Cancer Counselling in SW18

Dealing with a loss, major change in your life or a new diagnosis? Feeling overwhelmed by trauma from your past or by a current relationship? Experiencing family difficulties and or realising your values are different from the ones you grew up with? At some points in our lives we all need extra support and this is nothing to feel ashamed of, in fact asking for help is one of the bravest things you can do. I offer an empathic, non-judgmental approach and warmth in our journey together. This will enable you to explore the sometimes painful feelings, past experiences and stuck patterns of behaviour that may be holding you back.

I am a UKCP accredited integrative psychotherapist. I have a particular interest in trauma and the mind-body relationship, including the psychological impact of health problems and the physical manifestations of emotional distress. Many of us have times in our lives when things feel broken and painful. In those times we may seek support. I have over fifteen years of experience working with victims of abuse and trauma and also in palliative care. I am a clinical associate at Domestic Violence Training Ltd and a member of Cancer Counselling London. I am also a certified Iyengar yoga teacher and a registered nurse.

Sometimes it’s difficult to share anxieties and concerns with family and friends and this can sometimes create profound sense of loneliness. Whether it be anxiety, depression, pressure at work, relationship or family issues, bereavement, sexual issues, low self-esteem, ADHD/ or Autism diagnosis, or simply an indescribable feeling of flatness. You no longer need to feel alone

I am an HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist dedicated to serving adults who have been diagnosed or believe they might have Autism and/or ADHD. I invite you to work together on a therapeutic journey especially catered to your goals and needs. We can work together to identify and make the most out of your own unique strengths, establish robust coping strategies, and build self-awareness to develop a greater understanding of yourself so you can live a more fulfilling life.

Clients often come to me when they are feeling overwhelmed and stressed or in a rut. Together we can figure out what's going on for you and how you would like things to be different. I can help you to develop compassion toward yourself, boosting your self-esteem and facilitating a way for you to move forward with more confidence. We are able to do so much more with our lives and relationships when we are on our own team and I can assist with getting you there.

Welcome! I am an American-trained member of the BACP, with 9 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients struggling with a range of mental health difficulties (chronic and acute: depression, anxiety, stress, trauma), but have specific experience with relationship issues (infidelity, breakups/divorce, struggles to connect); grief, bereavement and loss; and addiction. My style is warm and interactive, but challenging when needed. Being non-judgmental, and treating others with respect, sensitivity, and compassion is the bedrock of counselling, and is built into all of my feedback and reflections.

In life we can often encounter difficult times that might feel unbearable; even a real sense of struggle in getting through them. The loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, an illness, a traumatic experience, a struggle in our own sense of identity and self-esteem, plus many more life changing experiences. These are all changes that can deeply impact our lives, and are reasons for which deciding to seek counselling support is a very courageous choice to make. Often the process in seeking a counsellor can be a really overwhelming experience, as talking about our own feelings and emotions can be distressing and painful.

Dr Tomlins is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist. She has won numerous national awards for her work in creating innovative mental health services. She currently leads psychological care for urgent and acute mental health wards of an inner city London NHS Trust. Alongside this, she runs a thriving private practice London. She is a lecturer and Deputy Course Director at UCL for the Clinical Associate in Psychology MSC. Her work as a Clinical Supervisor for doctoral trainees at UCL, UEL, Royal Holloway and Surrey has nurtured the development of many currently practicing psychologists.

Choosing a counsellor is a big step which can feel daunting. How do you find the therapist who will be right for you? If you are new to counselling, the various theoretical approaches listed by therapists can be confusing. Current research shows that more important than the theory is the therapeutic relationship (the relationship between you and me) and this is the cornerstone of my work. My theoretical approach is Integrative, drawing on the Psycho-dynamic, Humanistic and Existential schools within a relational working model which emphasizes the Humanistic philosophy and embraces Person Centered core process.

I work relationally with the clients I see, aiming to build a shared understanding of their difficulties. Using integrative techniques (including evidence based psychodynamic, existential, humanistic & cognitive behavioural modalities) I focus on encouraging individuals/couples to identify their existing challenges, build an understanding of themselves & their situation, & reflect on why they may feel the way they do. Through this process it is possible to build long term resilience & a more robust sense of self, having identified patterns of relating to others. This includes developing skills & techniques for coping in the future.

I know first hand that taking a first step to speak to a therapist can be challenging. I therefore aim to create an authentic, compassionate, and safe place to collaboratively explore and make sense of the challenges that you are facing, whether it might be stress, adjusting to difficult life experiences, low mood, anxiety, self-esteem or relationship difficulties. I believe everyone is the expert of their own lives and therefore I will work alongside you and offer a style of therapy that meets your individual needs.​

I am a Specialist Health Psychotherapist/CBT Therapist who works with clients managing and suffering with Chronic Health Issues and I work and support clients with many different Disabilities. I trained in the NHS Chronic Pain and Fatigue Service and I have worked privately for almost 10 years. I can help you with any issues you would like to work on and I provide a safe, warm and well understood space to work through anything you feel would be helpful. I also support family members impacted by disability. I live with disability which I feel is a helpful foundation to understanding how difficult life can be with such conditions .

It's ironic that a large part of psychotherapeutic work is around trying to convince people that their perceived 'abnormal' feelings and behaviours are a completely 'normal' reaction to a set of, often very difficult life circumstances. For instance, why wouldn't someone have a generalised feeling of persistent anxiety and low mood, when they have to live in what seems like a crazy and confusing world? We can work toward a more accepting and benevolent view of ourselves, exploring who you truly are and where you might truly want to go in life, without the harsh inner voices of the past.