This professional is currently not accepting new clients and may not respond to general enquiries at this time.
This professional is currently not accepting new clients and may not respond to general enquiries at this time.
About me
GSRD (Gender, sex and relationship diversity) focused counselling and psychotherapy.
PLEASE NOTE: (2/24)My practice is full. When I have availability again I will put updates here or on my home page.
I work online only, on Zoom or by phone.
I specialise in:
- Sex and relationships
- Gender, Sex and Relationship Diverse clients: Queer/LGBTQIA+, BDSM-identified/kinky, non-monogamous, and sex workers.
- Menopause, particularly LGBTQIA+ experiences of it.
- I offer online counselling on Zoom and by phone.
- I work with many different issues, including depression and anxiety.
- I also offer relationship counselling for couples and other configurations.
Why come to therapy?
You may be experiencing depression or generalised anxiety. You might be dealing with a crisis, or reflecting on why your life is stuck in a repeating pattern with no apparent way out. Perhaps you are facing physical health issues, or you are being judged and labelled for something you have no control over. I'm coming on the journey with you - a problem shared is a problem halved.
More about my special interests:
• Sex and relationships
I've had a number of clients come and ask me if they are 'allowed' to bring sexual issues. My answer is very much yes. There may be something in your sexual life or history that is holding back your relationships and affecting your self-esteem. You might have been inspired to explore your deeper sexual self, and then suddenly realised you're travelling without a map or compass. Or you might be worried about compulsive sexual behaviours.
• Gender, Sex and Relationship Diversity
My practice is GSRD (Gender, Sex and Relationship Diversity affirmative. GSRD includes LGBTQIA+, BDSM/kink, non-monogamy/polyamory, and sex work. A major focus of my work is to make psychotherapy accessible to people who might previously have felt pathologised, and may even shy away from coming for help in case the therapist tries to 'convert' them. The Memorandum of Understanding on Conversion Therapy (2017) was signed by many mental health organisations, but this sadly doesn't mean the practice has been eradicated.
The issues you may want to bring to therapy might have nothing directly to do with your sexuality, gender, orientation, lifestyle or anything else. Whatever you would like to bring, I can offer you a safe space to bring it.
• LGBTQIA+ Experiences of Menopause
I have researched the experiences of LGBTQIA+ menopausal people in therapy and the wider healthcare system. I have also submitted evidence to Parliament and written a book chapter. If you are impacted by menopause (LGBTQIA+ or not), I can help you process your responses to this challenging life transition.
• Addiction and recovery
I'm nearly 20 years sober. I can support you through your first steps to this fundamental life change, whether you've been doing the 12 steps or not.
• Relationship counselling (AKA couples therapy)
If two (or more) of you are trying to work something out together, I can help. I will sit with you, witness what’s going on, and help you find a way of managing things so that they seem less overwhelming. Sessions with two people are generally longer and can be more structured to give you time to say what you need to say.
How many sessions?
We can arrange a fixed number of times to meet, or you can come for as long as you're finding it useful and beneficial.
Location
Online on Zoom or by phone. I work with clients all around the world in countries that my insurance covers. Please note: For insurance reasons I can't work with clients in the US or Canada.
Further reading
Menopause and Therapy https://londoncentralcounselling.com/2021/10/18/menopause-and-therapy/
Chosen Family - 10 pitfalls to be aware of when choosing one of your own https://londoncentralcounselling.com/2017/11/12/chosen-family-10-pitfalls-to-be-aware-of-when-creating-one-of-your-own
Am I kinky? And is this a problem?
https://londoncentralcounselling.com/2016/11/15/am-i-kinky-and-is-this-a-problem
Infidelity – Deception is even more exciting than sex
https://londoncentralcounselling.com/2016/05/10/infidelity-deception-is-even-more-exciting-than-sex
So you don't enjoy penis-in-vagina sex? You're not alone http://londoncentralcounselling.com/2015/07/22/so-you-dont-enjoy-penis-in-vagina-sex-youre-not-alone
BDSM - Psychotherapy's Grey Area
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366%2815%2900058-9/fulltext
Training, qualifications & experience
I am an Advanced Accredited Gender, Sexual and Relationship Diversities Therapist (Accred AAGSRDT), awarded by Pink Therapy (http://www.pinktherapy.com/).
In 2020 I completed a Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of East London. My dissertation subject is Queer Menopause, and how therapists can support their queer menopausal clients.
In 2014 I started the London Gender, Sexual and Relationship Therapy Practice (http://londonsexrelationshiptherapy.com). Six of us offer inclusive and contemporary sex and relationships therapy, and we also offer training in GSRD-related subjects.
Author
I write for the Lancet and Lancet Psychiatry (http://www.thelancet.com/).
I have a blog at http://londoncentralcounselling.com/blog/
Previous employment
- Honorary Psychotherapist at Bexley Psychotherapy service, Oxleas NHS Trust (2012-14). My main focus was on clients with a personality disorder diagnosis (particularly BPD/EUPD). I also worked with maternal and other bereavement, addiction, sexual identity, somatisation, social isolation, suicidal ideation, self harm, depression/anxiety, age issues, OCD, child abuse, and codependency.
- Counsellor at the Centre for Better Health in Hackney (2012-13). I worked with a number of client issues, including depression/anxiety, abusive relationships, child abuse, phobias, bereavement, identity, anger.
Qualifications
- MA Counselling and Psychotherapy, University of East London
- Level 7 Diploma in Integrative Counselling from the Minster Centre in Queen’s Park, London.
- Mental Health First Aid (Camden Council)
- BA/MA in English Literature from Magdalen College, Oxford.
- I am a registered member of the National Counselling Society.
- I am insured with Oxygen Insurance.
- I attend regular supervision, both because my NCS membership requires it, and because it enables me to offer the best possible service to you.
About me
I am an author and I have also worked in the media and broadcasting. I've also worked to promote sexual awareness via the media and events.
I’ve been in therapy myself and I've had a wide variety of experiences. I know that any therapist you choose has to be a good fit. You have the right to take time finding the person you're going to share so much with. If you've been put off by a past counselling relationship, or somehow didn't find yourself connecting, I hope you feel you can try again.
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 National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society
This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations.
In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
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.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
- The body and somatic awareness
- Family estrangement
- Spirituality
- Dating
- Social media
Therapies offered
Fees
£85.00 - £95.00
Additional information
North London Practice/Skype
- Before 5pm – £85
- 5pm onwards – £95
- Couples – £170
Individuals – 50 minutes
Couples – 90 minutes
I work weekly.
When I work
Please contact me for further details.