Dr Jenika Patel

I am an experienced Charted Counselling Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC). I have 20+ years of experience working in the NHS providing counselling; therapy and supervision. I have worked in the field of substance misuse, adult mental health, both within primary and secondary care; specialist departments such as medical psychology; penal and forensic establishments. I continue to maintain a role working in an NHS adult mental health team alongside my private practice.

Therapy aims to offer space for a person to talk and think about their problems without judgment. Sometimes we can have an idea about what it is that we are struggling with; sometimes we are less sure. Accessing therapy can help us to understand ourselves and give meaning to that which leaves us feeling stuck. Often we can develop ways of coping with situations that work in the short-term but create problems in the longer-term.

Sometimes, things that are happening in the here and now can bring up feelings we have experienced in the past that we may or may not be aware of. Childhood difficulties can cause discomfort, pain and distress; this may create anxiety, depression and feelings of overwhelm. People often describe feeling empty, in darkness, alone, lacking energy and feeling frightened.

I am mindful of the family, social, cultural and environmental factors that can impact on us and how these influence who we are and how we experience ourselves. I work using an integrative approach to explore thoughts, feelings and behaviours that are difficult to understand, offering space for new thoughts to be realised which helps change to happen.

I have extensive experience working with adults who struggle with a range of difficulties such as anxiety (including panic and night terrors), depression (including bi-polar depression, feelings of emptiness and sadness), obsessive compulsive disorder; a range of eating difficulties; relationship difficulties; post-traumatic stress disorder; substance misuse; sexual dysfunction; difficulties regulating emotions and adjustment to long term physical health conditions.

My depth and breadth of knowledge enables me to work collaboratively with people utilising a broad range of therapeutic skills, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy; Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) humanistic, Gestalt, Psychodynamic and Person Centred Therapy. I utilise an integrative approach to meet individual needs. I have also completed training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS). These approaches have helped me to deepen my knowledge of working with the mind and body to resolve both emotional and physical challenges.

Insurance Clients

In the case of pre- authorised sessions, I will typically be billing your insurance company directly in accordance with the agreed fee schedule.

I am covered by various insurers including AXA, Bupa, Aviva, Aetna, WPA, Global Benefits, Healix Health Services, Vitality Health. If I am not covered by your current health insurance provided, I may be able to register.

You can contact me by phone or email. I offer an initial free telephone consultation where we  can talk about some of the things that are drawing you to therapy. Following this, we can arrange an initial assessment.

The initial assessment is an opportunity to discuss some of the difficulties you are having and how therapy can be helpful to you. We can also discuss frequency and duration of treatment.

I offer initial assessments and remote therapy, through Zoom, Skype, FaceTime and telephone.

Face to face appointments adhere to social distancing guidelines. Please visit www.drpatelstherapyroom.co.uk.