About me
Something feels off, but you can't quite name it. Maybe you're functioning fine on the outside while carrying something heavier underneath -- anxiety that won't settle, patterns that keep repeating, or pain from the past that still shows up in your relationships and daily life. It doesn't have to stay this way.
I'm Jennifer, a UKCP/BACP registered Integrative Psychotherapist and IFS Therapist, working with adults in person at London Bridge and Surbiton (south-west London), and online across the UK and Europe. My approach is depth-oriented, warm, and direct -- I'll meet you where you are, with gentle challenge when it's useful.
How I Work
The heart of my work is Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, woven into a broader integrative frame that draws on Psychodynamic, Person-Centred, Gestalt, Existential, and Transpersonal approaches. IFS works with the different parts of you that have developed over time - protectors, critics, younger wounded parts - meeting them with curiosity and compassion rather than trying to silence them. Our sessions may also draw on imagery, dreams, or other creative methods when words aren't quite enough.
I work in a trauma-informed, LGBTQ+ friendly, and neurodivergent-informed way, including with clients with ADHD and autism.
What I Work With
- Trauma and complex trauma
- Anxiety and depression
- Grief and loss
- Low self-worth and identity issues
- Relationship difficulties and life transitions
- Self-harm and suicidal thoughts
- Experiences of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
- Expat experiences and cross-cultural identity
A Little About Me
Originally from the US, I've lived in the UK for over 25 years - so I understand first-hand what it means to build a life somewhere that isn't quite home, and the particular questions of identity and belonging that come with it. Before becoming a therapist I spent 20 years as a journalist and magazine editor, which shapes how I work: I ask good questions, I listen carefully, and I don't shy away from complexity.
I'm a Full Clinical Member of UKCP and a Registered Member of BACP, and I am currently training as a Clinical Supervisor through Relational Change.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Finding the right therapist can feel daunting, and there's no pressure to have it all figured out before you reach out. I offer a free 30-minute consultation call so we can get a sense of whether we're a good fit. You can book directly on my web site or drop me an email to arrange a time.
Training, qualifications & experience
Memberships
- UKCP, Full Clinical Member (No. 2011182611)
- BACP, Registered Member (No. 00970719)
Qualifications
- Diploma in Clinical Supervision, Relational Change (Trainee)
- Internal Family Systems Therapy, Level 1 & 2 (Advanced Certification expected 2026)
- Post-Graduate Diploma, Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling (SCoPEd Level 7), CCPE, London
- Foundation in Psychotherapy and Counselling, Regent's University London
- MS, Journalism, Columbia University, New York
Ongoing Professional Development (partial list)
- Applying IFS to Complex Clinical Issues (Richard Schwartz et al.)
- Reconnecting Self-Like Parts to Their Essence (Paul Neustadt)
- IFS Interventions for Healing the Trauma-Addiction Cycle (Cece Sykes)
- IFS Skills to Address Post-Traumatic Shame (Frank Anderson)
- IFS for Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Addiction (Frank Anderson)
- The IFS Clinician's Guide (Frank Anderson)
- Unburdening the Exiles in IFS (Einat Bronstein)
- IFS and Polyvagal Theory (Alexis Rothman)
- Integrating IFS into the Transpersonal Integrative Approach (Ann Oldknow)
- ADHD and Autism in the Therapy Room (Aspire)
- Sand Tray Therapy (Catherine Bishop)
Clinical Placements and Experience
- NHS Community Mental Health Team, Islington
- Fresh Start Psychotherapy
- Headstrong Counselling
- Maytree Suicide Respite Centre
- Choices Islington (Unplanned Pregnancy and Pregnancy Loss)
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.
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
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.
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
Photos & videos
Fees
£90.00 - £115.00
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
Location
I offer both in-person and online sessions. In-person sessions take place at two locations: a therapy centre on Borough High Street (five minutes from London Bridge Station), and in Surbiton, easily reachable from Kingston, Wimbledon, Esher, and the wider south-west London area.
I work Tuesday to Friday (daytimes). Current availability varies, so please get in touch to discuss times that work for you. I work with clients online across the UK, Europe, and Asia.
Fees
My standard 60-minute session fee ranges from £90–£115, with a sliding scale to suit your financial situation. Initial consultations are charged the same way.
Insurance
I am a registered provider with Aviva, AXA Health, and WPA. I can also provide receipts for you to submit to your own provider.
Free Introductory Consultation
I offer a free 30-minute consultation to explore what’s bringing you to therapy, discuss your goals, and answer any questions about how I work.
Book via Acuity https://jenniferpirtle.as.me/schedule/d8882fa1 or email me to arrange a time.
When I work
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Further information
Sessions
I offer 60-minute weekly therapy sessions. I see clients in person at two locations: Borough Townhouse, a short walk from London Bridge station (SE1 1XF), and in Surbiton, easily reachable from Kingston, Wimbledon, Esher, and the wider south-west London area (KT6 4NS). I also work online via Zoom with clients across the UK and Europe. I work with adults only, and sessions are weekly.
Fees
My fee is £90-£115 per session on a sliding scale - choose the rate that honestly reflects what you can manage right now. If you're unsure where you fall, we can talk it through on our consultation call.
Getting Started
I offer a free 30-minute Zoom consultation call so we can get a sense of whether we might be a good fit before you commit to anything. You can book directly on my website or drop me an email to arrange a time. There's no pressure to have everything figured out before you reach out.
Supervision
I am currently training as a Clinical Supervisor through Relational Change and offer supervision to trainee and qualified therapists at a reduced rate of £40 per session. If you're interested, please visit the supervision page on my website.
