Welcome!
My name is Kirsten and I am a UKCP accredited, Integrative Psychotherapist in Finsbury Park , North London.
Life can be difficult, and being a human can bring many challenges and difficult experiences. The stories we tell ourselves can often limit and block us in leading the life we truly want to lead.
I offer a down to earth, non-judgemental approach, grounded in the fundamental belief that we all have the capacity for healing, change and growth. I provide a safe, compassionate, collaborative space tailored to your particular needs. Whether processing traumatic or difficult life experiences, grieving a loss, or seeking to improve your connection to yourself and others, I am here to support you, at your own pace.
Prior to being a therapist, I worked in the humanitarian sector, working in charities - both based in the UK, as well as living and working in different parts of Africa, and specialised in inclusion and human-rights programmes.
I therefore have a deep respect for, and understanding of diversity and difference, and the impact of marginalisation in all its forms.
Talking to a trained professional in a calm, confidential, and non-judgemental space can offer us the space to reflect on experiences, behaviours and thoughts and gain insight into ourselves and our place in the world enabling healing, growth and change to happen.
As a relational therapist I use the relationship we gradually build together to shine a light on understanding other relationships in your life. This can help you better understand yourself and develop the resources to live more authentically and reclaim your emotional wellbeing.
Qualifications & Training
I trained for five years at the Minster Centre, a leading psychotherapy training centre in the United Kingdom. The course meets the highest professional and academic standards and is validated by the UKCP and BACP and affiliated with Middlesex University.
I hold the following qualifications:
- Master of Arts degree in psychotherapy and counselling
- Advanced post graduate diploma in psychotherapy and counselling
- Diploma in counselling
- Master of Science in Development Studies
- Batchelor of Arts in Social Science
I am a UKCP accredited, Integrative Psychotherapist, and a registered member of the BACP, and abide fully by their ethics, ensuring safe practise. As a professional psychotherapist, I undertake regular supervision and continuing professional development to ensure I am offering my clients the best service possible
How I Work
Experience
I have a wide range of experience supporting clients with a wealth of different issues. In addition to my private practice, I have worked in an NHS secondary care service, working with complex mental health needs and trauma, offering long-term psychotherapy.
I also have experience working in a bereavement service supporting clients with all forms of loss and bereavement. In addition, I worked in a London university counselling service, where I supported students from diverse backgrounds with stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and identity issues through offering short-term therapy.
I have a particular interest in supporting parents and gained experience within an NHS perinatal service.
Areas of Work
I have experience working with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, relationship and attachment issues, all forms of loss and bereavement, issues of diversity and difference and women’s issues.
As a parent, I fully appreciate the challenges this role can bring. I draw on this, as well as knowledge gained in an NHS Perinatal service, to work with perinatal issues and parenting challenges. I support parents in all life stages, whether struggling with a difficult birth experience, the transition to parenthood, experiencing post-natal depression (PND), or post-natal anxiety. I also work with parents overwhelmed with the challenges of supporting a child with ADHD, anxiety or other challenges.
My Approach
As an integrative therapist, I draw on a variety of different approaches to assist you in meeting your particular needs and goals. This is unique and tailored to the individual circumstances of each client.
My practice is particularly informed by psychodynamic, relational and attachment theory. I also use Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) techniques to address and change unhelpful behaviour patterns, alongside other approaches.
I believe that the mind and body are inextricably linked and draw upon body-therapy theories and neuroscience, where appropriate, to aid understanding and work through issues.
My Location
I work from a calm, comfortable therapy room in two locations: a group psychotherapy practice (One Two Five Therapy Rooms, 125 Hanley Road, N4 3DQ), and my home practice (Corbyn Street, N4) which is located nearby. Both locations are easily accessible by local bus and tube routes and 10 minutes' walk from Finsbury Park tube station, and 5 minutes' walk from Crouch Hill Overground station.
I see clients from Central London, Crouch End, Stroud Green, Muswell Hill, Archway, Highgate, Highbury, Islington and Haringey. I also provide online sessions via zoom, or telephone. Where appropriate, a mixture of zoom and in-person sessions are also possible. Please do contact me to discuss your support needs and preferences.
Sessions & Fees
My core practice hours are as follows:
- Monday - 8.30am-12.00pm (One Two Five Therapy Rooms, 125 Hanley Rd, N4 3DQ).
- Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday - 10.00am -3.00pm (Corbyn Street, N4).
Therapy is a weekly space just for you to get the support you need. I offer both short-term and open-ended therapy depending on your individual needs and the issues being worked on. This can be face-to-face sessions or online via zoom.
After the initial assessment, my fee is between £80-£90 for each weekly, 50 minute therapy session (depending on location and time). Session fees are payable by direct bank transfer after each session.
I operate a 48 hour cancellation policy. I kindly ask that you give 48 hours’ notice. Otherwise, the session fee is payable.
Getting Started
I understand how daunting and overwhelming it can be looking for the right therapist. I offer a free 15 minute telephone consultation to ask any questions and get a sense of the support you need.
Following this, we can schedule a time to meet for an assessment session which lasts for approximately an hour. This can be either face-to-face or by telephone/online. Being comfortable with your therapist is a key part of successful therapy. The assessment appointment allows us the chance to meet, find out what's brought you to therapy, explore together how therapy might help you, and answer any questions you might have. After the initial assessment, if we agree to work together, we will schedule the best time to meet which will be reserved for you.
Please send me a message via the enquiry form, email me, or give me a call (07599 140615) to arrange an initial consultation. If I am unable to answer, I will get back to you. All contact is strictly confidential and I aim to reply to all enquiries in 24 hours.