What is LGBT+ Counselling?

Coming to terms with your sexuality, facing discrimination, victimisation or homophobic attitudes can have lasting effects. Some people suffer rejection from their families or friends and, together, these experiences have the potential to cause significant emotional and psychological distress.

At The Awareness Centre, we understand the challenges of being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or non-heterosexual or non-cisgendered (LBGT+), and we offer a safe and non-judgemental environment in which you can explore these issues.

Depression, anxiety and low self-esteem are problems that can affect each and every one of us. Yet, for some LGBT+ individuals, the sources of mental distress are all encompassing. They can affect all aspects of life, including self-esteem, relationships and even our career choices, all of which can have a devastating impact on health and happiness.

Counsellors and psychotherapists practising at The Awareness Centre see many people, each with their own unique issues to resolve. If you are having issues or problems related to your sexuality, then you too may benefit from counselling and psychotherapy.

Therapists at The Awareness Centre have experience in working with LGBT issues and can support you on your journey to self-improvement. They will support you with systems to cope with and challenge the problems you may be facing, with the aim of helping you live an authentic, full and happy life. Additionally, if you wish to combine counselling and psychotherapy with medication, we can refer you to our private consultant psychiatrist.

Benefits of Counselling and Psychotherapy for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender+ issues

Confidential, non-judgemental environment in which to discuss your concerns, emotions and feelings
Support with the process of ‘coming out’ to friends and family.
Discuss and work through difficult issues, such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and addiction.
Provides a safe environment to explore private matters such as sex and relationship issues.
Same-sex couples therapy with experienced therapists.
We also offer support to family members who may have difficulty coming to terms with your sexuality.

Our therapists can offer support for a wide range of issues and use a number of approaches to therapy.

Fees:

Low cost counselling and psychotherapy: If you are in receipt of benefits, working tax credit, pension or are a student, the fee is £20 per session. If you are on a low income, the fee is £35 per session at TAC Clapham. We have an opening offer at our Tooting branch, with low cost counselling at £10-£25 for up to 12 sessions.

Private counselling and psychotherapy: The fee for this service varies between £50-£130. Some therapists are a private healthcare provider.

TALK TO SOMEONE TODAY

Is coming out difficult?

Make an appointment

To make an appointment to see one of our LGBT counsellors or psychotherapists, please call the reception team on 020 8673 4545 or email our Clapham Branch clapham@theawarenesscentre.com or Tooting Branch tooting@theawarenesscentre.com. We are open seven days a week. Some therapists work from other consulting rooms in South London, including Balham, Battersea, Borough, Pimlico, Mitcham, Streatham, Southfields, West Norwood and Wimbledon.

Our Therapy Services

The Awareness Centre also provides Addiction Counselling, Anger Management Therapy, Bereavement Counselling, Child & Adolescent Counselling, Couples Counselling, Eating Disorders Therapy, Multilingual Counselling and Sex and Relationship Therapy.

Christine Blake

Accredited:	UKCP
Languages:	English
Works with:	Individuals
Individuals:	£70-£85/hr
Specialisms:	Addiction Bereavement & Loss Family & Relationships Trauma
Skype:	christine.blake5

Christine Blake is trained as an attachment-based psychoanalytic psychotherapist, which gives her an in depth understanding of the importance of relationships in helping to shape our experiences in early childhood and throughout our lives. She currently works in private practice with individuals at The Awareness Centre.

As an attachment-based practitioner, she aims to work in a relational way to support you to build a sense of security in yourself and your relationships with others in order to develop the internal resources to cope with the many challenges life brings. Through a psychoanalytic approach she aims to support you to make sense of and find strategies to address unconscious thoughts that can lead to frustrating and repetitive behavioural patterns that can keep you stuck and prevent you from achieving your full potential.

Her practice is underpinned by knowledge of trauma, abuse, bereavement and loss with a background of twenty five years of working with people in the community. This includes working with the sometimes hidden and sometimes overwhelming feelings of anger that can result as a way of managing pain and loss. She also has knowledge and experience of working with addictions and other compulsive or repetitive behaviours that individuals can develop as survival strategies to defend against painful feelings that have never been fully addressed, understood or supported.

Christine says through working with a diverse range of people it has helped her to appreciate the importance of loving relationships and how much people struggle with feeling abandoned and alone, sometimes in the face of terrible depression, anxiety and loss. Her aim is to work through painful or difficult experiences with kindness and warmth to provide a secure base in which it is possible to slowly build trust in an ongoing therapeutic relationship and be empowered to engage in the world in a new way. Christine sees counselling and psychotherapy as a joint venture in which each therapeutic relationship is unique. You are your own expert and she aims to bring her skills and experience to facilitate and empower you to get in touch with your own meaning and purpose.

PROFILE

Christopher Headon

Accredited:	BACP, UKCP, COSRT
Languages:	English
Works with:	Individuals, Couples
Individuals	£70/hr
Couples:	£90/hr
Specialisms	Anxiety Disorder Gender & Identity Sex & Relationships Sexuality

Christopher Headon offers a secure, confidential, non-judgemental space that clients can use for helping them relate their emotional distress. Through his constructive feedback clients become more aware of their internal world and are helped to manage their anxieties better, gain perspective, feel more competent and freed up. The process is collaborative between client and therapist where current concerns are listened to, and the past used to bring insight to the present. The emerging narrative of life developments and patterns leads to understanding better what changes are necessary for moving forward. This positive approach builds on existing strengths to increase motivation and confidence.

Christopher draws on his extensive previous experience in university teaching in Canada, community social work in south London, and with Albany Trust (specialising in the wide spectrum of human sexuality). A year's training in a Montreal psychiatric hospital has informed his awareness of mental health concerns. He uses his academic background in history and cultural studies in his work.

Christopher Headon, Ph.D, is a psychosexual and relationship counsellor and psychotherapist, primarily psychodynamic and attachment based but incorporating other approaches as appropriate. He is MBACP (Snr Accred), COSRT (both psychotherapist and supervisor accredited), and UKCP registered. He holds the Diploma in Human Sexuality from St. George's Hospital Medical School. He works with sexual dysfunction, orientation and identity issues, and addictive typess of sexual behaviour, informed by attachment and trauma perspectives. His Jungian analysis has provided a foundation to his work, with the exploration of meaning, symbols, metaphor, mindfulness, dreams, creativity, and the transformation off anger and depression into the positive power for change within an increased capacity for loving and kindness.

PROFILE

Dean Forbes
Dean Forbes
Languages: English

Works with: Individuals

Individuals: £65/hr

Specialisms:
Depression
Guilt & Shame
Self-Esteem & Self-Confidence
Sexuality
Dean Forbes is a qualified psychotherapist and has gained his experience working in private practice and the voluntary sector. He holds a degree (BA Hons) in Integrative Counselling and is a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). He has a number of years’ experience working as a psychotherapist including two years working with a charity based in the LGBTQ+ community.

Dean is sensitive to how difficult it might be for a client to talk to a stranger about personal issues, so he works towards creating an atmosphere of trust within the room. His motto is ‘Rebuilding in a safe, non-judgemental environment’. Dean’s way of working is not to tell you what is right or wrong, or even to tell you what to do; he will strive to hold your difference and uniqueness in the utmost regard. Dean’s approach is Integrative psychotherapy, with his core based in person-centred and psychodynamic. He believes that working in a person-centred way allows the client to work through their issues at their own pace and in their own way. Working in a psychodynamic manner also helps them to reveal the hidden parts of their past and things they may not be aware of in themselves. He also works with some cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approaches, which can be useful in helping a client address unwanted thoughts and behaviours.

Along with the specialisms above, Dean has worked with persons dealing with a variety of other psychological issues. These include but are not limited to, anxiety, bullying, gender & identity, sex & relationships, workplace issues, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. His aim is to work along with you through your particular difficulties. These may be deeper, past issues that you find hard to let go, or the rigours of day-to-day troubles that wear you down. Dean believes that therapy can help you through your difficult times, discover who you really are and unlock your true potential.
PROFILE

Dr Caroline Coffey

Languages:	HCPC
Languages:	English
Works with:	Individuals, Couples
Individuals - Assessment:	£100/hr
Individuals - Therapy:	£100/hr
Couples - Assessment:	£150/1.5hrs
Couples - Therapy:	£150/1.5hrs
Specialisms	Addiction Anxiety Depression Psychosexual & Relationships

Dr Caroline Coffey is an experienced and accredited Clinical Psychologist and couples therapist. She has been qualified and practicing since 2006 when she completed a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She has gone on to complete Post Graduate qualifications in several psychological approaches including training as a couples’ therapist. She is skilled at working with clients to explore a range of difficulties within a safe, free and non-judgemental space.

Caroline is experienced in using a number of psychological models including cognitive behaviour therapy, narrative and systemic approaches, compassion focused therapy and cognitive analytical therapy which are all evidence based practices for several difficulties. She can use such models in a pure form or in an integrative manner depending on the needs of the client. Caroline works with adults and couples.

Caroline is skilled at working with experiences of low mood, depression, stress, anxiety, trauma, loss, adjustment to difficult life events or illness and many other issues. She has a specialist interest in aspects of sexual health and identity, health anxiety and relationship difficulties. Caroline can offer short or longer term therapy options and appreciates that making the decision to meet and talk with a therapist can be challenging and so is happy to organise an initial telephone discussion if there are concerns or questions.

PROFILE

Dr Danielle D’Mello

Accredited:	HCPC
Languages:	English
Works with:	Individuals, Couples
Individuals:	£110/hr
Couples:	£150/hr
Private Healthcare:	Aviva, AXA PPP, Vitality Health, WPA
Specialisms:	Anxiety Disorder Depression Gender & Identity Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Danielle D’Mello is a Counselling Psychologist registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC; PYL33340). She works integratively, often using third wave modalities such as Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. She also offers EMDR. Currently, Danielle works in the NHS in secondary and tertiary care and works privately atThe Awareness Centre in Tooting on Saturdays.

In terms of therapeutic approach, Danielle believes it is important to try to understand a person from their own perspective and support them to make sense of their internal experiences in a way that respects their individualism. Danielle uses evidence-based interventions grounded in acceptance and compassion to support the individual to overcome their difficulties, work towards their personal goals and better psychological well-being. In your first session, Danielle will explore with you what you are looking for and construct a therapy plan together based on your experiences and individual needs.

Danielle has a long standing interest in the human psyche and helping others. She first began to explore a career in working therapeutically with others when volunteering at a counselling helpline whilst completing her undergraduate degree in psychology. Since then, Danielle completed her doctorate in Counselling Psychology at City University and has ten years’ experience of working in counselling and mental health, in the National Health Service (NHS), private and charity sector. She has experience offering psychology to individuals, couples and groups and has worked with anxiety, depression, OCD, addiction, trauma, PTSD, personality disorders, work related issues and bullying, psychosis, LGBTQI issues, grief and loss.

PROFILE

Dr Jane Major

Accredited:	BPS, HCPC
Languages:	English
Works with:	Individuals, Couples
Individuals:	£120/hr
Couples:	£135/hr
Private Healthcare:	AXA PPP, Bupa, Vitality Health
Specialisms:	Anxiety Disorder Family & Relationships Trauma Workplace Issues

Dr Jane Major is an experienced clinical psychologist and relationship therapist working with individuals and couples. She is empathic and warm seeking to support clients to increase their awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and relationships. Jane enables clients to interact with themselves and others in a way that is personally meaningful and compassionate. She takes the approach that problems are not created within individuals but between people.

Jane takes a pluralistic approach to therapy which means that she has found that no one approach to therapy works for all. Therefore she adapts the approaches she uses to best meet her clients unique needs. She draws on four main approaches which include cognitive behaviour therapy, systemic family therapy, emotionally focussed therapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy. Jane ensures that she develops a comfortable relationship with her clients so that they feel able to talk with her openly and regularly seeks feedback about how clients are experiencing their work with her.

Jane trained as a Clinical Psychologist at the University of Surrey. Prior to her training, and subsequently, she worked for many years in the National Health Service working with clients of all ages in many different environments. Jane is experienced in working with people affected by trauma and relationship issues and her interest in this area led her to undertake further training in couple and family therapy at the Institute of Family Therapy and at Tavistock Relationships. She is a keen student and regularly participates in further training courses. This year this includes undertaking a diploma in clinical sexology at the Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology and a 12 day professional training course in Somatic Trauma Therapy facilitated by Babette Rothschild. As well as working in private practice Jane also works on a voluntary basis offering consultancy to a psychotherapy charity in Sheffield which offers long-term reduced fee therapy to adults affected by emotional distress.

PROFILE

Dr Mirjana Jovanovic

Accredited:	HCPC
Languages:	English
Works with:	Individuals, Couples
Individuals	£100/hr
Couples:	£130/hr
Private Healthcare:	Aviva
Specialisms	Anxiety Disorder Addiction Sexuality Trauma

Dr Mirjana Jovanovic is an experienced and HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist. She completed her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2008 and has wide experience of working with clients from diverse backgrounds with a variety of presenting difficulties.

Mirjana is experienced in using a number of psychological models, including cognitive behaviour therapy, schema focused therapy, narrative and systemic approaches, compassion focused therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. She is skilled at adapting such models to fit the specific needs of the client. Central to Mirjana’s therapeutic approach is respect for diverse views and the expertise and potential strength of every person. She is committed to providing a safe and non-judgemental space for clients to feel heard, understood and empowered.

Mirjana’s clinical experience has included working with adults who present with experiences of low mood, depression, stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, trauma, loss, adjustment to difficult life events or illness and many other issues. She has extensive experience of working with individuals/couples with concerns about sexual health and intimacy and has a particular interest in working with clients exploring relationship issues as well as trauma related issues.

PROFILE

Eva Sheffield
Eva Sheffield
Languages English

Works with: Individuals, Couples

Areas of Expertise
Communication Issues
Family & Relationships
Sex & Relationships
Sexuality
Eva Sheffield recognises that each individual person is unique and distinctive. She believes that the therapeutic approach should be tailored to the client’s individual needs. She draws on the most appropriate approach based on client individuality and their needs, as well as the stage of their self-realisation. She develops ways to work with clients’ unique needs. She aims to create a safe and supportive space where clients can openly discuss and process anything that is important to them. Eva aims to empower clients; her approach focuses on self-development and awareness, to unblock barriers to living a more complete and satisfying life. Working integratively, she values diversity and respecting different values and cultures. Eva believes that therapy can also focus on the potential of her clients, aside from helping them process painful thoughts and feelings.

Eva’s commercial background in media and publishing in Central London has given her a true understanding of the stresses and demands of professional and corporate life, as well as the need for balance between sustaining a successful career and a fulfilling personal life. She works to identify healthier ways of managing emotions and stress. Eva has an interest and experience in workplace issues and conflict resolution. She also specialises in anxiety, depression and anger, with a special interest in sex & relationships.

Eva is an integrative therapist who is currently working towards the Diploma in Psychosexual & Relationship Therapy. She has successfully completed the Foundation Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy and Introduction to Couple Therapy at Tavistock Relationships. Eva is a general member of COSRT (College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists). She works on an open-ended basis within The Awareness Centre’s low-cost counselling service in Clapham.

PROFILE
Fatoumata Kamagate
Fatoumata Kamagate
Languages: English, Dioula, French

Works with: Individuals

Specialisms:
Family & Relationships
Guilt & Shame
Life Transitions
Parenting
Fatoumata uses integrative counselling to work in a warm and non-judgemental relationship where clients can freely express and explore their thoughts and feelings. She believes that therapy can help with many difficult life problems. By providing an empathic and supportive relationship, clients can develop an awareness which could enable them to understand and work through what is really meaningful for them in life; from there, they hopefully should grow and live their life to their full potential. Fatoumata believes that every client is different, and she therefore uses different approaches to work with them depending on what they are going through. She might use person centred therapy to help clients use their own capacities and desires to personally grow and change. She might also use bereavement therapy to help clients identify their bereavement issues and also to learn to cope with the stress related to the loss. Each experience is unique; therefore, her way of working will depend on the client’s needs.

Fatoumata has worked as an administrative personal assistant for 5 years. She has gained knowledge and skills and the ability to communicate with a range of different people. She understands difficult life experiences people go through and the impact that they could have on their daily lives. By providing an empathic and supportive relationship, clients can develop an awareness which could enable them to understand and work through what is really meaningful for them in life. She has an interest in bereavement, anxiety, relationship and eating disorders.

Fatoumata is working towards a diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. She is registered with the BACP and abides by their Ethical Framework. She works with NHS patients on a short-term basis at a GP surgery in Wandsworth. She also has the added skills of being able to communicate fluently with clients from a Francophone background because French is her first language.
PROFILE
Jeremy O’Sullivan
Jeremy O’Sullivan
Languages: English

Works with: Individuals, Couples

Individuals: £60/hr

Couples: £70/hr

Specialisms:
Depression
Family & Relationships
Sexuality
Stress
Jeremy O’Sullivan is aware that it can be difficult to deal and cope with things and even more difficult to talk about things. He offers a confidential, supportive, understanding and non-judgemental therapeutic space to help explore what is going on for you, at your own pace. Jeremy is a qualified Person-Centred counsellor and a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP). He has a Diploma in Practitioner Counselling and an Advanced Post Diploma Certificate in Person-Centred Couples Counselling. He offers counselling to adults, individuals and couples.

Jeremy works with empathy, unconditional positive regard and genuineness as the foundation of the therapy - these elements can be very powerful in the counselling relationship and support loving, honest and kind self-exploration. The Person-Centred approach holds that each individual person is an expert on themselves with innate resources to deal with life, and these can be tapped into by providing supportive conditions for a person to grow and develop. These conditions are provided in Person-Centred therapy through the therapeutic relationship. Jeremy has experience in working with depression, stress, anxiety, confidence, sexuality, family, relationships, guilt, and shame issues as well as other issues. He also has significant experience with working with the LGBT community, including 10 years as a helpline volunteer severing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual communities in the UK and the USA.

Born in Ireland, Jeremy grew up in County Cork in a farming community by the Atlantic Ocean and is the youngest of 7 children. He has lived in France, the USA, and now lives in the UK. In the past Jeremy has worked in the hospitality industry, construction industry, worked with and studied horses, and most recently spending 17 years + in the pharmaceutical industry as a clinical project manager. Jeremy works in private practice at The Awareness Centre in Tooting.

PROFILE
Kate Moore
Kate Moore
Languages: English

Works with: Individuals

Specialisms:
Anxiety Disorder
Eating Disorders
Life Transitions
Suicidal Thoughts
Kate Moore’s work stems from a Person Centred background. She values the importance of uniqueness within clients. She feels that individuals have all the tools they need for a fulfilling life within themselves and counselling or psychotherapy can bring those tools to light. Therapy is a safe space where you and Kate can explore your life free from judgement and pressure. She will endeavour to enter your world and see what it’s like to live your life. Therapy is an equal partnership according to Kate. She is not an expert on you. She will work with you in unfolding what has brought you to therapy. Kate will aim to create a strong bond with you to help self-discovery at your own pace.

Originally from a small town in the Republic of Ireland, Kate understands what it can mean to make a big transition in life. She has worked within psychiatric hospitals mainly involved with eating disorders. Also having grown up around the emergence of social media and technology, Kate can relate to the power it can hold over people and how it can integrate into our daily lives. She works alongside her clients to aid in creating the life the client wishes to live.
Kate is an integrative relational humanistic trainee counsellor and psychotherapist. She operates within The Awareness Centre’s NHS and low-cost counselling service and works with clients at HMP Brixton. Kate is currently working towards a Masters in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy. She is also a member of the BACP.
PROFILE

Katerina Tulloch

Accredited:	COSRT
Languages:	English
Works with:	Individuals, Couples
Individuals	£65/hr
Couples	£80/hr
Specialisms	Addiction Bereavement & Loss Pregnancy & Childbirth Sex & Relationships

Katerina Tulloch aims to provide an empathic, supportive space where clients can open up and feel seen and heard without judgement. While psychotherapy helps clients to process difficult or painful thoughts and feelings, she believes that therapy can also focus on the potential of her clients. She works with them to identify and draw on their inner resources to live a fuller, more satisfying life. Katerina draws upon several modalities that are suited to meet the individual needs of the client. These include a systemic and attachment model that helps to identify patterns of behaviour, family and societal scripts and experiences that influence our thought processes and belief systems; a psychodynamic approach that enables the client to identify early life experiences that may be influencing their present and a person-centred approach that allows the client the space to express their feelings and work through their problems within a supportive environment.

Katerina has a background in nursing and midwifery which has given her an interest in problems relating to pregnancy and childbirth, as well as psychosexual and relationship issues, which led on to her training and becoming qualified in this modality. She has experience working with the LGBTQ community and worked in a central London sexual health clinic in the role of honorary psychosexual therapist. Katerina is experienced in working with adolescents aged 16-18, which was gained whilst working within a targeted youth support team. She is also experienced in anxiety, stress, depression, life transitions, ill health, addiction, trauma and bereavement.

Katerina Tulloch is an integrative psychotherapist, who draws upon the approaches that best suit the problems that clients bring into the therapy room. She has a diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy and is registered and accredited with COSRT. Katerina is working towards completion of an advanced diploma in Contemporary Psychotherapy and is a trainee member of the UKCP. She holds qualifications in Emotionally Focussed Couples Therapy, an advanced diploma in couples therapy, as well as training in systemic therapy to intermediate level.

Katerina works in private practice at The Awareness Centre in Clapham and in Tooting.

PROFILE

Kelly Garrett

Accredited:	UKCP
Languages:	English, Spanish, Turkish
Works with:	Individuals, Couples
Individuals	£70/hr
Couples:	£90/hr
Private Healthcare:	Aviva, Cigna, Vitality Health and WPA
Specialisms:	Anxiety Disorder Depression Self-Harm Trauma

Kelly Garrett is a qualified, accredited and experienced psychotherapist, counsellor and clinical supervisor, specialising in the areas of depression, anxiety, trauma and relationships. Kelly has several years’ experience working with a wide range of psychological, emotional and mental health problems in the private, voluntary and NHS sectors. She is also a certified coach and has extensive experience working in corporate environments. Kelly currently works in private practice with individuals and couples in Clapham, South London. She is also Clinical Director at The Awareness Centre.

Kelly is an integrative practitioner, which means she has combined many theories of thought and has found her own style of working as a therapist. Her training was in existential and psychodynamic approaches, and she has a strong interest in attachment, separation and loss. Kelly works short-term and long-term with clients, and offers therapy in English, Spanish and Turkish.

Kelly’s specialist area is trauma therapy. Trauma is often the result of an overwhelming amount of stress that exceeds one’s ability to cope or to integrate the emotions involved with that experience. People can feel numb, disconnected, and unable to trust others. Kelly explores ways to manage and cope with those feelings. Whether the trauma happened years ago or yesterday, the work helps clients to heal and move on. Kelly is also an avid yoga practitioner. She believes her practice has allowed her to develop strong mental and physical strength, clarity of thought and a renewed sense of being, and she uses these strengths in her therapeutic approach.

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PROFILE

Léann Lavery
Léann Lavery
Languages: English

Works with: Individuals

Individuals £65/hr

Specialisms
Addiction
Anger
Bereavement & Loss
Depression
Léann Lavery is a qualified counsellor, supporting people dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, anger, suicidal feelings, bereavement and loss. Believing that we all need human connection, she considers the relationship between client and therapist to be the most important aspect of counselling. Léann provides a non-judgemental, safe and confidential space where your healing is supported. She focuses on helping you to better understand your current and past feelings and behaviours, and to also recognise negative patterns that may be affecting how you live your life. This will support you as you find new ways of living and develop more fulfilling relationships.

As an integrative therapist Léann draws on a range of theories – including psychodynamic, existential, and humanistic – and she tailors how she works depending on your needs and aims. She believes our bodies often hold difficult and painful emotions, and she integrates the mind, body and soul in her approach to help facilitate change and work through these emotions. With a background in marketing and PR from different sectors such as charity, television, and higher education, Léann brings this experience into her therapeutic stance where she works creatively with her clients.

Léann has many years’ of experience of working long-term and short-term with clients in a variety of settings, including the NHS. She is a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and a divisional member of the British Psychological Society (BPS), she is working towards a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy.
PROFILE
Lenka Hamerska
Lenka Hamerska
Languages: English, Czech, Slovakian

Works with: Individuals

Specialisms:
Anxiety Disorder
Bereavement & Loss
Depression
Trauma
Lenka Hamerska offers a non-judgemental and authentic relationship for you to explore your feelings, thoughts and current life situation. Her aim is to provide supportive and empathic space. She believes that through exploring and clarifying specific personal situations or feelings, her clients can gain better understanding of themselves and their needs. As our awareness increases, we can open up to the possibility of experiencing and feeling compassion for the aspects of ourselves we try hardest to hide. As we befriend more of ourselves, we are likely to live our life more fully and creatively.

With a social work health care background, Lenka has an experience working in different services such as Care home, Day centre for youth, Sheltered housing for people with complex needs or mental health recovery houses. She works to help you with better understanding of your emotional and physical body with focusing on your well- being. She works with anxiety, depression, grief, personal development, relationships and has interest in trauma.

Lenka Hamerska is working towards MCs in Gestalt psychotherapy which will provide her with automatic registration with UKCP. She is registered with UKAGP. As a reflexive Gestalt therapist, she has an ability to integrate theory and practice and can work effectively in a variety of settings. She draws on the approaches that best suits the issues that clients bring into the therapy room. She works on an open-ended basis within The Awareness Centre´s low cost counselling service in Clapham.
PROFILE
Liam Rooney
Liam Rooney
Languages: English

Works with: Individuals

Specialisms:
Bereavement & Loss
Gender & Identity
Self-Esteem
Sexuality
Liam Rooney provides a space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive environment. Counselling helps clients process painful memories and issues that are still at hand. He believes that many can benefit from counselling and that the personal development that comes from it leads to a fuller life. Liam offers a psychodynamic counselling, which means a more open-ended approach for the client to explore themselves and their lives, the client and Liam work together look at patterns and behaviours to bring about better awareness and understanding of the thoughts and feelings experienced by the client.

Liam understands the pressures that can be put on people, and the pressures people put on themselves, that can lead to harmful coping strategies and difficult thoughts and feelings. He works with the client to uncover the means of which to change these strategies, thoughts and feelings and replace them with healthier ones. He also specialises in bereavement and loss, gender and identity, self esteem and self confidence and has a special interest in sexuality.

Liam a psychodynamic counsellor and is currently working towards an advanced diploma in psychodynamic counselling and is a registered member of the BACP. He has experience of working at a blood cancer charity. He has many years of experience of working with individuals in life altering situations. He works within The Awareness Centre’s low-cost counselling service in Clapham.

PROFILE
Luke Williams
Luke Williams
Accredited: UKCP

Languages: English

Works with: Individuals

Individuals: £60/hr

Specialisms:
Anger Management
Anxiety
Depression
Self-Harm
Luke Williams is a professional person-centred psychotherapist who is registered with the UK Council of Psychotherapy. He holds a post graduate diploma in contemporary person-centred psychotherapy and applications and is currently completing a piece of research on “client’s shifts in therapy” which will give him a Masters qualification. Luke works privately and as a psychotherapist at one of worlds leading universities.

Luke provides an empathic and non-judgemental space that allows clients to explore the areas of their live they feel need attention. He helps clients deepen their understanding of their beliefs, values, decision-making processes and patterns of behaviour. This helps clients realise their potential and make the changes they want. Luke does this in a holistic way that takes embraces a person’s complete and unique experience of life; this helps clients see things in a clearer way and cultivates confidence, self-acceptance and the courage to move forward and make the changes they want for a more harmonious and fulfilling life.

With a background in operations management, training and then education Luke understands the pressures and complexity of commercial and academic institutions and helps clients discover practical ways to fulfil their goals in a way that also protects and nourishes them. He understands managing stress, and external demands and expectations in a busy time pressurised modern city like London can feel overwhelming and helps clients gain perspective, let go of unhelpful internal dialogues and focus on what is really important to them.

Luke has lived and worked in several continents and has worked with clients from diverse communities with a wide range of issues. He has extensive experience working with depression, anxiety, compulsive behaviours, perfectionism self-harm, relationship difficulties, attachment, trauma, abuse, confidence and existential anxiety. Luke is passionate about psychotherapy and continues to work as a researcher to uncover and support the latest developments in psychology and psychotherapy. He continues to train and keep up to date with the with the latest research, theoretical developments and psychological treatments.
PROFILE

Michaela McCarthy

Accredited:	MBACP Snr. Accred.
Registered:	UKRCP
Languages:	English
Works with:	Individuals, Couples, Groups
Individuals/Couples:	£100/hr
Groups (2 hrs/8 members):	£30/person
Private Healthcare:	Allianz, Aviva, BUPA, BUPA International, Cigna, Vitality Health, WPA
Specialisms:	Addiction Anger Management Eating Disorders Sex & Relationships
Skype:	michaela.mccarthy5

Michaela McCarthy is an experienced psychotherapist and psychosexual and relationship therapist. She has worked for 20 years as a therapist and has worked both in the public and private sector. Her achievements and contributions to psychological health are a credit to her drive and ambition to support clients wellbeing. Michaela is the Managing Director of The Awareness Centre (TAC), which runs the NHS Counselling Service in the boroughs of Lambeth and Wandsworth, Brixton Prison Counselling Service and Low Cost and Private Counselling services.

Michaela has established her private practice in Clapham, South London after leaving her practice in Harley Street. She believes the most important process of therapy is the co-creation between therapist and client to achieve a solid professional relationship which allows space for trust and honesty to develop. Michaela’s intuitive approach enables clients to go on a journey of self-discovery which develops true awareness for personal growth. Michaela also works with other professionals especially with psychiatrists working with medication management.

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PROFILE

Naoum Liotas
Naoum Liotas
Languages English, Greek

Works with: Individuals

Areas of Expertise
Gender & Identity
Illness
Self-Esteem
Workplace Issues
Naoum Liotas is a very observant, insightful and intuitive psychotherapist who creates a safe space for healing to take place. It all begins with the individual feeling listened to and relaxed. Then a therapeutic relationship begins to develop which is deeply nourishing and supportive for therapy clients. As time progresses, deep healing can usually take place through discussing and creative experimentation. New skills and a renewed sense of being can emerge for the individual through this unique experience. Naoum believes that each person is unique. He is interested in supporting clients to accept their current situation, utilise their potential and go beyond any limitations. An intense transformational experience that brings the authentic self to the fore is what one can ultimately expect. This process is not without challenges at times.

Naoum’s background as a researcher, engineer, project manager and business coach, gives him a special interest and experience in work-related issues, burn-out, stress and communication issues. With a deep understanding of self-esteem, sexual orientation and gender issues, he believes that safely coming out as our true selves is the result of any successful therapeutic process. He has also experience with people suffering from chronic illness (HIV patients etc.). He pays attention to the natural rhythm and flow of change and does not believe in pushing people to change. Once clients understand and become aware of their strengths and limitations, a new self emerges to the fore.

Naoum is a Gestalt psychotherapist and is registered with the BACP. He works within The Awareness Centre’s low cost counselling service in Tooting. He is also available for holding therapy sessions in Greek. Naoum is also a holder of the European Certificate of Psychotherapy (ECP) and a member of European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP) and a member of the European Association for Gestalt Therapy (EAGT).

PROFILE
Natalia Vavassori
Natalia Vavassori
Languages: English, Spanish

Works with: Individuals

Individuals: £60/hr

Specialisms:
Anxiety
Depression
Self-Esteem
Trauma
Natalia Vavassori is an integrative counsellor, who draws on different theoretical models depending on what feels most helpful to the client. Her main approach is psychodynamic, where she works with the clients to guide them towards a deeper understanding of themselves and help them identifying where they are struggling to find a way to change and live a more fulfilling life. Based on the psychoanalytic tradition, psychodynamic psychotherapy looks at past experiences to try and understand how they might be linked to present struggles in order to overcome them and live a healthier life. Natalia also believes in using humour in her practice.

Natalia has lived in different parts of the world and has been exposed to a range of cultures and challenges. She has worked with people with various different backgrounds. She has worked with people from the financial sector, creative professions, and has helped people with a variety of issues, including trauma, sexual abuse, depression, relationship issues, bipolar disorders, panic attacks, and self-harm.

Natalia is an integrative counsellor working in private practice at The Awareness Centre in Tooting. She has en extensive educational background, with a BSc in Integrative Counselling, a Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy and a Masters in Psychology. Further, Natalia has worked in different settings, including honorary work for The Maudsley Hospital as a psychodynamic psychotherapist seeing patients with complex presentations. She offers therapy in English and Spanish.

PROFILE

Pegah Houshmand

Languages:	English
Works with:	Individuals, Couples
Individuals:	£100/hr
Couples:	£110/hr
Skype/FaceTime:	£60/hr
Specialisms:	Addiction Anxiety Depression Family & Relationships

Pegah Houshmand is a fully qualified counsellor with over ten years of experience in the field and is currently completing her Doctorate in Counselling Psychology. She is registered with The British Psychological Society (BPS). As an integrative counsellor, she draws on the approaches that best suit the issues that clients bring into therapy and works on a short or long term basis, depending on the clients’ needs, working towards goals that are important to the client.

She aims to provide an empathic, supportive space where clients can open up and feel seen and heard for who they truly are. While counselling helps clients to process difficult or painful thoughts and feelings, she believes that therapy can also focus on the potential of her clients. She works with her clients to identify and draw on their inner resources to live a fuller, more satisfying life. She uses Person-Centred and CBT to identify patterns in their thoughts and behaviours; Psychodynamics to help clients to identify and address the root cause of their problems; Transactional Analysis to help clients manage their relationships in a healthier way; and Mindfulness to help tame anxious responses.

Pegah’s experience includes working with low mood, depression and anxiety, stress, self-harm, bereavement and loss, couples counselling, trauma, alcohol and drug misuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, abuse, agoraphobia, OCD, panic attacks, adjustment to difficult life events or illness, and many other issues. She understands the internal and external pressures people can put on themselves, which can lead to unhelpful or damaging coping strategies. She works with her clients to identify healthier ways of managing emotions and stress, and also has a special interest in eating disorders.

PROFILE

Rahil Virik
Rahil Virik
Languages English, Hindi

Works with: Individuals

Areas of Expertise
Family & Relationships
Gender & Identity
Isolation & Loneliness
Sexuality
Languages English, Hindi

Works with: Individuals, Couples

Areas of Expertise
Family & Relationships
Gender & Identity
Isolation & Loneliness
Sexuality
Rahil Virik's approach centres on looking at the whole of the person, helping clients reconnect with who they are and what they want. He understands how living in society and being part of relationships, can leave people struggling to navigate between conforming to roles, others expectations and their own desires.

Rahil works with clients to create a safe space where they can be seen for who they are, while receiving the empathy and support they need. Working in an integrative style he blends the theories together, aiding the exploration of the clients emotional, physical and spiritual sides.

Rahil uses guidance tools for the client to enable reflection on their past, leaving them with a greater self-awareness to contemplate their present and future. Believing in the client’s potential and desire to grow, Rahil assists the client in accessing their vulnerability, developing their resilience and implementing new changes in their life.

Being Indian and a member of the LGBT+ Community himself, Rahil has first-hand experience of the struggle of existing in the intersection of multiple identities. He places an importance in the value of difference and diversity, as well as social issues within their work. Adapting his approach based on the client’s needs, and investing in supporting the client on their journey. Rahil is particularly interested in working with Gender Identity, Sexuality, Isolation and Loneliness as well as Family and Relationships.

Rahil is counsellor who uses an integrative approach to counselling, drawing from Humanistic and Psychodynamic models. He is a member of the BACP and are currently working towards a diploma in therapeutic counselling. He works on an open-ended basis within The Awareness Centre's NHS counselling service in Wandsworth.
PROFILE
Richard Hughes
Richard Hughes
Languages: English

Works with: Individuals

Specialisms:
Family & Relationships
Guilt & Shame
Sex & Relationships
Workplace Issues
Richard Hughes is an UKCP trainee psychotherapist, working towards a five-year clinical diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy. He is currently on an NHS placement at Mawbey Group Practice.

At the heart of 'integrative' therapy, is an acknowledgement that everyone's subjective experience is unique. With this as a starting point, Richard provides a supportive and confidential space to explore and be heard. And whilst he may draw on different psychotherapeutic modalities in his work, his approach is tailored to each person. An outcome of integrative therapy can be greater autonomy, an understanding of why we respond the way we do and how we use defence mechanisms that inhibit spontaneity and the ability to play and problem solve. Ultimately, integrative therapy nurtures meaningful choice, self-knowledge and acceptance.

Richard has worked in the commercial and creative sector for over 20 years and continues to do so, he is committed to creative diversity and mental health awareness within his profession. Richard has a particular interest in working with relationship issues, conflict within the workplace, LGBT issues and the impact of life transitions.

PROFILE
Scott Houston
Scott Houston
Languages: English

Works with: Individuals

Individuals: £60/hr

Specialisms:
Addiction
Self-Esteem & Self-Confidence
Sex & Relationships
Sexuality
Scott Houston is a psychotherapist in the final stages of his Master’s Degree in Integrative Psychotherapy at the Metanoia Institute, London. Scott is a member of UKCP and works in private practice at The Awareness Centre offering goal-orientated short term therapy in addition to deeper long-term work.

Scott draws upon different schools of psychotherapy to establish how the past might be impacting the present and how current issues in your private or working life may be causing you difficulties or distress.

Scott will look at your relationships, family history and any past traumas or deficits to help decide how these may impact your current situation and will pose questions to challenge current frameworks and perceptions. Scott will ensure that his work offers empathy and understanding, is non-judgmental and is conducted in an environment which is safe, secure and entirely confidential.

Scott has experience in dealing with a wide range of problems in many varied settings including business, finance, advertising, education and the LGBT community. Scott has worked with clients in a private practice, local counselling service and with an NHS Hospital HIV Support Service. Scott has broad experience with gay and HIV clients who are dealing with addiction/s to sex, crystal meth and chemsex. As an Integrative Psychotherapist Scott prizes the relationship between himself and his clients, providing help with issues such as; abuse, addiction, anger, anxiety, bereavement, bullying, depression, family & relationships, gender & identity, guilt & shame, illness, isolation & loneliness, self-esteem and self-confidence, sex & relationships, sexuality, stress, suicidal thoughts, trauma and workplace issues.
To help you recover from whatever problems are troubling you the therapeutic relationship that you and Scott create together can be a source of support and comfort while providing a place in which to make sense of these issues so that, not only do you feel relief from your distress, but you can once again have greater control of your own life.
“Everyone is seeking emotional contact with another, and that is the deepest yearning of the human heart.” Ronald Fairbairn
PROFILE
Stuart Derbyshire
Stuart Derbyshire
Accredited: UKCP

Languages: English

Works with: Individuals

Individuals: £60/hr

Specialisms:
Anxiety
Bereavement & Loss
Family & Relationships
Sexuality
Stuart Derbyshire is an experienced integrative psychotherapist, who has worked in psychotherapy for nearly five years. Stuart has completed a diploma and masters in psychotherapy and is currently completing a diploma in supervision. Prior to this he worked in mental health and therapeutic services for ten years. Stuart continues to facilitate recovery focused group therapy in a psychiatric service.

Stuart aims to provide a relational, reflective space, where clients can explore difficulties, and begin to understand the patterns that affect their lives and relationships. He will build a trusting, accepting relationship focused on gaining insight into your unique issues and concerns. Stuart’s work has included anxiety and depression, issues of self esteem, coming to terms with childhood issues and abuse, psychsexual concerns, adoption issues, bereavement, relationships, spiritual isssues, and finding meaning and purpose in life.

He follows an integrative approach drawing on the transpersonal, humanistic, psychodynamic and CBT perspectives. Believing most of us encounter problems at some point in life that we struggle to deal with ourselves, or find it difficult to gain resolution to issues which prevent us from moving forward in a positive and happy way. Entering a theraputic relationship allows us to explore and gain perspective and move forward in a healthier way.
PROFILE
Tegan Hecht
Tegan Hecht
Languages: English

Works with: Individuals, Couples

Specialisms:
Gender & Identity
Sex & Relationships
Sexuality
Trauma
Tegan Hecht is a Psychosexual and Relationship Trainee therapist registered with COSRT. Psychosexual and Relationship therapy is for any sex and relationship related issue that may be causing you distress and affecting your intimate relationships. Tegan’s sessions will be tailored specifically to your presenting relational or sexual difficulty. Homework will often be included to support what you’ll be working on in session together. As there are many different sex and relationship issues, Tegan’s tool box of therapy techniques is extensive to suit varied sex and relationships issues. She often draws on Gestalt, Humanistic, Person-centred, Psychodynamic, Transactional Analysis, Schnarch, Bader-Pearson, Imago and Transpersonal techniques and theories to generate the best possible outcome alongside realistic goals.

Areas Tegan specialises in are relationship or communication difficulties, sex and sexuality difficulties/confusion, erectile dysfunction, painful sex, inability to orgasm, rapid or delayed ejaculation, relationships of ranging dynamics and fertility/infertility.

Tegan’s background is in the holistic/alternative arts i.e. yoga, meditation, bodywork and energy healing and has now moved into sex and relationship therapy as clients would often raise these issues in classes/sessions and she wanted a more solid ground to give her clients the proper support they required. Tegan also has current and previous experience in events and marketing. All these on-going and different modalities give Tegan a holistic and all-encompassing approach to her therapeutic work. It became clear to Tegan that when clients have sex and relationship issues it affects many, if not all aspects of their lives, as a key part of our life force that keeps us all motivated to live healthy and prosperous lives. Tegan is passionate about holistically facilitating clients in understanding, reclaiming and working through issues in order to restore, not only their sexuality and relationships but, their lives as they want them to be.

Tegan is in the process of completing her Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy and is completing her Advanced Diploma in Couples Therapy in 2018. For the last 4 years Tegan has worked with diverse relationships and individuals both privately and on placements. She works in The Awareness Centre’s low cost counselling service in Clapham on an open-ended basis.

PROFILE
Tony Chapman
Tony Chapman
Languages: English

Works with: Individuals

Individuals: £65/hr

Specialisms:
Addiction
Anxiety
Abuse
Trauma
Tony Chapman understands that taking the first step toward change can be daunting. Fortunately, personal crisis may also provide an opportunity for increased self-awareness. Tony is compassionate, amiable and effective and will draw on his training to help you stand back and move toward acceptance and emotional resolution. You will explore patterns of behaviour, uncover underlying causes and gain insight by discovering new perspectives.

Tony works with a model that expands on traditional psychodynamic and emotion focussed therapy by using experiential dynamic strategies, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexity of your human experience. Together you may focus initially on exploring behaviours, feelings and emotions, and working to regulate any anxiety. Tony encourages tolerating feelings that may have historically been defended against, and endeavours to restructure and reconsolidate your perspective toward them. An element of awareness training may be integrated into the therapy if appropriate for the client, however, for the therapist the daily practice of mindful awareness is an integral part of the approach. The therapy uses moment-to-moment tracking, practical and experiential techniques were appropriate, in order to encourage profound emotional experience in addition to intellectual understanding. Being client centred, Tony’s approach evolves within its parameters to meet the specific needs of the individual, accentuating the best fit for them personally. Crucially his approach is based on evidence from current advances in neuroscience and interpersonal neurobiology.

Tony has lived and worked in South London as a company director for more than 25 years and now lives in West Sussex. He looks forward to exploring how you can develop bespoke skills and build practical emotional strategies that provide future resilience and a renewed zest for life. Tony has a special interest in the links between abuse, trauma, addiction, rage and anxiety.

Tony is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and the National Counselling Society and works in private practice at The Awareness Centre in Clapham and Tooting.

PROFILE