Dr Tom Cotton, UKCP Reg. Psychotherapist, HCPC Reg. Counselling Psychologist
About me
I’m an experienced psychotherapist working in private practice in Northwest London (NW3) and the West End (W1). I draw on psychoanalytic, integrative and relational approaches to psychotherapy, but believe that while theories are important, each person’s situation is also unique.
I aim to help clients to develop a greater understanding of the unseen patterns of behaviour that can underlie psychological distress, such as depression, anxiety, psychosis and addiction. In exploring these patterns it is then possible to address the life experiences they might relate to, such as trauma, difficult family dynamics, abandonment and loss.
Whether you’re having issues with relationships, suffering with complex mental health problems, or seeking personal development, I adapt my approach to respond to your individual situation and the experiences that have informed it.
I offer an initial session to assess your situation and needs. After that, I tend to work with people over the long-term, which helps to address the deeper, more complex roots of distress. However, I also offer short-term work, which can be effective. I am available for weekday sessions during the day and evening.
Although I usually work face-to-face, during the Covid-19 outbreak sessions are being conducted online.
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualifications:
PsychD Psychotherapy and Counselling, Roehmapton University (2016)
MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy, Roehampton University (2008)
I also hold a BA (Hons) degree in Fine Art, Central St Martins School of Art (1999)
Experience:
2008 – Present: Private psychotherapy and counselling practice.
2010 – 2012: Manager of residential therapeutic community for psychosis. During this time I taught on post grad. Dip. for psychoanalytic studies and supervised other psychotherapists.
2005 – 2008: Counsellor in NHS GP surgery.
I am a member of the following organisations:
AHP - Association of Humanistic Psychology
BACP – British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy
ISEPP - International Society for Ethical Psychology and Psychiatry
ISPS – The International Society for Psychological and Social Approaches to Psychosis
NWLPC – Northwest London Psychotherapy Centre (Associate Member)
SAFPAC - Southern Association For Psychotherapy and Counselling
SPR – Society for Psychotherapy Research
THS - Therapy Harley Street (Associate Member)
UKCP - United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (Registered member)
UPCA - Universities Psychotherapy and Counselling Association (Accredited Clinical Member)
Member organisations
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.

UK Council for Psychotherapy
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

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.

Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Identity issues
Personal development
Therapies offered
Fees
All practical arrangements, including fees, are discussed during the first session.
Further information
If you would like to discuss making an appointment, please call or send an email. During an initial consultation we can discuss the difficulties you might be having, and the most helpful way of working together.
I am a Registered Provider for the following insurers:
Aviva
AXA/PPP
Bupa
Cigna
Vitality Health
WPA