Maria Fragkou, Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist, EMDR

I am a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist, accredited by the BABCP, and a clinical supervisor. I work with a variety of psychological difficulties including:

• Depression
• Anxiety Disorders: OCD, Social Anxiety, Generalised Anxiety, Health Anxiety, Panic Disorder and Specific Phobias
• Loss and traumatic grief
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Childhood Trauma
• Complex Trauma
• Interpersonal difficulties and relationship issues.
• ASD and ADHD

I draw on a variety of cognitive and behavioural approaches, such as cognitive therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy, compassion-focused therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. I am also EMDR trained, level 1, 2 and 3, which I incorporate in my work.

I take a compassion-focused approach to mental health, where depression and anxiety are not viewed as an illness, but rather as a sign of a personal struggle, or a symptom of past trauma. I work in a collaborative and accepting manner helping the client to explore and make sense of these difficulties. When we find ourselves in distress, we often get stuck in unhelpful patterns of thinking and relating to others. CBT helps us to develop alternative, more flexible and helpful coping mechanisms. Whilst CBT is very much focused on the here and now, sometimes, we may work on past experiences or past trauma to find relief of the present symptoms and improve relationships. EMDR is very effective for past and complex trauma. The pace of therapy and the focus of the work is tailored to the individual needs and wishes of the client.

Following extensive experience working with adults and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), I use cognitive and behavioural interventions for depression and anxiety, adapted to the specific individual needs of clients with such conditions. I take a strengths-focused approach working with the client to identify both strengths and challenges, and make best use of the person's positive qualities to increase resilience and overcome existing difficulties. I have a leading role in the NHS for adapting psychological therapy for ASD and ADHD, and my role also involves supervision and training.

I have an interest in perinatal depression and anxiety, I run parenting groups and I work individually with clients, focusing on developing positive family relationships.

We have found ourselves experiencing a range of emotional responses during this acutely distressing time of a pandemic. As distress and discomfort do not occur in a social vacuum, therapeutic interventions need to be adapted to the current highly unusual circumstances.

I currently offer sessions via video consultations (or phone), until the government issues new guidance regarding social distancing and I return to my clinic in Fleet, Centaur House, Ancells Business Park, Ancells Rd, Fleet GU51 2UJ. I will continue to offer video sessions to all clients who wish to access therapy remotely.

If you wish to book an appointment, please contact me using my contact form at the top of my profile.