with a range of difficulties including (but not limited to):

• Anxiety Disorders
• Bereavement & Grief
• Behaviours that Challenge (BtC)
• Depression
• Health Anxiety
• Low Self Esteem
• Parenting
• Perinatal Trauma
• Personality Disorders
• Physical Health Conditions (Oncology)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Relationship Difficulties
• Self Harm
• Stress & Burnout

Alongside her work at the Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic, Vall works at Great Ormond Street Hospital, leading on psychological care and support for children and families undergoing cancer treatment. She has a particular interest in the mind-body link and is passionate about providing psychological support in healthcare settings. Her role in this setting also includes providing bereavement support, with a focus on loss, grief and trauma.

Dr Jon Davidson is an HCPC accredited Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years of clinical experience in a wide variety of psychological settings.  

He completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology and a masters degree in Health Psychology at the University of St Andrews, before undertaking his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London.  

Jon adopts a client-centred approach, working collaboratively with clients to support them to understand and overcome their difficulties. The therapeutic relationship is at the heart of his ethos as a psychologist; he values the importance of providing a safe, containing and non-judgemental environment as the basis for a positive therapeutic experience. Jon is passionate about taking a holistic view of the individual, seeing them as more than the sum of their needs and difficulties. He believes in supporting clients to draw upon their strengths and life values to promote positive wellbeing.  

Passionate about drawing upon evidence-based practice in his clinical work, Jon is trained in the use of a range of therapeutic models. This includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Systemic Therapy and Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT). Jon is skilled in adopting an integrative approach, by drawing upon multiple models to tailor therapy to suit the individual needs of each client.

Across his career to date, Jon has worked extensively with children and adults across the lifespan, alongside their families and interconnected systems such as other support services, schools and workplaces. Jon has specialist skills and experience in a variety of indirect and parent/carer support models such as Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and Non-Violent Resistance (NVR). Jon is also skilled in neurodevelopmental and cognitive assessment for young people, providing specialist assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Intellectual or Learning Disability (LD). He further has a specialist interest in working with clients with physical health difficulties.

Jon is experienced in the treatment of:  

• Anxiety disorders 
• Adjustment disorder  
• Autism
• Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Behaviours that Challenge 
• Chronic pain and other physical health conditions
• Depression
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder
• Health Anxiety
• Intellectual and Learning Disabilities
• Low Self-Esteem 
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)  
• Panic Disorder
• Perfectionism 
• Psychosis  
• Self-harm  
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Specific Phobias
• Stress and burnout

Jon’s clinical work is grounded in theory and informed by the latest evidence-base, and he works in adherence with the NICE guidelines. He is committed to delivering and maintaining the highest standards of psychological care at all times.

“Jonathan is fantastic. I found our sessions to be a very calm environment that really helped me to reset each week. Jonathan really builds a great rapport, and is very practical and realistic during the process. I could not recommend him more!” Former Client

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.

Dr Hayley Scanlon is a clinical psychologist. She has worked within NHS and private sector organisations in a therapeutic and healthcare context for over 12 years.

Hayley completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Birmingham, and her Master’s of Research in psychology. She then completed her training in Cognitive Behavioural Interventions (PGCert) at the University of Reading, before undertaking her doctoral training in Clinical Psychology at the University of Leeds.

At the core of Hayley’s therapeutic approach is to offer a nurturing and compassionate space to develop a psychological understanding through noticing and identify maintaining patterns. Using this understanding, Hayley believes individuals and systems can break out of unhelpful cycles by using a psychological formulation to target problem areas.

Hayley currently specialises in Clinical Health working with adults and children who experience trauma and distress in the context of their mental and medical health. Alongside her work at the Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic, she works as a senior clinical psychologist in a staff support service where she offers psychological input for trauma and PTSD to systems and healthcare workers.

Prior to this, Hayley worked in child and adolescent mental health providing evidence-based interventions to young people and families, often presenting with neurodiversity such as autism and ADHD. She has extensive experience in palliative care, and working psychologically with adults and children, including working in in-patient care, secondary care, and primary care settings (IAPT).

Hayley is an integrative clinical psychologist and draws on a range of evidence-based models and interventions including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Cognitive Analytic Informed Therapy (CAT-informed), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Hayley has experience in the training and treating of:

• Depression
• Low self esteem
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety
• End of life/ palliative care
• Adjustment disorder
• Social anxiety
• Health anxiety
• Panic disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum condition (ASD)
• Occupational burnout
• Relationship problems

Dr Lucy Viney is a Clinical Psychologist and Co-Founder of the Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic. Lucy initially completed a masters degree in Psychology with distinction before undertaking her doctoral training and qualifying as a Clinical Psychologist from University College London.  Across her work in the NHS, Lucy specialised in working with adults with complex mood disorders and personality disorders and her specialist knowledge of developmental psychopathology enables her to understand an individual’s psychological wellbeing from a longitudinal perspective. She is experienced in working with a range of difficulties including:

• Addiction
• Anxiety Disorders
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chronic Pain and other Physical Health Conditions
• Dementia and other Neurological Conditions
• Depression
• Low Self-Esteem
• Perfectionism
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Personality Disorders
• Psychosis
• Self-Harm
• Suicidality

Lucy is trained in a number of therapies including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapies, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing and Narrative, Systemic Therapies.  She is also a certified and experienced Schema Therapist and delivers Parenting Skills workshops.

Lucy is highly experienced in delivering both short and long-term psychological interventions and is a skilled group facilitator. Lucy has extensive experience in neuropsychological assessment and intervention for a range of conditions, including neurodegenerative illnesses such as dementia and developmental disorders including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Lucy’s clinical work is informed by theory and the latest evidence-base, and she works in adherence with the NICE guidelines. She is experienced in delivering Mental Health Awareness training programmes across both corporate and educational settings.

Lucy has an active media presence, and is regularly featured in the press, journals and other psychological literature.  Some of her recent work is listed below:

• https://www.mrporter.com/en-gb/journal/lifestyle/holidays-festive-season-alone-without-family-friends-2022-23683596
• https://sheerluxe.com/2020/07/…
• https://www.standard.co.uk/esmagazine/psychiatry-vs-psychics-london-crystal-healing-jewellery-tarot-b1095124.html
• https://metro.co.uk/2021/06/28/what-is-body-dysmorphia-and-what-treatments-are-available-14827087/
• https://edition.pagesuite-prof… (page 80-81)
• https://www.ok.co.uk/lifestyle…
• https://medicaltravelmarket.co…
• https://medicaltravelmarket.co…
• https://www.lbbonline.com/news…

Please contact Lucy at hello@thefitzroviaclinic.com for any media enquiries.

“I just wanted to say thank you to Lucy. After what feels like two years, I feel like I’ve finally gotten over my depression. I’m feeling happy again and generally positive about the future… which honestly feels amazing after so long of not feeling that way.

A lot of that is down to what I learned in our sessions and how to deal with and cope with depression. I still think back to some of the things we talked about, and they really stick with me.

So yeah, just wanted to say a proper thank you! You really helped me!” Former Client

***

“I cannot recommend Lucy Viney highly enough to anyone facing difficult times. I sought Lucy’s support while coping with profound grief after the loss of my husband and the estrangement of my daughter. Lucy provided me with practical coping strategies and, just as importantly, offered genuine reassurance and validation for my feelings. Her compassionate approach made it easy to open up, and I always felt understood and supported throughout my sessions.”

Dr Sara Lakin is a highly skilled Clinical Psychologist, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Sara completed an undergraduate Psychology degree with first class honours, before undertaking her doctoral training and qualifying as a Clinical Psychologist from University of East London. Sara also has a postgraduate certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for children and young people from the Anna Freud Centre and is a trained EMDR practitioner for adults and children.
Sara has experience working across a wide range of NHS settings including child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), specialist trauma clinics, parental mental health and family cancer services.

Alongside her private clinic Sara currently works as a principal clinical psychologist in an NHS service supporting children and their families who have experienced sexual abuse, and also as a highly specialised clinical psychologist and joint team lead in a service for parents of children under 5 who are experiencing difficulties with their own mental health.
Sara’s clinical work is grounded in theory and informed by the latest evidence-base, in adherence with the NICE guidelines. She takes a formulation driven approach, coming to a shared understanding of difficulties with her clients before collaboratively developing a treatment plan. Sara takes a creative approach to therapy, particularly in work with children and families. Sara believes the therapeutic relationships is key in facilitating a safe place for change to take place, which she creates through taking a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental approach. Sara is interested in hearing about her client’s strengths and skills and building on these together during the therapy process. Sara is an integrative therapist, which means she can work in a way that suits your needs. She primarily uses narrative therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), systemic therapy, EMDR, and compassion focused approaches.

She is experienced in working with a range of difficulties including (but not limited to):

• Anxiety Disorders
• Behaviours that Challenge
• Depression
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Health Anxiety
• Life transitions (including school transitions)
• Low Self-Esteem
• Loss and Bereavement
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Panic Disorder
• Parental Illness
• Parenting difficulties
• Perfectionism
• Perinatal Trauma
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Relationship Difficulties
• Self-Harm
• Sexual Abuse and Trauma
• Specific Phobias
• Stress and burnout

Dr Adela Mrkaljevic is a Counselling Psychologist, with over a decade of clinical experience across the NHS, private sector, and third-sector organisations. She works integratively, drawing on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Person-Centred approaches, and third-wave modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).

Adela completed her Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology at City, University of London, alongside an MSc in Health Psychology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Practice. Her doctoral research explored the experience of therapy among survivors of childhood sexual abuse, work that continues to shape her trauma-informed and relational approach.

In her most recent NHS role, Adela held a senior position in the Crisis Therapy Service at East London NHS Foundation Trust. There, she provided brief and highly focused psychological interventions for individuals experiencing psychosocial crises. Her work involved complex presentations including suicidality and trauma, and required comprehensive assessment, formulation, and collaborative care planning within multidisciplinary teams.

In addition to her NHS work, Adela has worked in a wide range of settings, including inpatient hospitals, primary care, and specialist services for survivors of trauma. She has delivered both individual and group therapy and has facilitated DBT-informed groups for clients with enduring and complex difficulties. Her clinical practice is rooted in evidence-based models and guided by collaborative, client-centred formulation.

Known for her warm, reflective, and relational therapeutic style, Adela places strong emphasis on building safe, trusting relationships. She supports clients to explore their experiences with openness while developing psychological flexibility, resilience, and the capacity for meaningful and lasting change. Her approach combines thoughtful, depth-oriented exploration with practical strategies tailored to each client’s individual needs and values.

Adela is experienced in working with:

• Anxiety (including GAD, Health Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder)
• Depression and bipolar disorder
• Low self-esteem
• Work stress
• PTSD and complex trauma
• OCD
• Personality Disorders
• Self-harm and suicidal thoughts
• Adjustment difficulties
• Chronic illness
• Bereavement and loss
• Identity concerns
• Relationship and attachment issues
• Survivors of abuse (including domestic violence and childhood sexual abuse)

Adela works flexibly with both short- and long-term models and is experienced in supporting clients from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, including when working with interpreters.

She is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and her clinical work is grounded in current research and aligned with NICE guidelines. She is committed to delivering the highest standards of psychological care and continues to invest in ongoing professional development to ensure her practice remains current, ethical, and effective.