Meet the team

Welcome to The London Centre. Our team comprises of Clinical and Counselling Psychologists, Psychotherapists, Integrative Therapists, Dietitians, Nutritionists, Family Therapists and Occupational Therapists. Everyone at The London Centre is experienced in working with people with eating disorders and body image issues. We know how important it is to find the right therapist for you, and we hope that the information below will help you with this process. Click on the names below to read our full biographies.

Clinical Director

Dr Bryony Bamford
Founder & Director
Clinical Psychologist

Dr Bryony Bamford, BSc(hons), DClinPsy
Founder & Director, Consultant Clinical Psychologist
Dr Bryony Bamford image

Primary Therapy Approaches:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy-Enhanced (CBT-E)
Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM)
Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Other Training:
Schema-Focused Therapy (SFT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Family Based Treatment (FBT), Third Wave Therapies (CFT/ MBT)

Consulting Hours:
Caseload currently full

Biography
My interest in eating disorders has spanned the whole of my professional career, now approaching 20 years. I have worked with individuals with eating disorders across a number of different treatment settings, inpatient and outpatient, and within the NHS and privately. I learned relatively early on in my career that, whilst no two people with eating disorders are the same, treatment is only really effective when a deep understanding of what works with eating disorders and what works for the individual is combined. My job as an eating disorder therapist is to be knowledgeable and skilled, but also patient, compassionate and committed to helping my clients in the best way I can.

Early on in my career I worked in international research, developing psychological treatments for severe and enduring anorexia – an area notoriously difficult to work in, but one that I find incredibly rewarding. As a researcher, part of my role was to train, supervise and promote the development of cutting edge treatments for the whole spectrum of eating disorders. Later on in my career I trained in Family Based Treatment, a very different approach enabling me to work with younger sufferers of eating disorders and their families. More recently I have trained in EMDR, a very different approach that has an incredible ability to help people overcome past trauma. These can be both ‘Big T’ traumas such as childhood abuse and neglect, as well as ‘little t’ traumas such as relationship difficulties, distressing events and phobias.

I am passionate about the importance of delivering high quality effective treatment across our service (as well as others) and fighting the stigma and misunderstandings that still exist around eating disorders. Outside of my professional life I am a busy mum of 3, as well as a friend, wife, sister and daughter. Each of these areas are incredibly important to me as a person and I try to balance the many roles I have with a career that I truly enjoy.

Specialist Adult Team

Dr Christina Barras
Consultant Psychiatrist

Lauren Aron
Specialist Psychotherapist

Kendra Blake
Specialist Integrative and Occupational Therapist

Kendra Blake BSc (Hons)
Specialist Integrative and Occupational Therapist

Primary Therapy Approaches:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders(CBT-E)
Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB)
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Occupational Therapy
Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA)
Internal Family Systems Theory (IFS)

Consulting Hours:
Weekday evenings (remote) and Thursday/Friday daytimes (remote)

I qualified as an Occupational Therapist at the University of Cape Town, and spent a number of years working therapeutically with eating disorders, addiction and general psychiatry in South Africa. I then moved to the United Kingdom in 2019 to work in a therapeutic day service for people with eating disorders before joining The London Centre in 2021. I am passionate about working holistically with clients' mental and physical well-being. I have undertaken further courses to enrich my clinical work, including training in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Interpersonal Neurobiology, a Foundation Course in Dance Movement Psychotherapy and Positive Psychology and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). I also have a keen interest in Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), compulsive exercise and Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and have extensive experience supporting clients in these areas of their recovery.

This background allows me to work in a diverse, integrative way. I utilise my skills as an Occupational Therapist to help people to optimise their potential within their daily tasks, roles and chosen activities. Equally, my experience of working in therapeutic eating disorder units combined with my additional training allows me to offer supportive and containing processing spaces for clients, grounded in CFT, DBT, CBT-E, IPNB and MBSR. I utilise numerous techniques to work alongside clients, including helping clients establish a robust skills toolkit for emotion regulation, address issues around exercise and body image, and establish meaningful daily practices and balanced routines. My goal is to assist individuals to navigate their internal struggles, allowing them to tap into their unique strengths and optimise their recovery journeys.

In my therapeutic work, I strive to create a safe, caring and containing space to support people to explore their distress and find ways to alleviate this; aiming to work closely with clients in regaining their sense of independence and autonomy within their recovery journey.

Amy Chisholm
Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Amy Chisholm, PG Dip Clin Psych, PG Dip CBT, MA (Psych)
Specialist Clinical Psychologist
Amy Chisholm image

Primary Therapeutic Approaches:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-E)
Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)
Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Other training: Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Imagery Rescripting, Motivational Interviewing, Mentalisation Based Treatment (MBT)

Consulting Hours:
Tuesday evening (Remote)

Biography:
I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist who has worked in mental health settings since 2003. I have been a registered Clinical Psychologist since I completed training in New Zealand in February 2009. I am also a trained EMDR practitioner, and Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) practitioner.

I moved to the UK in 2012 and have worked for many years as a Senior Clinical Psychologist in the NHS, in both specialist Eating Disorders services and Trauma services. I am regularly involved in training and supervising colleagues working with a range of adult mental health problems.

I work as an integrative and evidence based trauma-informed therapist. I will get to know you as a person and aim to understand what matters to you and what is keeping you stuck from living the life you hope for. I will use strategies that are known to work, to help you get unstuck and reach your goals. I have often been described as a caring and perceptive therapist. I aim to listen with understanding, and help find practical solutions for you.

I particularly enjoy working with people struggling with eating disorders and body image problems as I see how common these problems are, and have also seen time and again how people can get away from the snare of an eating disorder by making pointed changes with the ways of thinking and acting that really matter. I know that eating disorder therapy works, and enjoy helping people discover this for themselves.

Dr Emily Cudworth
Specialist Counselling Psychologist

Dr Emily Cudworth, MA(Hons), DCounPsy
Specialist Counselling Psychologist

Primary Therapy Approaches:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy-Enhanced (CBT-E), Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA)

Other training:
Schema-Focused Therapy (SFT)/ Attachment Narrative Therapy (ANT)/ Foundation Course at Institute of Psychoanalysis / Foundation Course in Cognitive Analaytic Therapy (CAT)

Consulting Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (Remote), Friday (Manchester), Saturday (remote/Central London)

Biography
Whilst completing my doctoral training at The University of Manchester, I was inspired by the writings of Susie Orbach. Her insights inspired me to reflect upon the way in which in our society and views of our bodies are interrelated with how we view and identify with ourselves. This inspired me to work with people to address this dilemma and to hopefully play a part in liberating people suffering from eating disorders from limiting belief systems that perpetuate these struggles.

During my training, I worked at a community-based eating disorders service in Manchester. Whilst at this service, I worked primarily one-to-one with adults with a variety of eating disorder diagnoses. Alongside this, I facilitated CBT informed group therapy for weight management. I have also worked within the NHS at an adult eating disorder service, in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I have worked in private practice at The London Centre since 2015. I primarily see adult clients.

My original training took a humanistic stance, which remains the core of my approach currently. This means my aim is to relate to the whole individual instead of seeing someone through the lens of a diagnosis. This stance lends itself to encouraging self-exploration and awareness, validating each client’s human potential. I aim to creatively adapt my therapeutic approach to the needs and stories of each individual. I favour a collaborative approach to the therapeutic process, working with clients to come to a shared understanding of what they need.

I love to travel and be amongst nature and wildlife. When not working, I enjoy walking my young labrador in the many parks and heaths around London. I also have great gratitude to the ancient teachings of yoga, having practiced yoga in some form or another for many years. In the past few years I have been drawn to the practice of jivamukti yoga in particular.

Jessica Demol
Specialist Counselling Psychologist

Jessica Demol CPsychol. Post MSC-PGDip, MSc, BSc (Hons)
Specialist Counselling Psychologist
Jessica Demol image

Primary Therapeutic Approaches:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - Enhanced (CBT-E)
Integrative Therapy

Other training:
Schema Therapy, Eating Disorder Therapy

Consulting Hours:
Monday morning (Central)

Biography
I completed my Chartership training at Roehampton University, where I trained to become a Chartered Counselling Psychologist (BPS). I obtained extensive training in the three modalities; Psychodynamic, Person Centred and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Throughout my training and previous research, I found CBT to be a very effective method of therapy in assisting change in clients, notwithstanding including a humanistic stance at the core of my therapeutic approach.

During my training and post training, I worked in Mind Mental Health Charity, which offered low cost therapy to the community, as well as a NHS GP Surgery, where I worked with a wide range of mental health problems, including depression, relationship issues, anxiety disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), health anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, phobias and more.

I have since trained in Schema Therapy and Eating Disorder Therapy, which has become my special interest area; eating disorders; body image issues, low self-esteem and emotional regulation. I work in Nightingale Hospital in the Eating Disorder Unit, both in inpatient and outpatient treatment, since 2014 and I joined The London Centre for Eating Disorders & Body Image in 2021.

My approach remains humanistic at the core, while using CBT-E techniques, which are tailored to the specific eating problem and the clients needs. Likewise, I use Schema Therapy in many client presentations when deemed helpful. Schema Therapy can be helpful in changing long term negative thinking patterns.

I offer a safe, confidential space for clients to explore and reflect on emotional and behavioural issues. Collaboratively working with the client, increasing self awareness, teaching coping strategies and techniques that help the client to independently overcome their issues.

Jo Jones
Specialist CBT and SSCM Therapist

Jo Jones, RMN, PGDip
Specialist CBT and SSCM Therapist

Primary Therapy Approaches:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - Enhanced (CBT-E)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - Ten (CBT-T)
Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM)

Other Training:
Motivational interviewing
Compassion Focused Therapy
CBT
ARFID

Consulting Hours:
Monday and Wednesday Evenings (remote))

Biography
Eating Disorders can impact every area of a person’s life and as a result, change can be challenging and at times scary, but with the right support I believe that change is always possible and there is always hope for recovery. As a therapist I aim to be consistent, warm, and approachable. We will work collaboratively towards goals and build on strengths so that life can start to feel brighter and freer.

I have experience of working with people at various stages and severity of their eating disorder and I recognise the importance of creating a safe therapeutic space for people entering treatment and how important it is for someone to feel supported, validated and heard, with a non-judgemental and compassionate approach.

I can adapt my practice for people who may require support to develop skills around emotional regulation, anxiety and low mood alongside addressing their eating disorder. My nursing background gives me the skills and experience to be able to create the therapeutic relationship and space that is needed to work together and achieve your goals and individual recovery.

I am a registered mental health nurse with over 29 years’ experience in acute and community mental health. I specialised in adult eating disorders 10 years ago, and until recently I was the Senior Nurse Specialist for an NHS Adult Eating Disorder Service, and I am currently the Service Manager for a new early intervention and prevention service for eating disorders. I have recently completed my post graduate diploma in CBT (eating disorders) at University College London.

I am also a mum to 2 lovely boys and a British shorthair cat. I love to be with friends and trying new activities with my boys, which I am not always great at and find them laughing at me a lot!

Clare Lawrence
Specialist Occupational Therapist and Recovery Counsellor

Sophie Meakin
Specialist Psychological Therapist

Primary Therapy Approaches:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy-Enhanced (CBT-E)
Person Centered Therapy
Integrative Therapy

Other training:
Psychodynamic Therapy

Consulting Hours:
Monday (Central Clinic)

Biography

I have always had a strong passion for supporting people with eating disorders, and have seen first-hand the impact that they can have on a person and their loved ones. I have recently finished my training on the Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology at London Metropolitan University. During my time on the course, I have worked in a drug and alcohol charity, IAPT services, and private practice. My placements have allowed me to gain a wide range of experience in working with a variety of mental health difficulties, including but not limited to, depression, anxiety, bereavement, addiction, and low self-esteem.

Prior to my training, I worked as an assistant psychologist at an in-patient unit for eating disorders, as well as a rehabilitation unit for females with complex mental health needs and co-morbid presentations. Prior to this, I worked at a mental health hospital which consisted of acute and psychiatric intensive care, child and adolescent mental health, and private acute and addictions treatment programmes. Throughout my time at university, I have volunteered with Shout UK, which is a crisis text line. Additionally, I have volunteered with Headway (the brain injury association), and my local NHS mental health services.

I like to work in an integrative way by drawing on many different tools, techniques and therapeutic models to ensure that the client is receiving treatment that is tailored to them and their needs. I strongly believe in exploring all aspects of a person rather than focusing purely on their diagnosis. I am passionate about building a strong, collaborative therapeutic alliance where the client can feel listened to, validated and supported in their journey.

Outside of work and study, I enjoy spending my time catching up on films and series, reading, and playing badminton. I also love visiting my family back home in Birmingham, and going on one too many walks with my dog whilst there.

Dr Dan Moore
Specialist Counselling Psychologist

Dr Charlotte Priestley
Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Dr Charlotte Priestley (DClinPsy)
Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Consulting Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (Central/Remote)

Primary Therapeutic Approaches:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Enhanced (CBT-E)

Other training:
Compassion focused therapy for Eating Disorders (CFT-E) Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-BDD) for Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Cognitive Analytic (informed) Therapy (CAT)

Biography
I have worked in mental health services within the NHS for over 15 years, with the majority of my experience working as a Clinical Psychologist specialising in the treatment of eating disorders and appearance related distress. Since pursuing a career in clinical psychology I have held a keen interest in how eating, weight and body image can hugely impact upon a person’s well-being and quality of life. Alongside my eating disorder work, I have also provided psychological support to people undergoing physical weight loss treatment (including bariatric surgery) and appreciate how incredibly complex personal relationships with food and eating can be. For the past 3 and a half years I have worked at the Royal London Hospital with individuals undergoing appearance altering facial surgery. This experience has allowed me to deepen my understanding of how body image and a perceived “different” or altered appearance, can profoundly impact upon a person’s identity and self-esteem.

As a Clinical Psychologist I am highly trained in a range of evidence based therapeutic approaches, which I tailor (where clinically appropriate) to meet the individual needs of each client. I have worked hard to develop the knowledge and skills required not only to address unhelpful eating patterns, but to help people connect with and change underlying mechanisms, which often keep painful feelings and damaging behaviours going. My primary approach when working with eating disorders and body image problems is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). However, I also use Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and draw upon Cognitive Analytic approaches, which I have found extremely useful in helping clients to gain deeper insight into their difficulties and to establish long-term change.

I understand that seeking help can be very daunting at first and often feelings of ambivalence or fear can make change seem unattainable. However, I strongly believe that everyone is entitled to live a happy and healthy life and with the right support and guidance, this is absolutely possible. I consider my approach to be warm and supportive, I always welcome feedback and aim to work collaboratively towards a shared goal.

Dr Menna Rose
Specialist Counselling Psychologist

Dr Menna Rose, BSc (hons), MSc, DPsych
Specialist Ccounselling Psychologist

Primary Therapy Approaches:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy-Enhanced (CBT-E)
Integrative Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Psychodynamic Therapy

Other training:

Person-Centred Therapy
Chair Work
Schema Therapy
Compassion-Focused Therapy

Consulting Hours:
Wednesday (Central London)

Biography

As an HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist, I have a range of experiences in both the NHS and private settings and have worked with a broad range of mental health presentations including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, chronic pain, perinatal mental health, grief and relational difficulties. I also have experience and a particular interest in supporting individuals to overcome difficulties with eating and body image concerns.

My clinical experience in eating disorders has shown me that whilst individuals struggling with eating disorders often feel at a loss in some way or experience high levels of distress around food and at times their body, they can also feel quite conflicted when it comes to contemplating or making a change. Because of this, I truly value developing a collaborative understanding of someone’s eating difficulties, why they started, what keeps them going and how they are getting in the way of someone living the most fulfilling life that they want to lead. I find that this helps to support individuals feel more motivated in their treatment and in their ability to, and reasons for, making a change. I will then continue to work collaboratively with my clients to plan and tailor treatment in a way that aims to support their individual needs. So, whilst I am passionate about working with research-informed, evidence-based models of therapy (such as CBT-E), I am also open to drawing upon the different approaches I have been trained in as and when it feels appropriate and important to support my clients with their own unique difficulties.

Alongside my work at The London Centre, I also hold a clinical role in an NHS Eating Disorder service in central London. Here, I work with a broad range of eating disorders including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder.

Outside of my work I enjoy travelling, getting out of busy London on the weekends and spending time with family and friends.

Dr Sukhi Ruprai
Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Dr Sukhi Ruprai, BSc (Hons), DClinPsy
Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Primary Therapeutic Approach:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Maudsley Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA)

Other training:
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Mentalisation Based Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Consulting Hours:
Monday Evenings Remote

Biography
I completed my Professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of East London. I have over 10 years of experience working with children, young people and adults struggling with eating difficulties and body image in both private practice and NHS settings. I am trained in Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-E) and the Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA), as well as being able to offer Systemic Therapy to families. I have a particular interest in attachment theory and often draw on this when conceptualising the people I work with. I have always been curious about what impacts a person’s relationship with food and their body and am committed to helping people restore this relationship. I like to take an integrative approach to therapy and endeavour to work creatively and think systemically.

In addition to The London Centre, I work in an NHS Personality Disorder & Trauma service, where I use mainly MBT and EMDR as treatment approaches. I recently became an accredited MBT therapist. I hold a personal interest in working with communities that find it hard to access services and am mindful of the impact of stigma, discrimination, and marginalisation. Having observed the detrimental effects labels can have on people, I am tentative when talking about diagnoses and am aware of the power of language. While delivering evidence-based treatment, I also strongly believe in working collaboratively and promoting service user involvement where possible, so people can lead meaningful lives while coping with their mental health difficulties.

Outside of work I enjoy playing with my rabbits, reading, travelling, and trying new cuisines.

Rob Scaife
Specialist Counselling Psychologist and Integrative Psychotherapist

Rob Scaife, DCPsych, BA (hons)
Specialist Counselling Psychologist and Integrative Psychotherapist

Primary Therapy Approaches:
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy;
Integrative Psychotherapy;
Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E)

Consulting Hours:
Monday (Central London/remote)

Biography
I am a Counselling Psychologist and Psychotherapist with 8 years of clinical experience.

At the heart of my approach - as both a Psychotherapist and a Psychologist - is a warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental way of being, which I believe is fundamental to creating a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship for change and personal growth to occur.

I have a breadth of experience from practicing in a variety of settings, including an NHS eating disorder service, in my own private practice, in-house at large corporates, and in the voluntary sector. I am dedicated to supporting people with all kinds of emotional and psychological difficulties and I am passionate about working with people with eating disorders and body image concerns for both personal and professional reasons.

My primary approach when working with eating disorders is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT-E, however I also draw upon Compassion Focused Therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and psychodynamic psychotherapy. I view the therapeutic process as collaborative and a journey that we take together. My commitment is to work alongside you so that you feel safe and supported, gain insight and understanding about yourself and your condition, and develop ways to manage and loosen the negative hold of food, eating and body concerns in your life. Although beginning therapy for an eating disorder can be scary, with courage and the right kind of support I truly believe in the possibility of healing, recovery, and a more fulfilling life.

When I’m not working I am most likely on a tennis court, dog walking, listening to music, gardening, or watching cricket – all of which I find to be therapeutic in their own unique ways!

Dr Neha Zia
Specialist Counselling Psychologist

Dr Neha Zia, BSc (hons), DPsych
Specialist Counselling Psychologist

Primary Therapy Approaches:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy-Enhanced (CBT-E)
Person Centred Approach
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)

Other training:
Psychodynamic Therapy

Consulting Hours:
Monday (Central London), Tuesday (remote), Wednesday PM (Central)

Biography

I am a HCPC Counselling Psychologist, trained and experienced in working with a range of client presentations including eating disorders, body dysmorphia, anxiety, depression, relationship and attachment issues, perfectionism, and low self-esteem. I am keen to promote awareness and psychoeducation around Body Image issues, misconceptions around Eating Disorders and de-stigmatisation of accessing psychological therapies - particularly within minority cultures and marginalised communities. In addition to my work at The London Centre, I am currently providing Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) within a child and adult service in North London.

My work is primarily based on CBT, however I draw many aspects of my practice from an evidence-based integrative approach to ensure that the provision of psychological therapy is collaborative, and tailored to individual needs rather than taking a 'one-size-fits-all' stance. Prior to my Professional Doctorate, I worked in complex community services, which included provision of key-work support to a range of clients with varying concerns such as addiction, homelessness, and domestic abuse. Following this I advocated for patients within acute psychiatric wards and Psychiatric Intensive Care Units (PICU) between two NHS hospitals across West London.

I work with dedication and enthusiasm and aim to provide non-judgemental therapy with empathy and care. I value the importance of a warm and trusting environment for people to feel comfortable in discussing their thoughts and feelings in an open way. Incorporating creativity in various areas of life through art, meditation and music, is something which I am passionate about and encourage creativity and expression amongst others.

Specialist Child and Adolescent Team

Dr Hayley Dolan
Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Dr Hayley Dolan, BSc (Hons), MSc, PG Cert, DClinPsy
Specialist Clinical Psychologist
Dr Hayley Dolan image

Primary Therapeutic Approaches:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - Enhanced (CBT-E)
Family Based Treatment (FBT)
Adolescent Focused Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa (AFT-AN)

Other training:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – Ten (CBT-T), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for ARFID (CBT-AR), Motivational Interviewing.

Consulting Hours:
Mondays (Remote), Wednesday Evening (Remote), Fridays (Hertford Clinic)

Biography
I am a HCPC registered Specialist Clinical Psychologist, having completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at University College London. I have spent over ten years employed within NHS and private mental health care teams, working alongside both children and adults.

Eating Disorders can have a significant impact on physical health and psychological wellbeing, detracting from relationships, interfering with education or work, and negatively affecting quality of life. I am passionate about effective therapies that allow people to lead happier and more fulfilling lives.

I am particularly interested in early detection and intervention, which has fuelled my desire to specialise in working with children, adolescents, young adults, and their families. Given that no individual or family is alike, my approach to therapy is characterised by the use of evidence-based treatments that are thoughtfully tailored to the needs of each person. I use approaches shown by research to be effective, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - Enhanced (CBT-E), Adolescent Focused Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa (AFT-AN) and Family Based Treatment (FBT), while also drawing upon my knowledge of other psychological models, to ensure that treatment is a good fit.

Therapy is undoubtedly hard work and therefore a trusting and secure therapeutic relationship is key. I always aim to bring warmth, empathy, and optimism to sessions, while also offering a gentle push when needed, and remaining change-orientated.

Outside of work I am happiest when spending time with friends and family; that said, I can often be found with my head buried in a book or thoroughly absorbed in a good TV series!

Dr Ellie Bishop
Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Dr Ellie Bishop BSc (Hons), DClinPsy
Specialist Clinical Psychologist
Ellie Bishop image

Consulting Hours:
Currently on Maternity Leave

Primary Therapeutic Approaches:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – Enhanced (CBT-E),Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA), Family Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa (FT-AN), Family Based Treatment for ARFID (FBT-ARFID)

Other training:
Multi-Family Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa (MFT-AN),
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for ARFID (CBT-AR)

Biography
I am an HCPC registered Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist. I completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at University College London and have been working with children, adolescents and adults in NHS Eating Disorder Services since. Alongside my work at the London Centre, I am currently working as a Senior Clinical Psychologist within the Kent & Medway Eating Disorder Service.

I have a longstanding interest in eating behaviours and the relationship we all have with food, weight and shape. I understand how difficulties in these areas can have a huge impact on the wellbeing of individuals and families, and effect people in all domains of life including relationships, work and education. I am particularly interested in thinking about the wider impact that society has on our eating behaviours, and thoughts and feelings about body image and appearance.

I work primarily with children and young adults, both individually and with their families. I predominantly work from CBT or systemic therapeutic models. I feel passionately that everyone should be treated as an individual and as such, I always aim to tailor therapy specifically to a client’s needs whilst being guided by the evidence around the most effective treatments.

I understand that seeking help can feel very difficult for some people, and that often there may be some ambivalence or worry about change. I believe it is important to explore these feelings in therapy and work together to agree shared goals. I hope that I create a warm and empathic environment in sessions, and a space where people feel listened to and supported to work towards meaningful change.

Gladys Ellis
Specialist Family Therapist

Gladys Ellis, MSc, RMN
Specialist Family Therapist

Primary Therapy Approaches:
Family Based Therapy-AN
Family Based Therapy-BN
Attachment Based Family Therapy
Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (RODBT)

Consulting Hours:
Saturday (Central London)

Biography
I am a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist, and I have worked in the field of psychological health for 30 years - and with eating disorders for almost 20. I am a Consultant Family and Systemic Psychotherapist in the NHS within the highly regarded Mausdley Centre for Children and Adolescent Eating Disorders in South London team but, as part of my role at The London Centre, I also enjoy working with adults and their partners or families. My work takes a range of different formats; from providing therapeutic support, psychoeducation and skills based guidance to families or partners of individuals suffering from an eating disorder to more formal family therapy.

I am trained in Maudsley Family Based Therapy for both Anorexia and Bulimia (FBT-BN / FBT-AN) and in Attachment based Family Therapy (ABFT) which is well evidenced in treating depression in young people. Family therapy is the National Institute of Clinical Excellence recommended treatment of choice for children and young people and is particularly helpful either when a young person is able to be supported in their recovery by their family, or when any difficulties within an individuals’ wider family, peer or school system need to be addressed alongside treatment. I have also trained in a new approach, Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (RODBT)-, which I am able to draw on in my work with families, couples and young people to improve their relationships.

My main aim is to help families to understand and support each other and to tap into their existing strengths and resiliencies (which can be difficult to access in times of stress brought on by the presence of an eating disorder). I would describe myself as warm and compassionate, but I am also able to challenge young people and families to change within the context of a supportive and trusting relationship, which is crucial to aid recovery.

Dr Corinne Gibson
Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Dr Tiziana Corsini
Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Dr Tiziana Corsini, Clinical Psychology PhD, Family Therapy MSc
Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Primary Therapy Approaches:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy-Enhanced (CBT-E/ CBT-ARFID), Family Based Therapy, Schema Therapy, Mentalisation Based Therapy

Other training:
Attachment Based Therapy/ Dialectical Behaviour Therapy/ Interpersonal Therapy/ Maudsley Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA)/ Motivational interviewing, Diabetes T1 and T2

Consulting Hours:
Currently on Maternity Leave

Biography
Eating disorders became my area of interest at the end of my training in clinical psychology (Italy), when I moved to London to study family therapy at the Maudsley. Working in this field has been a humbling and gratifying journey that taught me that resources and strengths can be found anywhere even when they are not obvious. There is a huge amount of evidence and research that demonstrates the effectiveness of family based therapeutic approaches within the treatment of eating disorders, and this often reminds me that the strength and power in the relationships within families and support networks can support and enable people in their full recovery.

When I work with individuals, I draw on different clinical models and strive to maintain a collaborative and inclusive practice. I find that eating disorders are often used as attempted coping strategies to help people cope with meaningful life transitions and events. Clients can really benefit from tailored and individualised treatments helping them to develop an understanding of their condition from an existential and holistic perspective.

In the last 10+ years I have worked across different NHS services both in inpatient and outpatient settings and more recently, I have become interested in teaching and supervision both nationally and internationally. I am a clinical supervisor at University College of London for the Master in CBT for Eating Disorders and I feel very excited to be helping the next generation of therapists.

In addition to the London Centre, I work in the NHS at West Middlesex Hospital for the paediatric diabetes team.

At the London Centre for Eating Disorders I will see primarily children, young people, young adults and their carers, however I am also trained in working with adults.

When I am not at work, I love spending time with my family, travelling, being a wife, mum, daughter, sister and auntie.

Dr Pamela Fox
Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Dr Pamela Fox, BSc (hons), PG Cert, DClinPsy
Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Primary Therapy Approaches:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy-Enhanced (CBT-E)
Family Based Treatment (FBT)

Other training:
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Foundation in Systemic Theory and Practice Maudsley Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA)

Consulting Hours:
Currently on Maternity Leave

Biography
I am an HCPC registered Specialist Clinical Psychologist having completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I have spent the past eight years employed within private and NHS mental health teams, working with adults, young people and families.

My interest in supporting people experiencing eating difficulties and body image concerns began early in my professional career. I have worked across different specialist eating disorder treatment settings, inpatient and community teams, delivering group and individual interventions across the lifespan. Alongside my work at The London Centre, I have a role as a Clinical Psychologist within the Maudsley Centre for Child & Adolescent Eating Disorders, which is a National & Specialist NHS service. Eating disorders impact on people's lives in different ways and I am passionate about the development of effective eating disorder treatments that improve wellbeing. As such, I have been involved in research to develop psychological treatments for young people accessing inpatient care.

It is not uncommon for fears to arise when contemplating change. I aim to create a transparent and secure therapeutic space for exploration together, without judgement. I support individuals and families to develop a holistic understanding of the difficulties they are experiencing, to lay the foundations to guide a treatment that fits with their individual needs. I use evidence-based therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy-Enhanced (CBT-E) and Family Based Treatment (FBT) and draw upon my knowledge of other therapeutic models to create an individualised approach.

When I am not at work I enjoy watching live music, going on day-trips outside of busy London and catching up with my family and friends.

Dr Juliet Rosewall
Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Dr Juliet Rosewall PhD, BA (Hons), PG Dip Clin Psych
Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Primary Therapy Approaches:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy-Enhanced (CBT-E)
Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Dialetical Behviour Therapy (DBT)

Other training:
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT),
Family Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa (FT-AN),
Radically Open Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (RO-DBT),
CBT for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (CBT for BDD)

Consulting Hours:
Tuesday (Central Clinic) and Wednesdays (remote)

Biography
I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist passionate about providing tailored, evidence-based treatment for young people and adults. I have worked in a variety of clinical and research settings throughout my career and have specialised in the treatment of eating disorders and eating -related problems. Combining science, theory, and a breadth of clinical experience, I believe in helping people understand what patterns maintain eating difficulties in their life and teaching practical strategies that can alleviate distress and help bring about meaningful change.

I completed my Clinical Psychology training and PhD in New Zealand (where I was born), worked in eating disorders and CAMHS settings post qualifying and moved to the UK in 2010. In the UK, I continued to work with adults and young people with eating disorders and related difficulties, in both individual and family contexts. Alongside clinical practice, I am a tutor at Kings College London for the Postgraduate CBT Diploma for Children and Young People.

I believe in working collaboratively and that a warm, non-judgmental, and compassionate therapeutic approach is paramount to any therapy. Often eating problems occur alongside other issues – such as low mood, anxiety, or relational difficulties, and I am experienced in treating these difficulties should this be a goal of your treatment.

I understand that change can feel hard, especially if patterns have been around for a long time. Therefore, I work to understand the values that are important to a person in order to help them live according to them and feel more fulfilled. There is hope for those who are struggling with an eating problem and I believe it is fully possible to move towards a valued life that is not ruled by food, eating or appearance.

Dr Charlotte Watson
Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Dr Charlotte Watson, BA (Hons), DClinPsy
Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Primary Therapy Approaches:
Family Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa (FT-AN)
Family Therapy for Bulimia Nervosa (FT-BN)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders and adolescent adaptation (CBT-E)

Other Training:
Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (RO-DBT)
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Cutting Down: A CBT approach for the assessment and treatment of young people who self-harm
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) with Partners, Parents & Families
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – Ten (CBT-T)
Eating Disorders and Autism – adapting therapy

Consulting Hours:
Monday evening (Central Clinic)

Biography

I am a HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist, having completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London. I have spent over twelve years employed within the NHS, working with both children and adults. I first became interested in the field of eating disorders in 2009 when I was involved in supporting multiple research studies in this area. I quickly became aware of the far-reaching impact eating difficulties can have on individuals, their families and wider systems. Since then, my interest has continued, and I have worked across both adult and adolescent NHS eating disorder services in outpatient, day-hospital, and inpatient settings. My Clinical Psychology Doctorate thesis explored the experiences of women who developed restrictive eating behaviours after Bariatric Surgery. I have presented to international audiences on work relating to people who have eating difficulties and diabetes, as well as how we can support siblings of people with eating disorders.

Alongside my work at The London Centre, I am a Senior Clinical Psychologist at the Maudsley Centre for Child & Adolescent Eating Disorders, which is a National & Specialist NHS service. I do work with adults, but primarily work with children, adolescents, young adults with eating difficulties, as well as their families, using evidence-based therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E) and family based treatments. I also draw upon my knowledge of other therapeutic models to create a tailored approach that works to support people’s specific individual needs. I am aware that neurodiversity can require additional adaptations and am passionate about making treatment as accessible as possible for everyone.

I am warm and welcoming and strive to work collaboratively with people, utilising their inner strengths to improve psychological wellbeing. I aim to create a non-judgemental, safe and containing therapeutic space. When I am not at work I enjoy visiting new places (especially if they are by the sea!) and spending time with family and friends.

Specialist All Age Team

Marta Drzewiczewska
Specialist Counselling Psychologist

Primary Therapy Approaches:
Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E)
Compassion Compassion Focused Therapy for Eating Disorders (CFT-E)
Adolescent Focused Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa (AFT-AN)
Focal Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Anorexia Nervosa
Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA)
Specialist Supportive Clinical Management for Anorexia Nervosa (SSCM)
Family Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa (FT-AN)
Family Therapy for Bulimia Nervosa (FT-BN)

Other Training:
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Depression, Anxiety and Trauma
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)

Consulting Hours:
Tuesday evenings and Saturday daytimes (central London clinic)

Biography

I am a Counselling Psychologist (HCPC-registered) with extensive experience in providing specialist therapy for adults and young people, covering a range of conditions at different levels of severity.

I currently hold a post at an NHS specialist eating-disorder clinic in north-west London, which is one of the largest services in the country. I work with young people and their families, providing specialist assessments, psychological formulation, and therapy for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and atypical variations of these conditions.

I also work at a mental health service for adults in London, where I offers short and long-term psychotherapy for a variety of conditions, including mood disorders (depression, anxiety), low self-esteem, personality difficulties, and trauma. I lead a clinical project there supporting early access to mental health provision amongst under-served communities, including those from ethnic minority backgrounds, refugees, and survivors of domestic abuse.

I have experience of offering therapy for a range of presentations including disrupted attachments, low self-esteem, and mood disorders (depression and anxiety). I have specialist clinical experience in the treatment of eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and atypical forms of eating disorders), body image disturbances, and somatic expressions of emotional distress.

I offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mentalization-based treatment (MBT), and integrative therapy. My breadth of experience allows me to tailor my approach to suit the individual needs of my clients.

In my clinical practice, I work alongside patients to recreate their emotional capacities and help them to become more emotionally open and capable of relating to others, as well as supporting them to develop an individual sense of inner freedom. I am a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed practitioner, understanding individuals in the context of their unique life experiences.

Following completion of my core education in clinical psychology in Poland, I undertook further specialist training in the UK in the treatment of eating disorders, including at the Centre for Research on Eating Disorders at the University of Oxford, University College London’s Division of Medicine, Tavistock Clinic, and at The Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders.

Additionally, I have attended training in mentalisation-based treatment at the Anna Freud Centre and in long-term psychodynamic interventions at the Tavistock Clinic in London.

In addition to my clinical work, I have a background in international academic work and psychological research into understanding the relationship between psychological and bodily identity in anorexia nervosa and obesity. I am a co-author of papers on the development of personal and social identity.

I work in multi-cultural settings and can offer therapy in both English and Polish.

Dr Susie Greenwood
Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Dr Susie Greenwood, BA (Hons), MSc, DClinPsy
Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Primary Therapy Approaches:
Maudsley Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy-Enhanced (CBT-E)
Family Based Treatment (FT-AN / FBT)
Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM)

Other Training:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - ARFID (CBT-AR)

Consulting Hours:
Fridays (Remote)

Biography
I am a senior Chartered Clinical Psychologist with highly specialist experience in treating eating disorders across the lifespan. I am accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). I completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the Institute of Psychiatry (Kings College London) in 2004 and prior to that was involved in clinical research in eating disorders at the Institute of Psychiatry.

My interest in eating disorders has stemmed from personal experience within my own family. I understand the significant impact of having an eating disorder across all aspects of a person’s life and that of their family and loved ones, including their physical health, psychological and emotional well-being and their relationships with others.

I have experience of working both privately and in the NHS, including both inpatient and outpatient settings. I have specialised in eating disorders, general child and adolescent mental health, and paediatric psychology (working with children and young people with physical health problems). In addition to my work at The London Centre, I am employed in a senior NHS position as Clinical Lead and Principal Clinical Psychologist in an all-age eating disorder service in Kent.

I work with people of all ages but predominantly with teenagers and young adults and I am passionate about early intervention to support people to recover and move forward with their life. I am particularly interested in identity (questions such as ‘who am I?’ and ‘who do I want to be?’) and helping people to develop a sense of self that is separate to their eating disorder. I am also interested in the broader impact of social pressures (including social media) on how we feel about our bodies and our appearance, and the importance of self-compassion in living a fulfilled and meaningful life.

I value person-centred care and, as such, I aim to deliver tailor-made interventions that best meet the needs of my clients. I see my role as having the knowledge and expertise to draw on a range of therapies that are evidence-based and recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE).

I appreciate it can be hard to seek help and that some people can feel worried and unsure about change. My key values are to be warm, friendly and empathetic so that people feel listened to and feel safe and secure to work collaboratively with me towards recovery.

Outside of work, I am a mum of 3, as well as wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. I love spending time outdoors with friends and family and walking our lovely Labrador, Dilly.

Dr Rebecca Hibbs
Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Bethan Islam
Specialist Psychological Therapist

Louise Lambregts
Specialist Clinical Therapist

Louise Lambregts MSc, RNc BSc (Hons), BSc (Hons)
Specialist Clinical Therapist

Primary Therapy Approaches:
Family Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa (FT-AN)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders(CBT-E)
Body Image

Other Training:
Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (RO-DBT)
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Cutting Down: A CBT approach for the assessment and treatment of young people who self-harm
Mindfulnesss Based Cognitive Therapy
Attachment, Family Systems and Self Efficciacy Theory

Consulting Hours:
Thursdays and Fridays 9am-5pm (remote)

Biography

I have been working in the NHS within Specialist positions for over 20 years with children, adolescents and families in a capacity where the client is central to the care provision across physical health and mental health care. For the last quarter of my career I have worked for The Maudsley Centre for Children and Adolescents Eating Disorders services both with Outpatients and the Intensive Treatment Programme delivering primarily FT-AN for many young people and their families. Working with the young person to promote their ability to move forwards has always been key, and finding out what keeps us stuck is a huge part of the work. My background in nursing means I have worked as part of a multi-disciplinary team, recognising a need for early intervention and when specialists need to be called upon. My interest in eating disorders continues to grow with time, experience, and my own personal career developments. Feedback from families I have worked with have acknowledged the power of a specialist helping them to make the changes they can see but cannot implement, needing the confidence in the pathway forwards. I pride my care on an ability to see the wider picture and help families identify which next step is most beneficial for them. I'm currently completing a further MA as an Art Psychotherapist at Goldsmiths and use psychoanalytic and psychotherapeutic theories to benefit and underpin my practice.

I strive to provide an empathic and client centred care provision. I'm often solution focused in my work but with eating disorders the solution is not the obvious way forwards, so my care tends to consider the whole person rather than just a targeted goal. Having said that, identifying a goal can be enough of a change needed when considering support. As a parent of two young children I want to provide the service I would expect from a clinic offering support to young people. My free time is often engaged in new creative projects, or travelling around to see friends and family.

Dr Rachel Loomes
Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Dr Rachel Loomes, BA (hons), MSc, DClinPsy
Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Primary Therapy Approaches:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-ED)
Third wave CBT Approaches (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT),
Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (RO-DBT),
Eating Disorders & Autism - adapting therapy

Other Training:
MANTRA
Family Therapy for Anorexia (FT-AN),
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

Consulting Hours:
Wednesday evenings (Central London)

Biography

I first started working in eating disorders in 2011, when I was involved in research evaluating two psychological treatments for adults with anorexia/underweight eating disorders. Since this time I have worked across both adult and adolescent eating disorder services in both outpatient and inpatient settings.

Alongside my work at The London Centre I am a Principal Clinical Psychologist at in an NHS Eating Disorder Service. I am also an Honorary Teaching Fellow at UCL, training therapists in CBT-ED. I have a particular clinical and research interest in autism and eating disorders. I am passionate about improving timely assessment and diagnosis for autistic people/people with autism, and adapting therapy appropriately. This also includes having a better understanding of how autism can present differently for many women & girls who are autistic.

I primarily use a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) model when approaching how to overcome problems with eating and body image concerns. I also draw on other therapeutic models including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), to ensure that treatment fits the needs and goals of the individual. As a psychologist I value being warm, open and collaborative with the people I work with and believe in focusing on a person’s strengths in order to explore how they can bring about change and move forward.

Aleksandra Petrovic
Specialist Psychologist

Aleksandra Petrovic, BA, MA, PgDip
Specialist Psychologist

Primary Therapy Approach:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Maudsley Model of Anorexia Treatment for Adults (MANTRA)

Other training:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

Consulting Hours:
Currently on Maternity Leave

Biography
I am an experienced HCPC and BABCP accredited clinician with a great passion for working with people suffering from eating disorders, disordered eating and/or body image concerns. I have earned my BA(Cum Laude) in Psychology from Columbia University in New York City in 2006, and my MA from the City University of New York in 2009. I have additionally completed my EMDR practitioner training in the US in 2011, and I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy from Royal Holloway University in London.

I have become increasingly interested in the field of eating disorders after first working in a dual diagnosis inpatient setting that focused on the recovery of eating disorders alongside substance misuse treatment, followed by working in the Priory in Chelmsford with adolescents suffering from eating disorders.

I am in particularly interested in exploring with patients how emotional difficulties, such as low self-esteem, perfectionism, trauma and mood disorders can significantly impact a person’s relationship with themselves, others, their food and body image.

I have over a decade of experience treating patients and I worked in the UK and the US. Some of my previous workplaces include NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and outpatient NHS settings for adults suffering from enduring mental health difficulties. Alongside my work for The London Centre for Eating Disorders, I currently work at Mile End Hospital in a secondary care service for adults, providing treatment to patients with anxiety disorders such as OCD and Social Anxiety, PTSD and Complex Trauma, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Personality Disorders and Depression.

In my practice at The London Centre I greatly enjoy working with a variety of clients; adults who might have had an eating disorder short-term or more chronically, as well as adolescents and their family members. I am passionate about helping patients discover their identity beyond their relationship with food and/or body image while using evidence -based interventions to address thinking patterns and behaviors that maintain their disordered eating.

I primarily use an enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy model (CBT-E) when treating patients with eating disorders or the Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA) approach; however, where appropriate I also incorporate other therapeutic modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). I am furthermore interested in looking at recovery from a Health at Every Size (HAES) approach as well as an Intuitive Eating philosophy, where clinically appropriate.

I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship and a collaborative approach towards recovery and goal setting are crucial for successful treatment, and I would describe myself as a warm and non-judgmental therapist.

In terms of future developments in the eating disorders field, I hope very much to see a movement towards greater prevention and early intervention of the illness as well as a broader understanding that eating disorders affect people of all genders and backgrounds.

When I am not at work, I love travelling, taking photographs and going to theatres, cinemas and museums, among many other things!

Professor Lucy Serpell
Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Dr Harriet Walker
Specialist Counselling Psychologist

Dr Harriet Walker, BA (Hons), MSc, DPsych
Specialist Counselling Psychologist

Primary Therapy Approaches:
Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Body Dysmorphia (CBT-BDD)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for ARFID (CBT-AR)
Family Based Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa (FT-AN)
Family Based Treatment for Bulimia Nervosa (FT-BN)
Compassion Focused Therapy for Eating Disorders (CFT-E)

Other Training:
Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA)
Specialist Supportive Clinical Management for Anorexia Nervosa (SSCM)

Consulting Hours:
Thursday evening (Central Clinic)

Biography

I am a chartered psychologist (BPS) and Counselling Psychologist (HCPC) which means that I’ve been trained in, and work with, a range of therapeutic approaches, rather than one modality. My core training focussed on cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT); psychodynamic approaches to therapy; and evidence based integrative approaches, such as compassion focussed therapy (CFT).

I have extensive experience in providing specialist therapy for young people and adults with eating disorders. I have previously worked in private inpatient and NHS outpatient eating disorder settings across the lifespan. Alongside my work at The London Centre, I have a senior role as a Counselling Psychologist at the Royal Free’s Child and Adolescent eating disorders service where I lead on our ARFID pathway and transitioning young people to adult services if needed.

I am particularly interested in how our life stories can shape who, and how, we are in the world, including how societal views on bodies can contribute to how we see ourselves. My approach prioritises human connection but is underpinned by individualised formulations of your difficulties to inform the therapeutic work. While I draw on my expertise, I am concerned with working collaboratively and creatively to celebrate your strengths and meet your individual needs.

Outside of my professional life, you'll find me searching for recipes to cook for friends and family, as well as swimming in London’s beautiful lidos and freshwater ponds.