I am a psychotherapist with qualifications in clinical psychology and psychoanalysis, and a PhD which looked at which people and problems are helped by psychotherapy. I have an open approach, aware that different models of therapy fit differing situations, and I value consultation with patients to explore what is most likely to help. I sometimes work psychotherapeutically alongside a colleague providing medication or another treatment (e.g. couple therapy, CBT, addiction recovery).
I trained and worked for 12 years in NHS mental health services. Since 1996 I have been a professor of psychoanalysis at University College London.
From 2003-2013 I was Professional Director of the Anna Freud Centre which is a centre of innovation and excellence in the field of child and family mental health.
Alongside public work, I have always seen a role for private practice, particularly when working with a group of diverse colleagues such as at Queen Anne Street. Having gone part-time at UCL 5 years ago, I now maintain a busy clinical practice with adults, including single consultations, or ongoing psychoanalytic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, as well as supervision of psychotherapists.
50% of my clinical hours are reserved for low fee or pro bono work (through a separate network), and in the other half I welcome patients making a direct approach or referred by colleagues and previous patients. I have consulting rooms in central London and Bath. In London, I am at the Queen Anne Street Practice throughout Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I also provide sessions and supervisions by zoom or phone on other days, by agreement.
I work mainly with patients with relationship problems, career crises, the aftermath of family difficulties or trauma. I work often with gifted people whose life or work has run into trouble.
I am a member of the British Psychological Society as a chartered clinical psychologist (regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council), and the British Psychoanalytic Society (Institute of Psychoanalysis) as a psychoanalyst and psychotherapist (regulated by the British Psychoanalytic Council).