About me
I’m Anne, a Systemic and Family Psychotherapist specialising in couples therapy. I work with couples at all stages of their relationships, experiencing a wide range of challenges.
You might be in the early stages of a happy relationship and just want to improve communication. Or, you might be in a long-term relationship, feel you are in continual conflict, and worry you are close to separation.
With a clinical background in mental health, I can also support couples where challenges such as trauma, anxiety, depression, problematic pornography use, or eating disorders are affecting their relationship.
Training, qualifications & experience
I have been working with families and couples for over 17 years, across the NHS, social care and private practice.
As a clinician in the NHS, I worked with couples impacted by mental illness and provided both relationship and parenting support. I practised as a family therapist in CAMHs (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) and in adult eating disorders as a highly specialist systemic and family psychotherapist.
Prior to training as a psychotherapist, I was a social worker and children’s guardian in public and private family law. This gave me particular experience in high-conflict separation, difficulties around child arrangements and contact, and domestic abuse.
I bring this experience together in my work with couples, offering a thoughtful and supportive space to understand what is happening in the relationship and consider how things might change.
I am fully registered with the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and am committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional practice.
Training and Qualifications
- Over 17 years' experience working with families and couples
- Former family therapist in CAMHS, Great Ormond Street (Feeding and Eating Disorders and Mildred Creak Unit), and Adult Eating Disorders
- MSc in Family Therapy, Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London
- MA in Social Work, University of East London/Tavistock
- Doctorate and former lecturer in English Literature, Birkbeck College, London
- Fully registered with the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.
As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.
UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£100.00 per session
Additional information
Please inquire about reduced rates for concessions and lower income
Further information
How does systemic therapy work?
My method is integrative, drawing on evidence-based systemic, cognitive-behavioural and psychodynamic approaches.
Systemic psychotherapy helps couples understand the patterns in their relationship and how these influence the way you communicate and respond to one another. Rather than focusing on one person as the problem, we look at what is happening between you and what may be keeping you stuck.
We may want to think about your experiences growing up, since when couples feel trapped in a repetitive cycle, it is often because an emotional vulnerability is being triggered.
While you develop insight into your patterns and the role the past might be playing, I will also encourage you to take action straight away to help you break the pattern by making specific behavioural changes.
What to expect
I believe the right intervention can sometimes bring insight and effective change quickly, so therapy does not always need to be long-term.
Sessions will initially be weekly and, as you progress, will become less frequent. This gives you time to try out new ways of interacting and take increasing ownership over the change process.
Most couples have a minimum of 8–12 sessions, spread out over 3–6 months. If you or your partner have been impacted by mental health difficulties, trauma, racism or discrimination based on gender, sexuality or any other characteristic, we may decide to work more slowly and have additional sessions.
Taking the first step
Reaching out for help can feel daunting, particularly when your relationship is fragile. You may worry about exposing vulnerable aspects of yourselves, or fear that therapy could make things worse or lead to changes you did not anticipate.
I am sensitive to how much is at stake, and I am committed to providing the highest possible standard of care to the people I work with. I aim to provide a safe, caring, and compassionate space where we can explore your difficulties and come to a joint understanding about what could be different.
