Find your therapist

Hello, I am a very creative and warm, caring Therapist. I work very ethically and I am very dedicated and passionate about my work. I work holistically: I work with patterns of behaviour, thoughts and feelings and with the whole body.

I know how difficult it must be searching through the profiles trying to find the right therapist/coach. Making the decision to enter into therapy is a brave one and sometimes it can be difficult. I have been told by clients that I am calm, warm, welcoming and approachable. I have also been told that I am able to put them at ease.

I offer a safe non judgemental space to work through your difficulties and offer strategies and tools to quickly reduce your symptoms and help you feel more in control. I specialise in anger, anxiety, depression, obsessive and compulsive behaviours, stress and trauma. Many of my clients self-report to feeling much better after 6-8 sessions.

As a psychotherapist,  I help you explore and understand patterns in your thinking and in relationships with others and with yourself  that may be causing you pain or making you feel stuck. I help you find your own solutions instead of giving you advice. I believe if you are given a safe space to be heard you will find your own healing.

As there is a strong connection between diet and mental health I am now a qualified Nutrition Health Coach so can help you choose foods that support your mental health. I offer help with disordered using eating psychology so you can understand why you do what you do and learn effective strategies to overcome problem eating.

I am a warm and approachable person who can help and guide you through difficult times by providing a confidential,  non judgemental and a supportive relationship, so that we can explore the issues that matter to you. I was graduated from the University Frankfurt in Germany with a Master degree in Social Science and I have a certificate in Systemic Counselling as well.

Thank you for taking the time to look at my profile.

Many of us struggle to find balance in life sometimes, for a number of reasons and this can sometimes cause us pain, frustration and unhealthy patterns.
Does change feel hard? Connect with new possibilities; sometimes it can be easier with support

When I am not working, I am likely to be practising my own self-care. I began Pilates and mindfulness due to my own long term health condition and have reaped the benefits. I love nothing more, than to enjoy the peace that living by the sea or driving to the nearby countryside brings, enjoying whatever is around me. My family and friends are a hugely important part of my life and I spend as much time as possible with them.

I am passionate in helping people find a happier way of being with greater fulfillment in their life. Whatever is causing you difficulty, I believe that things can be different for you. You may feel any mix of feelings that impact your life and relationships negatively. Any are valid and, I feel, are a communication to what may be going on within. I offer compassion and understanding without any judgement in a space in which we can truly get to know what is difficult. In this space we can gently explore anything that troubles you so that we may work through any issues together, no matter how big or small you feel it is.

I work from a psychodynamic approach which explores how the person you have become today is a result of all of your past experiences and may impact how you relate to others and yourself today. Prior to private practice, I have worked within the N.H.S as an honorary psychotherapist, in Secure units and have also taught Counselling Courses.
I understand that starting this journey may feel daunting. Our work together will move at your pace and will be confidential. If you would like to start or fear starting, please call for an informal chat so that we might get a feel for each other. This way you can get a sense if I am the right therapist for you.

Welcome to my profile. My number one aim, passion and priority is to make a positive difference to your life. For me, counselling is a process that supports, empowers and facilitates well-being. A space that you can trust with no judgement or criticism for you to feel free to express and explore what’s important to you. I offer an empathic nurturing relationship so that you are supported to achieve your goals, whether it would be personal development and self-actualisation or to overcome distressing/traumatic events, thoughts or feelings. Attentively, I actively listen to you so I understand deeply, you and your lived experiences. I highly value your internal natural tendency for growth and development which is important to help resolve many issues such as depression and anxiety. Ultimately, I work in a way that is tailored and bespoke to you. Therefore my practice highly respects and welcomes your autonomy.

I suffer from a neuromuscular condition called SMA type II. I believe that my disability has allowed me to connect deeply with clients who have experienced injustice, judgment, and oppression in their lives. Also, to empathise with clients who have experience of being subjected to negative attitudes or stereotyping from others or society.

The most important thing to me is that you are comfortable when you are talking about personal and sensitive topics so that you are able to share without any felt consequences or regrets. If you feel that you would like to contact me to arrange a session then please do not hesitate to get in touch and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

I have full indemnity insurance and have a current valid DBS enhanced certificate. (Used to be known as CRB check)

I offer online counselling to children, young adults, adults and older adults.

I offer telephone counselling to children, young adults, adults and older adults.

I do not currently offer face to face counselling.

I am a UKCP-registered integrative existential psychotherapist with extensive experience in delivering long and short term psychotherapy to individuals and couples. I have 14 years’ experience of working therapeutically in higher education, the NHS and in private practice.

As an integrative existential psychotherapist, I am particularly interested in how we make meaning of the world and of our lives, and how this affects our day to day functioning. Experiencing a crisis of meaning can be a major source of stress and anxiety. If your life starts to feel meaningless, you may end up in a hopeless and depressed state. The therapist’s role is to support you to navigate the difficult feelings that can arise in the process and help you find renewed purpose in your life.

I combine elements from different schools in my approach to psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, humanistic, existential, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and mindfulness. I have worked with clients experiencing many different issues, including (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addictions, relationship issues and religious and spiritual matters. I am experienced in supporting team members and managers with work-based conflicts. Additionally, I have considerable experience in supporting clients with diagnosed mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, personality disorders and clinical depression.

Qualifications:

Professional Doctorate in Psychotherapy (2012)

Masters Degree in Psychotherapy (2008)

Post-Graduate Diploma in Clinical Supervision (2008)

Post-Graduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling, (2004)

Research and Publications:

Conference Presentations:

Cassar, S. (2015). Existential spirituality: navigating the maze of spiritual thinking within existential psychotherapy. World Conference for Existential Therapy. London

Cassar, S. (2011). The Impact of Psychotherapists’ Spiritual Practice, Beliefs and Values on their Clinical Work: preliminary findings. Theology and Therapy 2011 Day Conference. Edinburgh University.

Publications:

Aceijas, C., Waldhäusl, S., Lambert, N., Cassar, S., Bello Corassa, R., (2016) Determinants of health-related lifestyles among university students. Perspectives in Public Health

Vahrmeyer, M and Cassar, S (2017) The paradox of finitude in the context of infinitude: Is death denial an essential aspect of being in the world? Journal of the Society for Existential Analysis. 28.1: 151-165

Cooper, M., Wild, C., van Rijn, B., Ward, T., McLeod, J., Cassar, S., Antoniou, P., Michael, C., Michalitis, M., Sreenath, S. (2015) Pluralistic Therapy for Depression: Acceptability, outcomes and helpful aspects in a multisite study. Counselling Psychology Review. 30(1): 6-20

Cassar, S. and P. Shinebourne (2012). “What does Spirituality Mean to You?: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Experience of Spirituality. Journal of the Society for Existential Analysis. 23(1): 133-148.

My name is Vicki Rebecca and I run a successful Hypnosis and Neuro Linguistic Programming practice that includes one to one therapy,  classes, retreats, live-in intensives, books and online products
My intention and life’s work is to help you express the greatest and grandest expression of YOU!
I train the core skills of personal and spiritual growth including various means of relaxation and mind mastery in person and in a series of online tools. The practice is supported by my extensive background in health promotion, fitness training, yoga and meditation practice as well as professional qualifications to trainer level in psychotherapy, advanced clinical hypnosis and Neuro Linguistic Programming.

My passion for human connection is the main drive behind my work as a therapist. Born and raised in a very multicultural environment, I find myself at ease working with individuals of many different backgrounds. I strongly believe in adapting therapy techniques and approaches to individuals’ cultures, religions and backgrounds. This is also a major research interest of mine.

Creative expression is another one of my passions and I enjoy writing poetry, articles, as well as short stories.

I am a BACP registered and professionally trained and qualified counsellor. I offer a friendly and approachable counselling service to adults and young people (16yrs+) either online, via telephone, or face-to-face in Surbiton and Twickenham.

Making initial contact with a counsellor or psychotherapist can be difficult, and many people feel anxious in doing so. My aim is to make this process as supportive as possible for you; I offer a professional counselling service which is warm, empathic, non-judgemental, and flexible to your needs.

What has brought you here?

People come to counselling and psychotherapy for a variety of reasons. These may include feelings of distress, hopelessness, anxiety and/or unease, and often not knowing quite why you feel this way; a sense that ‘something just doesn’t feel quite right’. Maybe you are experiencing problematic thoughts and behaviours – thinking, feeling and/or behaving in ways which may lead to feelings of embarrassment, shame, or feeling a need to disappear. Or maybe you are experiencing feelings of low self-esteem, feeling depressed and unable to engage with life, feeling pessimistic, misunderstood and alienated.

Sometimes, people feel able to talk about their difficulties with a close friend or relative, but often these problems can feel too difficult, or too personal to discuss within a conventional relationship. Others may feel that they ‘should’ be able to work through such issues on their own, but they somehow feel that they are just too big.

How I can help

With the help of an objective and professional therapist, counselling allows you the opportunity to explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive environment, helping you make sense of the troubling conflicts between your emotions and your behaviour, and allowing the opportunity for positive change happen.

Counselling has the potential to positively change your life. Finding the right counsellor is most important. Making the first step can be difficult. I offer 15 minutes consultation free of charge to help you with your search to find the right professional.

I have 15 years of experience working with; anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, trauma, eating disorders, and addiction. I provide a safe space where you can explore your difficulties, identify obstacles, find tools, and resources to move forward and live a more satisfying life.

With support, you will not only get through difficult times successfully but use them as a stepping stone to advance in your journey of personal growth 

I provide online sessions for quite some time, my clients say it works just as well ‘you forget there is a camera between us’

Hello there dear reader, my name is Hal, short for Haldun Hüseyin Musazlioglu (just call me Hal, everyone does).

When people ask me how I got into psychotherapy, I usually say it got to me first:
I was 12 years old when I first had to see a therapist. People near me (ironically not my parents) noted already back then my permanent gloomy and melancholic outlook on life – even this in Germany where I was born, by all means not a country known for its ‘cheerio!’ attitude. Years later, I was diagnosed with dysthymic depression and finally had to be put on anti-depressants aged 30 after a preceding psychotic episode (my way of a mid-life crisis: not blowing a lot of money, but instead losing gradually touch with reality). It was also around this time when my aunt in Turkey shared that the entire matrilineal side of our family had prolonged battles with depression. Thanks, mum.

On top of this, our Muslim upbringing didn’t aid much to my family’s mental health. It also doesn’t do much for you if you realise you’re gay, and you eventually need to come out. As I had to. And did. My mum cried for three months, realised eventually her son will never be the imagined prim solicitor/doctor with wife and kids, so reverted instead to hate my tattoos.

By age 19, I had properly felt sick and tired of that kind of constrained upbringing, also of the Germans, so moved to London (though frankly, now I feel like that with the English, but this is for a different forum…)

After several more years bumbling through various underpaid customer service jobs,  I studied Art & Design/more or less useful degrees (Furniture Design. Yes, seriously.) and tried myself out among other things as a film extra and a Stand-up comedian (memorably, I died in a North-London pub in front of an audience that consisted of my ex-boyfriend and Russell Brand), I looked finally into how I could use my own experiences with depression, inter-cultural clashes, emerging kink-sexualities, an HIV+ status and a fanatical liking for Heavy Metal, so I eventually studied counselling.

By 2012 I started my counselling studies and after around 5 years, including one failed year of CBT (blowing finally a lot of money after all), I decided to stick with the humanistic school of therapy of Person-Centred counselling, developed by Carl Rogers. From the 1940ies on, already being a bit of a hippie and believing that everyone is innately ‘good’, he decided to emphasise the non-hierarchical alliance between client and therapist, while maintaining an “unconditional positive regard”.

And I soon found it worked for me – and for my other job, which is in mental health rehabilitation.

Then in August 2019, I also started my MSc degree in Psychology with Arden University. My plan after I finish in around three years’ time, is to fall into a very relaxing coma.

Until then, I genuinely find a lot of fulfilment through my work, so please don’t hesitate to ask me questions about whatever life has thrown at you.

Das alles übrigens gerne auch auf deutsch!  ; )

We are living in challenging times where fear, uncertainty and confusion are commonplace.

Many people I consult with are worried about not fitting in rather than what makes them unique and special. As well as what unites and connects them to others.

It’s easy to become used to over-relying on what others want from us, whilst losing sight of who we really are.

We’ve not been encouraged in many of our communities and establishments to practice self-inquiry and reflection. This is not good for personal autonomy or building courage or confidence to be ourselves.

It’s easy for us to lose touch with how we feel, and be vulnerable to manipulation by others. Perhaps because we are afraid of what others might think of us if we dare to express our differences.

Thankfully coming to counselling and coaching can be a way of learning to manage and cope with uncertainty and the fear of rejection. Helping us to get back in touch with what is important to us, and reconnect with our true feelings and senses.

From here we can grow both mentally and physically stronger and more confident of who we are, and what is right for us and our loved ones.

I always want my work to be first and foremost about being of service to others.

I’ve had an awareness for many years that much of the suffering and terrible things that happen in the world are fundamentally unnecessary and wrong. And that collectively we can help each other to grow stronger and more resourceful individuals and communities.

Self-development is not only an investment in ourselves, but it’s also an investment in society. In that, we are saying we are committed to becoming a better version of ourselves each day for the benefit of our community.

Maybe now is the perfect time to invest in yourself? More and more people are seeking to become more self-actualizing and to reach their true potential.

What would you like to understand better, react differently to, grow stronger in, or be more accepting of?

One of the ways we can do this is by, when possible, making use of the challenges and adversity we face in seeing them as opportunities to grow rather than negativity. Of course, this is not always easy, and we may need help along the way.

I have found through activities like ‘Wim Hof method’ cold therapy training, that doesn’t kill us can most definitely can make us stronger.

If we take sensible strategic risks and practice relaxing into our fight-flight responses, we can develop the resilience we need through gentle repetitive exposure to what we find challenging. This can help us to re-write our responses.

As well as reducing the need to over-rely on medication to function, which also risks putting harmful toxins into our bodies as well as having potentially negative side effects including addiction.

It’s far better to get back in touch with our true nature the way many of our ancestors were.

I am a fully qualified counsellor and a member of The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy(BACP). I am insured, registered with the ICO and GDPR compliant ensuring your data is protected. I have years of experience working with children, young people, and adults.

I love being invited to share one’s journey, it is an honour, to participate and provide a space that allows the client to explore and feel safe, it makes me happy and I enjoy seeing the client walk out feeling free and ready to enjoy life. I offer a genuine, warm, and confidential space, in which I allow the client to lead, and my essence in the session offers a relationship that is open to exploring.

Find a way to live life in the present and recover from trauma: I am a UKCP Integrative Psychotherapist which is mind-body focused. I am certified in trauma work gained in Dublin, Ireland and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in York. A safe and respectful therapeutic relationship is what I offer. Central to much distress is feelings of shame and not feeling good enough and self-acceptance.  I am passionate about accompanying people on their journey to relieve suffering. I am experienced working with long-term conditions and life-threatening illness, students in the academic world life transitions, dementia, personality disorder,  relationships, identify, childhood abuse and stress and trauma.

We live in a challenging world. There are times in our lives when we must endure pain, stress and loss whilst holding our business and personal lives together. Some people choose to work through their issues alone, perhaps considering reaching for help is as a sign of weakness. Talking with someone who has no relationship to your daily life, willing to listen and understand your concerns can help.

I understand the pressures of difficult emotions and circumstances. I’m here to help you to address your challenges by encouraging you to clarify the issues, explore options, develop strategies and increase self-awareness.

I place importance on providing warmth and empathic attunement in a safe and confidential environment, which allow us to reach the heart of the issue sensitively and effectively.

I’m a Humanistic therapist which means that I integrated Person Centred, Gestalt Therapy and Transactional Analysis. I refrain from offering interpretations about my client’s behaviour. Instead, I choose to help you explore and become aware of unhelpful patterns, beliefs and behaviours whilst assisting you in gaining an awareness of your resilience, inner-resources and strengths. As part of my integrative diploma training, I have also synthesised the psychodynamic approach and CBT into my practice in order to provide tailor-made treatment for each client.

In my practice, I facilitate positive changes for my clients by encouraging them to get in touch with their own psychological strengths and to overcome those difficulties thus finding meaning.

From my earlier background in film and media I have imported an ability for creative thinking within the professional, ethical bounds of counselling. This is particularly productive for young individuals who may find comfort and ease in expressing themselves pictorially as opposed to articulating their life challenges.

I am a fully qualified and experienced Counsellor and Psychotherapist and a registered member of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (MBACP) who works in accordance with the BACP’s Ethical framework.

I began my academic training in the field of Psychology at London Guildhall University and after extensive research on Community Mental Health Care I progressed onto a 3yr BACP accredited Postgraduate Advanced Diploma in Humanistic Integrative Counselling. I qualified in 2008 and set up in private practice.

I have worked extensively with the following:

Children & Adolescents
Childhood Trauma
Depression & Anxiety
Relationship struggles
Family Difficulties
Loss & Bereavement
Anger & aggression
Survivors of Abuse
Sexuality & sexual differences
Attachment Disorder

Cultural Identity
Suicidal Thoughts
Cultural Identity
Meaninglessness & futility of life
Work/life balance
Job loss
Illness
Dependency
Self Esteem

In 2013, I undertook a Diploma in Counselling Children & Adolescents Using The Arts which allowed to me to then go on and set up and run a Counselling Service at Lea Valley Primary School and The Complete Works Alternative Provision, working with vulnerable children and adolescents.

Therefore, in addition to my private practice I have also worked as a psychotherapist in community counselling agencies such as MIND, Barnet Community Counselling and Counselling Initiatives in Islington as well as with young people at Hornsey YMCA and Whitefields Secondary School. Hence, this has therefore provided me with experience in working with children and young people of all ages.

In addition to one to one counselling I can also offer bespoke well-being and pastoral programmes which can be developed for a variety of settings from primary and secondary schools to pupil referral units.

Using some of the key elements of counselling, I am able to work with individuals, groups and whole settings whereby I seek to develop working programmes that look at areas such as conflict resolution, working with others, listening and self esteem as well as addressing specific issues identified as being significant to that particular setting.
This may include areas such as friendship, eating disorders, bullying, collaboration, peer and family pressure, puberty and addiction.

I understand my work as a counsellor to be about providing you with a non-judgemental, safe, relational space, where my role is to facilitate you in addressing past experiences and how they impact on the present, the person you are today and support you in developing a deeper awareness of how you experience yourself privately, in relationships, in the world and in the present moment in the counselling relationship.

The counselling process can enable the possibility for exploring choices and change and can also lead to greater self-understanding, heightened self-acceptance, improved relationships with others and greater control over your life.

Please note that  all of my sessions are currently delivered by telephone or Skype.
I firmly believe that it’s never too late to learn how to be happier in your personal life and relationships, or enjoy success and fulfillment in your career.
I wasn’t born a Psychologist/Counsellor and I know what it means to live and work in the real world: I am a creative therapist with a background in Law & Finance and a professional experience gained both in the public and private sectors, at different hierarchical levels, working with people from all walks of life.
I have trained with Albert Ellis, the creator of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) and one of the most eminent psychologists of all times; with Deanne Jade, one of the UK’s leading experts in eating disorders; and with Prof. Stephen Palmer, the father of coaching in the UK.
Since the summer of 1991, I am a man with a mission: to help people lead healthier and happier lives.

I can help you if you are experiencing any of the following: Stress, Eating Disorders, Obsessions, OCD, Phobias, Self-harm, Abuse, Anxiety, Bereavement, Depression, Loss, Post-traumatic stress, Trauma, Health related issues, Cultural issues, Identity issues, Men’s issues, Self esteem, Sexuality, Spirituality, Relationships, Anger management, Redundancy, Work related issues. I also provide Career coaching, Life coaching and Development coaching.

I believe people seek therapy because they want to make a change in their lives. This can be scary, but having felt overwhelmed and anxious at times myself, I hope to be able to offer a supportive, calm, safe environment for you to explore your issues and work towards the best solution for you.

I’m a BACP registered counsellor with a Diploma in Integrative Counselling as well as a Diploma in Online counselling

I work with you in an Integrative way, which means I pull together different approaches which I feel you will respond well to, rather than sticking rigidly to one model. This way we can work together in the way that best suits you.

As well as running my private practice, I currently work at The Terrence Higgins Trust with people living with HIV, and prior to that I worked on their Youth Counselling Project delivering counselling to young adults, with the Central School of Speech and Drama, and a Jewish counselling service for adults. I’ve sat with many different people with individual stories, whether it be bereavement, life limiting illness, relationship difficulties or coming to terms with their sexuality. You can rest assured I will be there for you and will do my best to help you to see things more clearly and to help you to work out how to live a better more fulfilled life.

In addition, my previous work in television production equips me well to support people in the creative industries, and I understand at first hand the challenges of high pressure, high profile work and home life.

I adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework and work within their guidelines to keep you safe and well supported.