Attachment-based Counselling in South East London, London

My practice draws on a diverse range of modalities, including Person-Centred, Psychodynamic, Attachment-based theories, CBT, Gestalt, amongst others, which I tailor to your unique needs.
I am a trauma informed experienced Counsellor and Psychotherapist who is able to support you with a range of issues. I am also trained in supporting adults impacted by adoption. My integrative approach creates a compassionate, non-judgemental, safe space where you can freely explore your thoughts, feelings and past experiences. Whether you are facing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties or the effects of trauma or abuse, I am here to help you navigate these challenges. The goal is to help you achieve greater emotional balance and clarity by developing long-term practical strategies.
My practice draws on a diverse range of modalities, including Person-Centred, Psychodynamic, Attachment-based theories, CBT, Gestalt, amongst others, which I tailor to your unique needs.
I am a trauma informed experienced Counsellor and Psychotherapist who is able to support you with a range of issues. I am also trained in supporting adults impacted by adoption. My integrative approach creates a compassionate, non-judgemental, safe space where you can freely explore your thoughts, feelings and past experiences. Whether you are facing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties or the effects of trauma or abuse, I am here to help you navigate these challenges. The goal is to help you achieve greater emotional balance and clarity by developing long-term practical strategies.

I have a First Class Honours BA from Birkbeck University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Attachment-Based Counselling.
Are you struggling in your relationships? Do you find yourself falling into the same unhelpful patterns of relating? Perhaps you wish to feel less needy and anxious in relationships, or be more assertive and figure out boundaries. It might be that you are tired of push-pull dynamics, or that you are frustrated by dating and longing for a healthy connection that never seems to work out. Maybe you'd like to change your family interactions, feel more respected or stop the conflict. Perhaps it's the way you treat yourself that's weighing you down and you'd like to feel more at peace with self and others but don't know where to start.
I have a First Class Honours BA from Birkbeck University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Attachment-Based Counselling.
Are you struggling in your relationships? Do you find yourself falling into the same unhelpful patterns of relating? Perhaps you wish to feel less needy and anxious in relationships, or be more assertive and figure out boundaries. It might be that you are tired of push-pull dynamics, or that you are frustrated by dating and longing for a healthy connection that never seems to work out. Maybe you'd like to change your family interactions, feel more respected or stop the conflict. Perhaps it's the way you treat yourself that's weighing you down and you'd like to feel more at peace with self and others but don't know where to start.

I am a registered Systemic and Family Psychotherapist with over six years of experience in public and voluntary services. I work with families, couples, groups, young people, and adults facing challenges related to mental and physical health, trauma, neurodivergence, emotional dysregulation, and addictions. I also support individuals affected by discrimination, bullying, racism, and other marginalising experiences. My daily practice focuses on issues such as co-parenting, attachment, separation, parenting, loss, infertility, complex couple dynamics, and infidelity.
I am a registered Systemic and Family Psychotherapist with over six years of experience in public and voluntary services. I work with families, couples, groups, young people, and adults facing challenges related to mental and physical health, trauma, neurodivergence, emotional dysregulation, and addictions. I also support individuals affected by discrimination, bullying, racism, and other marginalising experiences. My daily practice focuses on issues such as co-parenting, attachment, separation, parenting, loss, infertility, complex couple dynamics, and infidelity.

Drawing on Internal Family Systems, Inner Child Work, and an attachment-based lens we’ll work together to untangle overwhelming emotions,strengthen your inner stability, and support you in living with greater clarity, confidence, and connection to who you are.
I've been working with adults and young people since 2009 across the NHS, schools, youth services, and in private practice online and in person. I specialise in attachment, early trauma, depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, grief, emotional dysregulation, and adoption-related issues. If you have unresolved childhood difficulties, feel insecure or have difficulties building relationships then please get in touch.
Through talking therapy and art psychotherapy (MA), I will support you to explore your difficulties while strengthening emotional resilience through curiosity, self compassion and attunement.
Drawing on Internal Family Systems, Inner Child Work, and an attachment-based lens we’ll work together to untangle overwhelming emotions,strengthen your inner stability, and support you in living with greater clarity, confidence, and connection to who you are.
I've been working with adults and young people since 2009 across the NHS, schools, youth services, and in private practice online and in person. I specialise in attachment, early trauma, depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, grief, emotional dysregulation, and adoption-related issues. If you have unresolved childhood difficulties, feel insecure or have difficulties building relationships then please get in touch.
Through talking therapy and art psychotherapy (MA), I will support you to explore your difficulties while strengthening emotional resilience through curiosity, self compassion and attunement.

I have worked with a diverse variety of people that have experienced C-PTSD, depression, grief, anxiety, bipolar disorder, various personality disorders, identity-related issues (race, gender and sexuality), obsessive & intrusive states, hearing voices, paranoia, suicidality and many other attachment-based wounding and relational issues
After qualifying thirteen years ago I worked for City & Hackney Mind (Mental Health Charity) for seven years as the Clinical Services Manager of the Psychological Therapies Team as well as the Clinical Supervisor for a large team of trainee/qualified counsellors/psychotherapists. My approach mainly draws on Psychoanalysis, Somatic & Neurobiological approaches along with Philosophy & Critical Theory. My approach is GSRD (Gender, Sexuality, Relationship Diversity) affirmative meaning i have a passion for and extensive experience supporting Queer & LGBTQI+ as well as other non-heteronormative ways of living/being.
I have worked with a diverse variety of people that have experienced C-PTSD, depression, grief, anxiety, bipolar disorder, various personality disorders, identity-related issues (race, gender and sexuality), obsessive & intrusive states, hearing voices, paranoia, suicidality and many other attachment-based wounding and relational issues
After qualifying thirteen years ago I worked for City & Hackney Mind (Mental Health Charity) for seven years as the Clinical Services Manager of the Psychological Therapies Team as well as the Clinical Supervisor for a large team of trainee/qualified counsellors/psychotherapists. My approach mainly draws on Psychoanalysis, Somatic & Neurobiological approaches along with Philosophy & Critical Theory. My approach is GSRD (Gender, Sexuality, Relationship Diversity) affirmative meaning i have a passion for and extensive experience supporting Queer & LGBTQI+ as well as other non-heteronormative ways of living/being.

I have a special interest in attachment-based psychotherapy, which focuses on early relationships and their impact on current state of mind and interactions with others.
What's on your mind? Perhaps you have suffered a loss, or you are experiencing a low mood which seems to have appeared out of the blue. It might be that anxious feelings are overwhelming you, or that your relationships feel challenging or even destructive. Painful childhood experiences could be impacting your current life and your relationships in a way that feels unmanageable. Or perhaps none of the above - you just can't quite identify what you're feeling and would like to understand yourself better. Whatever your struggles I am happy to meet with you to discuss how I can help.
I have a special interest in attachment-based psychotherapy, which focuses on early relationships and their impact on current state of mind and interactions with others.
What's on your mind? Perhaps you have suffered a loss, or you are experiencing a low mood which seems to have appeared out of the blue. It might be that anxious feelings are overwhelming you, or that your relationships feel challenging or even destructive. Painful childhood experiences could be impacting your current life and your relationships in a way that feels unmanageable. Or perhaps none of the above - you just can't quite identify what you're feeling and would like to understand yourself better. Whatever your struggles I am happy to meet with you to discuss how I can help.

I provide a confidential, non-judgemental and accepting space for you to explore your emotions, issues and difficulties and express your thoughts and feelings. My aim is to help my client gain a better understanding of their situation. I have experience working with people from all different backgrounds and dealing with a wide variety of issues.
I provide a confidential, non-judgemental and accepting space for you to explore your emotions, issues and difficulties and express your thoughts and feelings. My aim is to help my client gain a better understanding of their situation. I have experience working with people from all different backgrounds and dealing with a wide variety of issues.

I was helped tremendously by my own experience of therapy, and have been influenced by a variety of approaches to it. I know a thing or two about depression, not caring much for oneself and struggling to understand one’s feelings; I come at it as one who has seen for himself that a better life and a better relationship with the self is both possible and worthwhile. If you would like to know more about me, how I understand therapy and how I work, you might want to visit my website, where I write about all at some depth.
I was helped tremendously by my own experience of therapy, and have been influenced by a variety of approaches to it. I know a thing or two about depression, not caring much for oneself and struggling to understand one’s feelings; I come at it as one who has seen for himself that a better life and a better relationship with the self is both possible and worthwhile. If you would like to know more about me, how I understand therapy and how I work, you might want to visit my website, where I write about all at some depth.

Karen Gaughan- Couples and Family Therapist
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
South East London, London SE26
You might be struggling with low mood or anxiety, feeling stuck with your present situation or struggling with past events, ill health, trauma or bereavement. You may want to explore conflict dynamics within your couple relationship or with your children. Strengthen communication-understanding of each other’s perspectives
Whatever the issue I can offer a warm, compassionate, non judgemental space to explore your goals and together we can make the changes you are looking for.
I’m here to offer a safe and supportive space where you can feel heard, validated and empowered to explore the issues that are most important to you.
You might be struggling with low mood or anxiety, feeling stuck with your present situation or struggling with past events, ill health, trauma or bereavement. You may want to explore conflict dynamics within your couple relationship or with your children. Strengthen communication-understanding of each other’s perspectives
Whatever the issue I can offer a warm, compassionate, non judgemental space to explore your goals and together we can make the changes you are looking for.
I’m here to offer a safe and supportive space where you can feel heard, validated and empowered to explore the issues that are most important to you.

Parenting a child who struggles with emotional or behavioural problems such as anxiety, low mood, or aggression is hard. They may have ADHD or behaviour issues, needing you to adapt your parenting - but you feel you've tried everything and nothing has worked. This will understandably be affecting your home life, relationships, mood and confidence. It is isolating and lonely dealing with these challenges. A safe, non-judgmental space with an experienced clinician can be transformative for both you and your child.
Parenting a child who struggles with emotional or behavioural problems such as anxiety, low mood, or aggression is hard. They may have ADHD or behaviour issues, needing you to adapt your parenting - but you feel you've tried everything and nothing has worked. This will understandably be affecting your home life, relationships, mood and confidence. It is isolating and lonely dealing with these challenges. A safe, non-judgmental space with an experienced clinician can be transformative for both you and your child.

The main approaches I use are attachment-based (psychodynamic, MBT and TFP) but I also draw on ideas from CBT, systemic and DBT.
I am a qualified Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years experience. Individuals coming to see me may be considering therapy for a specific concern or difficulty (e.g. anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties) or have a specific question, event or life transition that needs attention. Others may have noticed that they are stuck in unhelpful and painful patterns. Or perhaps wanting to get to know themselves on a deeper level or change the way they interact with themselves.
The main approaches I use are attachment-based (psychodynamic, MBT and TFP) but I also draw on ideas from CBT, systemic and DBT.
I am a qualified Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years experience. Individuals coming to see me may be considering therapy for a specific concern or difficulty (e.g. anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties) or have a specific question, event or life transition that needs attention. Others may have noticed that they are stuck in unhelpful and painful patterns. Or perhaps wanting to get to know themselves on a deeper level or change the way they interact with themselves.

I am an attachment- based UKCP registered psychoanalytic psychotherapist with 35 years of experience and also an Energy Psychotherapist. The ethos of my work and orientation is described on my website, www.theflamecentre.co.uk. I specialise in working with trauma and teach other psychotherapists new methods which gently release traumatic stress from the body. My book "Energy, Soul Connecting and Awakening Consciousness" (published March 2023 Karnac) describes how I work. I also run spiritual retreats in Norfolk. Many clients come to me to help resolve issues of personal crisis - and the way I work focuses on healing and wholeness
I am an attachment- based UKCP registered psychoanalytic psychotherapist with 35 years of experience and also an Energy Psychotherapist. The ethos of my work and orientation is described on my website, www.theflamecentre.co.uk. I specialise in working with trauma and teach other psychotherapists new methods which gently release traumatic stress from the body. My book "Energy, Soul Connecting and Awakening Consciousness" (published March 2023 Karnac) describes how I work. I also run spiritual retreats in Norfolk. Many clients come to me to help resolve issues of personal crisis - and the way I work focuses on healing and wholeness

My approach is grounded in integrating different modalities such as psychodynamic therapy, attachment-based therapy, & more holistic approaches.
Do you sometimes feel like you don't fully belong? Have you navigated the complexities of growing up between cultures? As a therapist, I create an understanding and supportive space for adults raised in a world of balancing cultures to explore their experiences and find connection. I work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including individuals who have immigrant parents, TCKs, and those with mixed heritage. Together, we can explore your identity, family dynamics, and mental wellbeing, helping you build resilience and embrace your unique story.
My approach is grounded in integrating different modalities such as psychodynamic therapy, attachment-based therapy, & more holistic approaches.
Do you sometimes feel like you don't fully belong? Have you navigated the complexities of growing up between cultures? As a therapist, I create an understanding and supportive space for adults raised in a world of balancing cultures to explore their experiences and find connection. I work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including individuals who have immigrant parents, TCKs, and those with mixed heritage. Together, we can explore your identity, family dynamics, and mental wellbeing, helping you build resilience and embrace your unique story.

CBT & Coaching for Couples & Individuals
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
1 Endorsed
South East London, London SE1
I am a previous Chair of The Bowlby Centre (leading body in the UK for attachment-based therapy) and the co-Director of The London Centre for Applied Psychology (providing training to other mental health professional and consulting to business about wellbeing in the workplace).
Good therapy focusses on what will relieve your distress in the most effective way - meaning your time and money is well spent. What will work best for you depends on what you need help with. No two people are the same. That's why I draw from a range of approaches (from CBT to attachment theory to couple-counselling) to provide the right support to suit you.
I am a previous Chair of The Bowlby Centre (leading body in the UK for attachment-based therapy) and the co-Director of The London Centre for Applied Psychology (providing training to other mental health professional and consulting to business about wellbeing in the workplace).
Good therapy focusses on what will relieve your distress in the most effective way - meaning your time and money is well spent. What will work best for you depends on what you need help with. No two people are the same. That's why I draw from a range of approaches (from CBT to attachment theory to couple-counselling) to provide the right support to suit you.

If you answered yes to some or all of these questions, perhaps attachment-based psychoanalytic psychotherapy might help.
Attachment-based psychotherapy works from the understanding that our earliest relationships (even before we learn to talk) shape how we feel about ourselves, the people around us, and the world we live in. As an attachment therapist, I am interested in exploring all of this with you and helping you lay past ghosts to rest.
If you answered yes to some or all of these questions, perhaps attachment-based psychoanalytic psychotherapy might help.
Attachment-based psychotherapy works from the understanding that our earliest relationships (even before we learn to talk) shape how we feel about ourselves, the people around us, and the world we live in. As an attachment therapist, I am interested in exploring all of this with you and helping you lay past ghosts to rest.

With couples, I work from an attachment-based perspective, focusing on helping you understand and heal ruptures, make space for understanding each other's emotional needs, and finding a new way forward.
Perhaps you cope well in some areas of life but have been troubled by difficult feelings, thoughts or life patterns for a while. Maybe loss, trauma, PTSD, or other difficult life events are impacting you. There are many times when speaking with a trained professional can help. I am a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, certified MBT and Schema Therapist, and Supervisor with extensive experience in providing and leading therapy services in the NHS and private practice. I work with adolescents, adults and couples presenting with a wide range of emotional and relational difficulties, which may be rooted in adverse childhood experiences.
With couples, I work from an attachment-based perspective, focusing on helping you understand and heal ruptures, make space for understanding each other's emotional needs, and finding a new way forward.
Perhaps you cope well in some areas of life but have been troubled by difficult feelings, thoughts or life patterns for a while. Maybe loss, trauma, PTSD, or other difficult life events are impacting you. There are many times when speaking with a trained professional can help. I am a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, certified MBT and Schema Therapist, and Supervisor with extensive experience in providing and leading therapy services in the NHS and private practice. I work with adolescents, adults and couples presenting with a wide range of emotional and relational difficulties, which may be rooted in adverse childhood experiences.

Hello and welcome. I’m here to help you find the inner strengths you need to unblock what’s troubling you and move on with your life. My clients tell me I’m warm, kind and insightful – which is good, because my main aim is to offer a safe, welcoming place where you feel willing and able to consider making changes. Most of us aren’t used to reaching out for professional support. We’re brought up to think asking for help can be a sign of weakness. But whatever you’re facing, working together with a professional therapist can let you see a way forward.
Hello and welcome. I’m here to help you find the inner strengths you need to unblock what’s troubling you and move on with your life. My clients tell me I’m warm, kind and insightful – which is good, because my main aim is to offer a safe, welcoming place where you feel willing and able to consider making changes. Most of us aren’t used to reaching out for professional support. We’re brought up to think asking for help can be a sign of weakness. But whatever you’re facing, working together with a professional therapist can let you see a way forward.

I am a UKCP-registered attachment-based psychoanalytic psychotherapist.
I am an attachment-based psychoanalytic psychotherapist whose aim is to build trust, restore hope and promote growth within a secure therapy relationship. By developing a secure trusting attachment with a therapist, over time this experience can become a crucible within which we can understand, process and come to terms with your difficulties.
I am a UKCP-registered attachment-based psychoanalytic psychotherapist.
I am an attachment-based psychoanalytic psychotherapist whose aim is to build trust, restore hope and promote growth within a secure therapy relationship. By developing a secure trusting attachment with a therapist, over time this experience can become a crucible within which we can understand, process and come to terms with your difficulties.

As an attachment-based therapist, I help individuals build a deeper, more compassionate relationship with themselves.
I often think of the Japanese art of kintsugi, where broken pottery is repaired with gold. The cracks are not hidden - they’re highlighted. In the same way, your emotional scars are not flaws. They are part of your unique story, your resilience, and your strength.
As an attachment-based therapist, I help individuals build a deeper, more compassionate relationship with themselves.
I often think of the Japanese art of kintsugi, where broken pottery is repaired with gold. The cracks are not hidden - they’re highlighted. In the same way, your emotional scars are not flaws. They are part of your unique story, your resilience, and your strength.

Some of the therapy types that I utilise most are CBT/DBT, Gestalt, leaning toward Attachment-based, Imago and the Gottman Method with couples and intimate partners.
As a psychosexual therapist I work with both individual clients and intimate partners (including polyamorous relationships) where the primary concern is a sexual function or a relationship issue. Some of the most common reasons for attending therapy might include erectile dysfunction, painful intercourse, premature or delayed ejaculation or difficulty achieving orgasm. Relationship issues I can help with include infidelity, desire discrepancy, compulsive sexual behaviours, conflict, communication difficulties. Sometimes couples wish to explore specific sexual interests such as kinks, or navigate how to open up their relationship.
Some of the therapy types that I utilise most are CBT/DBT, Gestalt, leaning toward Attachment-based, Imago and the Gottman Method with couples and intimate partners.
As a psychosexual therapist I work with both individual clients and intimate partners (including polyamorous relationships) where the primary concern is a sexual function or a relationship issue. Some of the most common reasons for attending therapy might include erectile dysfunction, painful intercourse, premature or delayed ejaculation or difficulty achieving orgasm. Relationship issues I can help with include infidelity, desire discrepancy, compulsive sexual behaviours, conflict, communication difficulties. Sometimes couples wish to explore specific sexual interests such as kinks, or navigate how to open up their relationship.
See more therapy options for South East London, London
Nearby Attachment-based Counsellors Searches for South East London, London
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Nearby Searches for South East London, London
- Central London
- East London
- North London
- North West London
- South London
- South West London
- West End
- West London
Attachment-based Counsellors
Is attachment-based therapy the same as attachment therapy?
Attachment-based therapy may be confused with what is called “attachment therapy” (sometimes called “holding therapy”), a discredited and dangerous approach to treating children with attachment disorders, autism, or other mental health concerns. Attachment therapy—not attachment-based therapy—may involve restraining a child, forcing eye contact, and other coercive or abusive techniques. None of these practices are used in attachment-based therapy and the two modalities are in no way related.
What should I expect from attachment-based therapy?
Attachment-based therapy is based on attachment theory, which posits that children’s early relationships with their caregivers strongly influence their ability to navigate the world later in life. Thus, adults who seek attachment-based therapy should expect to deeply explore their childhood, identifying the dynamics or experiences that disrupted their attachment and the steps necessary to overcome challenges that arose as a result. Parents and children should expect to explore the possible factors that disrupted the parent-child relationship and work toward restoring trust and connection.
How long does attachment-based therapy last?
Certain forms of attachment-based therapy, especially those designed for parents and children, last for a set number of sessions; for example, Attachment and Biobehavioural Catch-Up, a specific attachment-based approach for young children who have undergone early adversity, unfolds over 10 one-hour sessions. When attachment-based therapy is practiced on adults or combined with other modalities, it may not last a specific length of time; clients may wish to ask prospective therapists how long they expect treatment to take.
Does attachment-based therapy work?
Most of the research on attachment-based therapy focuses on children and adolescents. Some of this research shows a positive effect, especially for attachment-based family therapy (ABFT). Other studies, however, have found that attachment-based therapy is no more effective than other approaches to childhood depression, anxiety, or suicidality. Less is known about the therapy’s efficacy on adult populations.