Find your therapist

I am a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist with extensive NHS experience. I am the Mental Health Lead for the Cambridge Medical Academy (Cambridge University), where I train a global network of 800+ doctors and nurses in mental health. My research on improving access to mental health has been published internationally. I lecture at Southampton University teaching the Phd and MSc Psychology students. I provide in depth assessment and treatment for a range of psychological and emotional problems.

During my career, I have gained significant experience and supporting people to become psychologically and emotionally well again. Many of the patients I have supported have required specialist support with chronic anxiety and depression, low self-esteem, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, addiction and physical and psychological pain. I have in-depth clinical knowledge of how to manage complex psychological conditions.

My first degree in Anthropology and MSc in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy sit as a foundation for all of my professional work. This has included the clinical delivery and management of services for young people, troubled families and secondary care psychotherapy (complex comorbidity and Personality Disorders).

I’ve been counselling since 1989, and since then have been inspired by the resilience, bravery and sensitivity of the many adults, young people, families and couples I have worked with. I have extensive experience of working with sexual abuse and trauma, parenting and attachment difficulties, identity and relationship issues, depression and anxiety, bereavement and loss. I am committed to collaborating with you to find the resilient, hopeful part of yourself that becomes expert in managing your challenges and is motivated by the smallest signs of progress towards your preferred future.
I originally qualified as a Person-Centred counsellor, and have completed additional training in Transactional Analysis, Systemic Family Therapy, Attachment Based Therapy and Online Counselling. In 2007 I qualified as a Solution Focused Practitioner and this is how I prefer to work now. I have found the Solution Focused approach to be extremely effective in my personal life as well as in my work with clients.

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.

I offer a counselling relationship within which you feel safe and can explore whatever is causing you distress. With warmth, empathy, humour and respect, I will help you to discover ways of living more resourcefully and authentically, and will try to understand you and your experiences without being in any way judgemental.

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 the founder of V2Recovery where I work with individuals, couples and families. I have a passion in helping and supporting people experiencing any form of relationship distress and aim to make a difference in their quality of life. I use a relational approach in my work that brings the amazing benefits of therapy that attends to emotional and physical health in treating depression, trauma, and addiction. I have special interest in treating Post Traumatic stress.

I am a counsellor and psychotherapist, living in North Devon in England.

I have formerly been a teacher and run my own business in London.

I am a psychotherapeutic counsellor working with adults (18+ years) on a short, medium or long-term basis. I have a specialist interest in men’s mental health, workplace stress, relationship & family difficulties, and LGBTQ+ specific issues.

I hold a Masters level Post-Graduate Diploma in Psychosynthesis Counselling, accredited by Middlesex University. Psychosynthesis is a style of counselling and psychotherapy which utilises a range of approaches and techniques, including guided visualisations, to help cultivate self-awareness and willpower.

As a member of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy, I adhere to their professional codes of ethics and best practice.

Hello! I am a qualified, UKCP registered integrative psychotherapist. I am a relational, trauma informed, transpersonal psychotherapist and I work in a mindful, compassionate and creative way both in English and Italian. I also an EMDR trainee therapist and I am able to use this in my work. I am a LGBTQ+ affirmative therapist and welcome clients from diverse backgrounds.

How psychotherapy can help

Whatever your wound or life struggle, I will offer a calm and professional space to help you navigate through your current circumstances and towards a direction that is true and right for you.

Therapy can help with addressing the legacy of the past that might still be holding you back in the present and by helping you develop more and more of your inner resources and qualities

What to expect in the first session

This would be an opportunity to get to know each other with no obligations. It is for you to get a feel of whether you would like to work together on an ongoing basis and for me also to understand whether I might be the best person to help you. I will ask you some questions about what has brought you to therapy and about your background and this will be a good time to ask me any questions as well.

More about me
I came to therapy as a second profession after working in the advertising industry for some years. Originally from Sicily, in the south of Italy, I have called London my home for the past 13 years.

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.

I am an experienced counsellor, supervisor and psychosexual/relationship therapist. My background is in midwifery and women’s health and I have long experience working with teenage clients and family problems.
I am the person to see if you have issues with bereavement, depression, relationships, separation or divorce, work based problems and coping with the changes that life throws at us.
For those who have low self esteem or anxiety we can work together to improve your situation.
I also use EFT or tapping to help if your problem is addiction, phobias, anger management or PTSD.
I work with an open mind, using the therapy to suit your needs and will support you in improving your life whatever you feel is the problem. Ex-offenders welcome.
Couples counselling at any stage of your relationship is something I can assist with as a couple or single, Gay,lesbian, Bi or trans.If you want life to improve we can work together on any issue or I can sign post you to the best help for you. My place or yours and evening and weekend appointments available

Training, qualifications & experience
Registered midwife, counsellor, psychosexual/relationship therapist and teacher.
Supervisor for students and practitioners who hold a client case folder.
I have worked in Universities, hospitals and FE colleges. I worked in a charity for young people, for EAP providers, trauma and rapid response and independently.
MA  in race relations and ethnic studies and midwifery, sexual health and contraception qualifications.
Experience of working with ex-offenders.
Co author of “the Bullying Culture” with Ruth Hadikin concerning NHS bullying.
Happy to welcome anyone who wants to improve their life.
Registered Member of  BACP  and  Member of COSRT

Your life nowadays can be so fast paced, may be there are many roles and responsibilities, maybe there are communication problems, this can make us feel stress and anxious.
We all know talking helps, having somebody listened and understood us can help us bounce-back quicker and stronger. But it’s not always easy talking to friends and families about your problems, as they may find it hard to understand your feelings, or worse they might judge you for the way you feel.
This is where counselling comes in.
If you choose to work with me, you can experience a kind of quality Listening, you can experience being deeply understood and healed. Eventually you can learn to listen to yourself, not just hearing your thoughts, but to really listen to your needs. Learn to listen to yourself is to learn to love yourself.
You can cope with life so much better and feel happier when you look after yourself.
 

Below is a little bit about me

I am a fully qualified Person-Centred Counsellor and a member of the BACP.

I specialise in relationship and bereavement.

I am also experienced in counselling a range of issues such as relationship difficulties, bereavement, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, work & academic-related stress and more.

I am experienced with over 900 hours of practice.

I understand and am conversant in feelings, thoughts, intuitions, and spirituality

I am skilled at creating a safe environment for you to talk freely

Having studied for two degrees means I understand academic-related stress.

Having worked in the business sector before means I understand work-related stress and anxiety.

It is my belief that you have the inner wisdom to grow, to reach your full potential and be the person you want to be, it’s my aim to work collaboratively with you so that together we can explore how to move your life forward in a positive way.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Wenna

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’

I am a qualified Counselling Psychotherapist and an accredited member of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP).  As an accredited member I am recognise as having achieved a high standard of knowledge, experience and development in counselling and psychotherapy.  I keep myself informed of up to date research and continue to develop my own skills and understanding through CPD courses and further training.

With a deep curiosity and desire to understand my own mind and experiences I have undertaken many processes of  personal and academic development.  I am interested in the variety of ways in which to understand how we function, interact and adapt as human beings.

Through my natural analytic way of thinking  I have sought (and continue to seek) to understand the different ways we perceive, understand and manage life experiences, both those of our mind and that of the external world.   This understanding is derived from intense and thorough vocational training; obtaining broad academic qualifications in psychotherapy, counselling and psychology; and from my own therapy and analysis.    I believe in the importance of relational work and see the foundation of any therapeutic healing to be grounded in the relationship with have with ourselves and with others.  This is complexly combined with our neurological, biological, cognitive and psychological composition, which all intertwine with our environmental experiences.

In every individual there is the capacity to adapt, develop and evolve and I believe we all have the ability to create an environment which enables us to manage life’s challenges and continue to develop in the face of them.  We work within the boundaries of our unique psychological make-up using the resources we naturally have and obtaining those we don’t in order to function and grow.  This process begins with recognising that every individual has a choice and in every choice there is a consequence.  Ultimately, one’s choices will determine how one lives life.  Investing in yourself, believing that you are worth the same as another, and creating an internal and external environment which supports you in times of crisis or injury as well as those of development and growth is key to the therapeutic process.

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!  ; )

PS: I further work together with mental health charity AnxietyUK, you’re welcome to have a look at the webinars I gave for them recently, have a  look under

#Coronanxiety – mental health and staying at home and #Coronanxiety – health anxiety:

#Coronanxiety support & resources

In the current climate of panic and fear I’m very happy to offer my services at lower than usual rates,

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

I’ve had an awareness for many years that much of the suffering and many terrible things that happen in the world  are fundamentally unnecessary and wrong. And that collectively we can help to end abuse and corruption of power.

Maybe now is the perfect time to connect with people who want to take their power back and grow through challenge and adversity, maybe you would like to grow and evolve in a new way through all the fear, panic and chaos around you.

What if the human immune system is way more complex and advanced than we know?

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

If we take sensible risks and resist completely going into fear and over relying on medication, which can risk putting harmful toxins into the body as well as negative side effects, rather than going back into our nature.

I’ve always been fascinated with life and the human condition, as in why people and the world are the way they are.

Why good people do bad things, and why the world works in such a strange way.

Like many of us I grew up in a challenging environment, at school it didn’t feel like I fitted in and I found many of my teachers to be abusive and even hostile at time.

Also like a lot of us, I had parents who are not bad people, but their own problems interfered with my own developmental needs and personal challenges at key points.

I love creative arts like music, film and stories we can learn from, as well as physical body based activities like swimming and martial arts, outdoor camping trips, and exploring different parts of the world.

I love working with clients and helping them to become more self aware and empowered individuals.

I have a strong passion for self development work and bringing meaning and purpose to the world.

Gabriella is an Integrative therapist delivering therapy predominantly online having completed a diploma in Online Counselling in addition to her initial Psychotherapy training. Her motivation is to make therapy more accessible and convenient for everyone and reduce the stigma surrounding its use. Whilst she has experiencing working with a wide range of issues, she specialises in anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, self-esteem, relationship problems, bereavement, self-harm and addictions. She works with adolescents, families, adults, couples, the elderly and disabled. She has trained in a number of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Person-Centred Counselling, Psychotherapy, Hypnotherapy, Emotional Freedom Technique, Existential, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Transactional Analysis, and Mindfulness. If you choose to work with Gabriella, she will provide a safe, supportive space for you to explore how you can fulfil your unique potential, draw upon your inner resources, and become your own person. If necessary she will help you put in place coping strategies and find a new place of perspective in those areas that may be holding you back or causing distress.

I have worked in the mental health sector for over five years, supporting adults who have been diagnosed with mental health disorders, such as Schizophrenia and anxiety disorders, at times in combination with substance misuse. I am a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist working in private practice and in the NHS. I work on a short-term and long-term basis with clients aged 16+ from a variety of different backgrounds. I am passionate about my work with clients and I am committed to providing a professional yet meaningful service. I am registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and I am listed on The Black African and Asian Therapy Network (BAATN) therapist directory and Counselling Directory.