Joyline Schwitters

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Adult Psychotherapist (Individual & Couples) UKCP, NCPS

About me

I am an adult psychotherapist specializing in individual therapy and couples therapy. I bring a wealth of experience from the mental health field and have practiced as a psychotherapist for many years. I work on a time-limited or open-ended basis, depending on the nature of your difficulties and your needs.

I help people experiencing a range of issues, including depression, relational difficulties, low mood, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, anger, loss in its various forms, and a sense of lacking purpose. In individual psychotherapy, my primary approach is psychodynamic. This approach views the person as a whole and helps us explore how early life experiences may relate to current difficulties—repetitive negative patterns, troubling thoughts, overwhelming emotions, and unhealthy ways of relating to yourself and others. Psychodynamic psychotherapy provides insight into the sources of your difficulties, enabling you to develop the agency to make meaningful changes. It is a deeper mode of work that allows you to safely process emotions that may feel unbearable. The therapeutic relationship is central to this work.

I also incorporate CBT to address present-day difficulties that may acutely impair daily functioning. CBT equips you with skills and techniques to manage negative behaviours, feelings, and thought patterns. It is typically short term (6–12 sessions). Depending on your needs, I may work intergratively or begin with several CBT sessions to ground you before transitioning to psychodynamic work. The exact approach will be agreed in the initial consultation, where we explore your difficulties.

As a couple’s therapist, I work with couples of any gender, sexual orientation, or form of partnership who are experiencing relationship difficulties and seeking professional support. I offer open-ended sessions or packages of 6 or 12 sessions—the choice depends on the nature of the challenges and the time commitment you are able to make. For more details about my approach to couples work and practical considerations, please refer to the Couples Therapy page on my website.

I have had the privilege of helping many clients as a psychotherapist. My belief in the transformative effects of psychotherapy is reinforced by the clarity it brings, symptom relief, increased agency, and enhanced emotional maturity. I have also witnessed clients leave therapy feeling more whole and living more meaningfully.

I am a lecturer at the Institute of Couples Therapy, teaching on the post-qualification couples therapy training course with expertise in Cultural Sensitivity. I recently left my lecturing role on the MSc in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy (Adult) course at Birkbeck, University of London, where I taught for six years.

I run Relationship Enrichment Workshops focused on Communication and Conflict Resolution, as well as Clinical Workshops for counsellors, psychotherapists, and trainees.

I have authored two E-books on conflict resolution and healthy communication in intimate relationships. These toolkits provide strategies and skills couples can learn at home to nurture their relationship. Please visit the E-book page on my website for links.

I am recognised by  WPA, Cigna, Healix, Aviva, and Vitality as a Healthcare Provider.

How I can help you:

My approach is fundamentally tailored to each client’s needs, with the therapeutic relationship serving as an anchor and vehicle for growth. I use a range of approaches, enriching my practice. The chosen modality depends on how you are living your day-to-day life and the nature of your difficulties. Whether therapy is individual or relational often depends on whether the issues are personal or interpersonal. I believe that building a healthy relationship with ourselves is a prerequisite for healthy relationships with others. In the initial consultation, we will explore what brings you to therapy, and we will jointly decide on the modality and timeframe. The recommendations for modality and length are made with your best interests and well-being in mind.

For more information about the differences between CBT, psychodynamic, and couples therapy approaches, please visit my website. I also offer one-off consultative sessions for individuals who cannot commit to ongoing therapy but would like a safe, nonjudgmental space to share their current difficulties.

In my work with couples, I use a developmental approach that helps identify strengths, address weaknesses, and promote growth and nurturance of each other and the relationship as a whole. I have a particular interest in couples facing communication challenges, conflict resolution issues, and intercultural or interracial dynamics. Please see the Couples Therapy page on my website at www.citysanctuarytherapy.com for more information.

I offer both face-to-face sessions and online sessions via Zoom or telephone.

Training, qualifications & experience

  • Doctorate  in Psychodynamic/Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Clinical Practice (Research) from Exeter University
  • Advanced Diploma/ Msc  in Couples Therapy from NAOS Institute
  • Certificate in Mindfulness-UK
  • Master of Arts Degree in Psychodynamic Theory and Practice from Roehampton University
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy from Westminster Pastoral  Foundation (WPF)
  • Post Graduate Certificate in CBT Skills from WPF
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Hypnotherapy from United Kingdom Hypnotherapy Training College
  • Post Graduate Certificate in Psychodynamic Counselling and Group Dynamics from Birckbeck University
  • Post Graduate Certificate in Mentorship  from Middlesex University
  • BSc in Psychiatric Nursing Nursing from University of West London

I have a background in mental health and I have worked in various clinical specialist roles before and during my psychotherapy training.

Member organisations

Registered / Accredited

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.

UKCP
UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)

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

UK Council for Psychotherapy
Accredited Register Scheme

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.

UK Council for Psychotherapy

Areas of counselling I deal with

Fees

£100.00 - £150.00

Health Insurance/EAP

  • Aviva
  • Cigna
  • WPA
  • Healix

Additional information

Individuals- £100 per session 

Couples- £150  per session Insurance

Consultations- One off- £150

 Relationship Enrichment Workshops- £120

Clinical Workshops- See website for fee structure

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

Further information

I am registered with the UKCP as an Adult Psychotherapist,  and  the NCPS as a Relationship/Couple Therapist.

Published articles

42 Borough High Street, Number42 Well-Being Practice, London, SE1 1XW

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Couples
Families
Organisations
Employee Assistance Programme

Key details

Wheelchair user access
Wheelchair user access

Wheelchair-accessible premises should have step-free access for wheelchair users and individuals who are unable to climb stairs. If a Counsellor's premises aren't step-free, they may offer alternative services such as telephone/web-based appointments, home visits, or meeting clients in different location, so you can choose the option that suits you best.

You can contact the Counsellor to discuss the options available.

Under the Equality Act 2010 service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access their service. You can read more about reasonable adjustments to help you to access services on the CAB website.

Online platforms

FaceTime
Whatsapp
Zoom
Microsoft Teams

Social

Joyline Schwitters
Joyline Schwitters