My Approach

We all go through different stresses in life. Each experience is unique to us; how we think and feel may be different to others’ experiences which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and conflict. When an individual is struggling with interpersonal and mental health difficulties it can often affect emotional bonds with others. Therefore, couples or family psychotherapy can provide a closer look within a safe therapeutic space to explore these emotional bonds and develop new insights into the negative patterns that get created within the couple or the family system. Through this experience you will gain new insights that can change how you connect with others as well as how you feel about yourself. Those in therapy, can also learn how to provide healthy communication, learn new ways of managing conflicts and work on providing support, understanding and compassion within the couple/family network. This in turn, can strengthen bonds to improve individual and families’ mental health and increase a sense of connection.

I take pride in building relationships with individuals, couples and families with the aim of creating a safe space where each person’s experience is heard and valued. Moreover, I look to better understand patterns that may be at play in your relationship and highlight the resources you already likely have but may not realise due to the stress of your given situation. I work alongside you, at your pace, aware that you have expertise in your experiences that can help me better appreciate your situation and utilise my knowledge to support you in your therapy journey.

Families and couples can benefit from having someone impartial to speak to and share their unique experiences with, in a non-judgemental and contained manner which previous clients have said I provide. Family and couple psychotherapy can help individuals gain a better appreciation for the other persons perspective and contribute towards a more supportive relationship. Taking part in therapy is a big commitment, and by regularly checking-in with you, I can get a sense of how you are finding the process, ensuring that your needs and expectations are being catered to.

Being based in London has allowed me the privilege of being able to work with clients from diverse backgrounds in relation to ethnicity, gender, sexuality, culture, religion and socio-economic status. In my practice, I have looked to embrace both the similarities and differences that exist in all forms with sensitivity and genuine curiosity.

About Me

I am a family and couple psychotherapist who works with individuals, couples and families with varied difficulties. I have worked for over a decade in the NHS in both inpatient and outpatient contexts where I have set up family and couple psychotherapy teaching clinics, in addition to establishing a private clinic.
I have continued to hone my skills as a therapist by completing several courses which include Emotionally Focused couples Therapy (EFT) as well as Open Dialogue. Furthermore, I am a visiting lecturer within the London trust I work in as well as at King’s College London. By working in academia, I am able to keep myself informed on the latest evidence-based developments in the field of family and couple psychotherapy.

Qualifications

BSc (Hons) – Psychology
MSc – Mental Health Nursing
MSc – Family Therapy

Further trainings

Emotionally Focused couples Therapy (EFT) trained
Open Dialogue – Post-Graduate Certificate

Professional memberships/Registrations

UKCP – The UK Council for Psychotherapy
AFT – Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice
BEFT – British Emotionally Focused Therapy Centre
ICEEFT - The International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy

Publications

Costas, N. & Collins, F. (2023). Reflections on setting up and establishing family therapy teaching clinics in adult services. Context, 188

I work with

• Couples
• Families
• Individuals

Special Interests

Like all UKCP registered psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors I can work with a wide range of issues, but here are some areas in which I have a special interest or additional experience.

Types of Therapies Offered

• Family and Systemic Psychotherapist
• Family Therapist
• Systemic Family and Couple Psychotherapist
• Systemic Psychotherapist

What I can help with

• Anxiety
• Bereavement
• Couple Issues
• Cultural Issues
• Depression
• Family
• Mental Health Issues
• Online Counselling
• Parents
• Relationships
• Separation
• Supervision