Finder

Specialises in

• Applied Relaxation
• Behaviour Therapy
• Behavioural Activation (BA)
• CBT with Exposure and Response Prevention (CBT with ERP)

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Counselling
• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

• Mindfulness based CBT
• Motivational Interviewing
• Trauma focused CBT

Offers

• Face-to-face consultations
• Video and telephone consultations

About me

I am a HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years of experience working within mental health, supporting individuals and families experiencing a range of psychological and relational challenges. I hold a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from University College London (UCL), and have worked in varied settings, including the NHS, children's safeguarding services, private hospitals, and in private practice. Currently, I work within private practice and as the deputy pathway lead for a specialist service within the NHS dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD).

My clinical practice is rooted in a systemic and trauma-informed approach, and I draw upon a number of evidence-based therapeutic models, including Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT). I specialise in working with people who may be experiencing psychological challenges as a result of trauma. This may include those who have faced a distressing event or have endured repeated adversities throughout their lives, such as abuse, neglect, exploitation, interpersonal violence, or intimidating and controlling behaviour.

Throughout this work, I have seen how trauma can contribute to the development of a number of different difficulties across a range of areas in your life, and how these can diminish a person's self-esteem, self-confidence, and sense of belonging. In therapy, my aim is to create a safe, empathic space where you feel supported in exploring these difficulties. I know starting therapy can be a daunting process, and so I support clients to work towards collaborative goals, which help you to reconnect with your inner strength and resilience, and which help you break free from the problem or what may be keeping difficulties stuck. In doing so, I hope to change the relationship you have with their distress, and to reconnect with the important things you value in life.

If you are thinking about starting therapy, I offer a free initial consultation, during which we can discuss your current needs and hopes for therapy, and so I can share a little more about my approach and what to expect in therapy, to help you feel informed and comfortable before beginning sessions.

Areas of interest

Age: 18+

Difficulties treated:
PTSD
Complex-PTSD
Complex trauma
Anxiety
OCD
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
Phobias
Panic
Health anxiety
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
Social anxiety
Depression
Low self-esteem
Unhelpful perfectionism
Shame and self-criticism
Emotional dysregulation
Burnout


Models:
EMDR
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT; including third wave)
Exposure and response prevention (ERP)
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
Narrative therapy
Narrative exposure therapy

Specialist interests and expertise in the following physical conditions

• Psychophysiological disorders

Medical secretaries

• Sonam Patel
• drsonampatel@outlook.com