Lillian Atkinson

I am a relational, integrative psychotherapist and HCPC registered counselling psychologist who integrates different therapeutic concepts and theoretical ideas when working with clients: I do not believe in a generic approach to psychological therapy, as we are all unique. As a result, I aim to develop a deep understanding of each client I work with, to inform the therapeutic work. I draw primarily from psychodynamic, attachment, trauma-focused, existential and cognitive-behavioural theories, alongside neuroscience research, holding the person-centred values of compassion, empathy, respect and care.

I work in a relational way with adults and young people and my aim is to provide an open, caring environment to develop our therapeutic relationship and to understand the difficulty, its impact and the possibility of change.

As well as offering psychological therapy to clients, I am also a Senior Lecturer on the Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy by Professional Studies at the Metanoia Institute/Middlesex University.

Areas I work with

I have particular experience of working with the following issues:

• Addictions
• Bereavement and loss
• Work stress/negative thoughts
• Life crises/feeling stuck
• Parenting/family issues
• Relationship issues
• Anxiety, including panic attacks
• Depression
• Identity issues
• Illness
• Trauma and post-traumatic stress
• Anger
• Difficult childhood experiences/childhood abuse
• Feeling disconnected and lonely
• Neurodiversity: ASC, ADHD.
• Meaning and life stages

My Doctoral research dissertation was on the topic is men’s meaning making after the death of a loved one.

Qualifications and Training

Some of my experiences as a psychologist are:

• in an NHS child and adolescent mental health service working with children, young people and families;
• with various mental health charities;
• with a substance abuse service in a London hospital, and:
• the student counselling service of a London university.

My qualifications are:

Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Integrative Psychotherapy by Professional Studies (DCPsych) (Metanoia Institute/Middlesex University, London)

Postgraduate Clinical Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy (Metanoia Institute, London)

Masters in Counselling (MA)

Masters in Psychology (MSc)

LL.B Law and French

I am a registered member of the Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC), United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I am also a chartered member of the British Psychological Society (BPS). I abide by these codes of ethics.

I continue my professional development through further training and clinical supervision.