Dr Tjasa Velikonja
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This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.
This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.
About me
As an experienced academic psychologist, I bring together deep insights from clinical research and hands-on skills to enhance my role as a Chartered Counselling Psychologist. Working with people in various clinical and research settings has given me a well-rounded perspective on mental health challenges.
Besides my private practice, I am also a lecturer on the Clinical Psychology Doctorate programme and remain actively involved with NHS work.
At the heart of my therapeutic approach is creating a safe space where you can openly express your thoughts and emotions, free from judgment. I believe that effective therapy should be tailored to fit your unique needs and goals. My focus is on supporting your growth and healing, helping you build resilience and inner strength to confidently face life's challenges. A key part of our work together involves empowering you to become your own therapist, fostering independence and self-reliance beyond our sessions.
To achieve this, I use a range of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Schema Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and other therapeutic methods. This ensures that the strategies I use are well-suited to your personal development.
I specialise in trauma-focused approaches, particularly in addressing complex childhood trauma and more challenging mental health presentations, such as psychosis and complex PTSD. While these are areas of expertise, I also work with a wide range of mental health issues, adopting a comprehensive therapeutic approach.
My commitment to advancing psychological knowledge and contributing to the field is reflected in my academic background and scientific publications, which support the ongoing understanding of mental health and therapy.
Training, qualifications & experience
I hold a doctoral-level qualification in Counselling Psychology (BPS), a Ph.D. in Psychology from UCL (London), a Masters in Applied Psychology (Brunel University London), and a Postgraduate Certificate in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (University of Hertfordshire).
My professional journey has been enriched by a diverse range of experiences, refining my expertise in esteemed organizations within both the private and public sectors. I've had the privilege of contributing to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience (King’s College London), the Anna Freud Centre (London), and the Institute of Psychiatry at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (New York). While my research roles, notably in the field of childhood trauma, PTSD, and psychosis, have significantly honed my academic and research skills—leading to publications in high-impact journals such as JAMA Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, as well as active participation in international conferences—my professional journey has also involved impactful roles within varied clinical contexts, contributing across the NHS and prominent non-profit organizations such as MIND.
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.
British Psychological Society
The HCPC are an independent, UK-wide health regulator. They set standards of professional training, performance and conduct for 16 professions.
They keep a register of health professionals who meet their standards, and they take action if registered health professionals fall below those standards. They were created by a piece of legislation called the Health Professions Order 2001.
Registration means that a health professional meets national standards for their professional training, performance and conduct.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
Free initial online session
Additional information
*Free 20-minute initial consultation
To help you make an informed decision, I offer a free 20-minute consultation. During this time, we can discuss your therapy goals, address any questions or concerns, and explore how I can best support you in meeting your needs.
I am registered with the following health insurance providers: BUPA, AXA, AVIVA, Healix, WPA, Vitality, and Cigna.
