Sophia Hilsley

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(PhD, MA, FPC, UKCP, MBACP)
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

London SW1W & SW2
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

I am an experienced psychodynamic psychotherapist and provide a confidential, safe space where, without judgement or criticism, we can work together to understand what is making you unhappy.

People often seek psychotherapy or counselling when they are in crisis. At times we can all feel 'stuck', as if there are no options left to explore.  Other people come to therapy when they are not so much in crisis, but are perhaps beginning to notice negative patterns in their relationships, behaviours or feelings. Therapy can't change the past; but it can be helpful to think about your life with a trained therapist; working together to identify ways to move forward and ultimately, find a more satisfying and valuable way to live.

Prior to my career as a therapist I worked as a lawyer and in the Civil service. I worked predominately in International relations and foreign policy.   I am able to use my previous experience to aid my therapeutic work and have an understanding of how hard it can be to maintain emotional balance in contemporary life. I have experience of dealing with team dynamics, workplace stress and also tackling issues of difference and and prejudice.

I provide regular open-ended psychotherapy and counselling, and short-term therapy which uses elements of dynamic interpersonal therapy, cognitive methods and mindfulness in a safe and non judgmental setting.

Specialism
:

I have particular experience in relationship difficulties. I can help if you are struggling in a relationship, or coming to terms with the end of a relationship through separation or divorce to consider ways of coping. I can also help if you feel unable to make attachments or find it difficult to form or sustain relationships.

I offer specialised help to people struggling with issues of depression, anxiety and stress and those dealing with feelings of loneliness and exclusion. I can help if you have confidence and anger issues. I use a variety of principles alongside a more traditional psychodynamic approach - including elements of CBT and schema therapy.

I have an understanding and awareness of the difficulty of maintaining a work life balance in today's driven society and managing academic pressures. I have travelled internationally and lived in different parts of the world.  I appreciate the pressures of moving Country and the impact this can have on our emotional well-being.


Principles:

I work from a psychodynamic perspective, based on the principle that problems and distress in the present may be related to early experiences. Whether your problems are identifiable, or confusing, therapy can help you deal with emotions that are difficult to understand, giving you fresh insight into your life and work in order to find the best way forward.

Therapy is a collaborative process - I provide a safe and confidential space to explore and talk openly without discrimination or judgement. Taking the first steps can be difficult, but an initial consultation can help you address any concerns you may have.

All enquiries are strictly confidential and you do not need a GP referral to make an appointment. To set up an initial consultation or to discuss any questions or concerns you may have please call 07985 226216. You can read more on my websites here:

http://shilsley.co.uk/

www.eatongatepractice.org

Training, qualifications & experience

  • I am a fully qualified experienced Psychoanalytic psychotherapist having completed a 5 year postgraduate training. I run the Eaton Gate therapy rooms in Belgravia. If I am unable to see you for therapy, I can recommend one of my colleagues. All are accredited Psychodynamic psychotherapists, analysts and counsellors.
  • In addition to my training as a therapist I have a degree in law and politics, an MA in Criminology and a Ph.D in social change and economics.
  • I am a mentor with BEAT - the UKS biggest charity supporting people affected by eating disorders and self harm. I have specialist training from the Tavistock in Eating disorders and addiction.
  • I am committed to my on-going professional development. I offer the best quality therapy I can, tailored to your specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes are achieved. I am a member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and a professional member of the Foundation for Psychotherapy and Counselling (FPC) and BACP. All these organisations have strict ethical codes, and professional standards of confidentiality and practice to which I subscribe.
  • I am a level 1 Hatha yoga practitioner and also mindfulness coach.
  • I am Director of the Eaton Gate Practice in in Victoria, London. www.eatongatepractice.org

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.

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

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

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
British Association for Counselling & 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.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Other areas of counselling I deal with


Mindfulness


I am interested in mindfulness and use elements of the practice in my therapeutic work. Mindfulness encourages people to become aware of themselves; of their experiences, thoughts and feelings, moment by moment. This can help us live in the present and gain perspective on the way we feel and behave.

Further information about my ethos and the practice I work in can be found on my website - www.shilsley.co.uk

Photos & videos

Fees

£70.00 - £95.00
Free initial telephone session

Concessions offered for

  • Low income
  • Keyworkers
  • Students
  • Trainee counsellors
  • Unemployed

Health Insurance/EAP

  • Aviva
  • Axa Health
  • Health Assured
  • Vitality
  • BUPA

Additional information

I operate a sliding scale of fees dependent on income and the time of day you are able to attend .

  • Initial consultation - this is when we meet to discuss together the best way forward.
  • Ongoing or short term psychotherapy and counselling sessions range from £70-  £105
  • I also offer a number of low cost places - if you are a student or on a low income please contact me for further information. 
  • I am registered with AXA, Aetna, Vitality Health and Aviva.



When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

I work between 9am and 5pm weekdays, I work until 8pm on a Monday and Thursday.  

Further information


I am able to offer therapy by Skype and telephone for those unable to attend in person.


Psychotherapy And Counselling Practice, 2 Eaton Gate, London, SW1W 9TR

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young people
Adults
Older adults
Employee Assistance Programme

Online platforms

Microsoft Spaces
Skype
Whatsapp
Zoom

Social

Sophia Hilsley
Sophia Hilsley