About Petra
I am a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist and Supervisor accredited by UK Council for Psychotherapy
Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to get into a career path that would make a difference in people’s lives. This interest led me to study therapeutic social work and eventually family and systemic psychotherapy. As an UKCP accredited Psychotherapist I am committed to the well-being of all people I work with and I go above and beyond to cater to their needs.
I truly care for all people I work with, and I work diligently to help them find the answers they seek. I believe in developing a strong collaborative relationship with people that come to see me to maximize their success. My strength-based approach is rooted in Systemic Theory. Empathy and humour play a significant role in my relational style.
I have worked with children, adolescents, and families with a variety of social, emotional, behavioural and learning issues. First, as a Clinical Social worker and Systemic Practitioner with children and adolescents that were being treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Since 2012 I have worked as a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist with individuals, couples and families in my private practice, The Brandon Centre and most recently the Local Authority. I also worked as a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist at The Tavistock Centre, a specialist mental health trust based in north London.
In my private practice I provide individual, couples and family therapy to people that refer themselves to my clinic or that are referred to me by other agencies and professionals. I also provide highly specialist assessment and clinical formulations to children and adolescents that are referred to my clinic by Children’s services.
In addition to my clinical work I also work as a trainer and supervisor.
My therapy rooms are located in Kingston upon Thames but I also offer online therapy.
About Bernice
I am a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist accredited by UK Council for Psychotherapy
As a young woman I proclaimed loudly, ‘I want to change the world’ and chose the career path of a Social Worker, in which I have twenty years’ experience. Over this time, I discovered that my idealistic notion is challenging, but I did not discard it but adjusted it and learnt that I can support others in making both small and big changes in their lives, which may impact their world.
As I gained more life experience, I learnt that I can change my actions, but it is my thinking that also needs to change. This influenced how I thought of myself and others and influenced my career path into family and systemic psychotherapy.
Being with and working with people energises me, which enhances my determination to help them seek answers, with the hope that they achieve clarity and success. This strength-based approach is rooted in Systemic Theory.
I have extensive experience in working with children, adolescents, and families in London and Surrey. Throughout my career I have worked closely with individuals, families and professionals in managing a variety of social, emotional and behavioural issues.
I trained at Prudence Skynner Clinic, which specialises in working with families and couples when an adult is experiencing psychological problems.
My therapy rooms are located in Kingston upon Thames and Chelsea.
About Laura
I am an Art Psychotherapist accredited by the UK Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC) and a registered member of the British Association for Art Therapist (BAAT) and European Federation of Art Therapy (EFAT).
Our journey is made up of our experiences. These experiences, in whatever way we define them, provide us the ability to learn, grow and to gain wisdom from. The interconnectedness between our mind and body is profound and sometimes these experiences can be difficult to move through physically and emotionally. However, when explored and processed, they allow us the opportunity to gain a deeper awareness and reintegration. My aim is to provide a creative and conversational space where issues can be explored and viewed in a critical and curious manner. I believe that through art-making, people can express and explore feelings that may be confusing or difficult to communicate verbally.
I follow a psychodynamic, client-centered approach that is culturally sensitive. My belief is that all of us have unique strengths within us and require a practitioner who can tailor their approach to each individuals unique journey. The therapeutic relationship is at the very foundation of effective therapy, and confidentiality, trust, and patience in the process are vital.
My clinical experience includes working with children and adults in both psychiatric and educational settings, who have experienced emotional or mental health issues, have learning disabilities, brain injuries, and life-limiting conditions.
I am committed to my own training and development, as well as maintaining an active art practice, which continually informs me in my practice as an Art Therapist.
I provide individual, online sessions. Sometimes clients find it easier to talk in their mother tongue and so I offer therapy in Arabic as well as English. Clients do not need to have any previous experience or expertise in art.
I offer 20 minute consultations, this is an opportunity to meet and to begin to get to know each other. For you to ask questions about me or my therapeutic process, and to talk about what brings you to therapy.
By the end of the session, you may have a good idea of whether you want to work together and continue with our sessions.
Please feel free to get in touch.
What art material will you need for your art therapy session?
During our sessions together, you may use any art material you have around your home. The below list is merely a suggestion and guide, but in no way a requirement. Feel free to bring anything that you believe can be used within the session as art.
Paper
Cardboard
Sketch book
Tissue paper
Sticky notes
Pencils
Pens
Colour pencils
Markers
Chalk pastels
Oil pastels
Paints - poster paints/watercolour/acrylic etc.
Air drying clay
You will require a safe and private space to store your images/art work from one session to another, either in a folder or box.