Dr Zarina Prayag, Chartered Clinical Psychologist

About me

I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years’ experience working with adults, children and adolescents, couples and families across different services in the NHS. I have experience of working with clients with a range of difficulties, from mild to severe, including depression, low mood, self-esteem issues, worry, anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, phobias, relationship issues, trauma, psychosis, schizophrenia, and bipolar affective disorder. I am able to work with individuals, couples and families. I also have experience and skills working with clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Asperger’s Syndrome, and I am able to adapt the therapy approach to meet any particular needs a client may have.

As a Clinical Psychologist, I am trained in using a variety of therapeutic models. I often use an integrative approach to ensure therapy is best suited to my clients’ individual needs and tailored to them as a person. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), as well as Narrative and Systemic approaches, and Behavioural Family Therapy.

I understand that attending therapy can be daunting and I therefore aim to create a relaxed and safe space for my clients by being warm, empathic and non-judgmental. It is important that my clients feel comfortable to explore and work on things they might be finding difficult, or feel are holding them back in life. Equally important is helping my clients to identify their strengths and values, to help you achieve your personal goals and move forwards.

Prior to private practice, I worked as a Senior Clinical Psychologist specialising in working with clients who have experienced a first episode of psychosis, in an Early Intervention in Psychosis service at the Maudsley Hospital. Before this, I worked in both adult and child and adolescent mental health services in the NHS, including managing a specialist mental health team in South East London for children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or Learning Disabilities.