Rukeya Khanam

Chartered Counselling Psychologist

BPS accredited

HCPC registered

“When we meet real tragedy in life, we can react in two ways–either by losing hope and falling into self-destructive habits, or by using the challenge to find our inner strength.” Dalai Lama

I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist with over 15 years of experience working in the NHS.

I am accredited by the following regulatory bodies: the British Psychological Society (BPS), Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC), Association of Cognitive Analytic Therapy (ACAT).

Psychologists are trained in models of therapy that have been clinically researched and proven to be effective.

Research has shown that the therapeutic relationship is the single most important factor in helping people make lasting change. I am empathic, non-judgemental and adaptable. I am committed to helping you gain a greater understanding of your situation, and enabling you to improve your quality of life.

THERAPY

I am trained in both brief and long-term therapy. Many factors can influence which of these would benefit you. Together, we can think about what would best suit your needs and circumstances.

I am experienced in working with:

• Depression, low mood
• Self-harm, suicidal thoughts and other impulsive behaviours
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Stress and burnout
• Eating difficulties/disorders
• Social phobia and anxiety
• Other phobias
• Interpersonal difficulties
• Trauma/PTSD

I can also help if you are stuck in your career or feel dissatisfied with life. You may have difficulties with relationships, friendships, or problematic family dynamics. I believe that having a safe and confidential space in which to explore your anxieties will give you comfort and increased self-confidence.

MY THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):
This approach is goal orientated, and the focus is on actively making changes to your lifestyle, thinking patterns and behaviours.

Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT):
I am an accredited CAT therapist. This approach tries to understand your difficulties by looking at how some of your past experiences have shaped you in the present. It focuses on the present, looking at the unhelpful patterns that you may be stuck in and finding ways to make changes.

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR):
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy is a model that works with painful/distressing/traumatic memories to reprocess them so that they can have a less distressing impact on your life. For example if you have been in an accident and are experiencing flashbacks, intrusive memories, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, EMDR can help process the memories so that they are less debilitating. It can also be helpful for traumatic events from childhood, or as an adult that have left you feeling anxious and overwhelmed.

Integrative:
There are times when no one model suits you or your problems, and it is here that a more integrated approach is helpful. I draw on different psychological models to understand your difficulties and provide techniques to overcome them.

MY FEES

I am registered with most major health insurance providers, please contact me to check if your provider is one of them.

Please contact me for information about my fee structure.

CLINICAL SUPERVISION

I see supervision as a space to encourage curiosity, your mentalising capacity and nurture reflective practice. It is also a collaborative experience where we work together to discuss, explore and exchange ideas.

I am knowledgeable about the ethics and values of psychology as a discipline, and see supervision as playing a key role to strengthen and develop your identity as a psychologist, as well as your skills.

I offer a safe, non-judgemental space where you feel supported and guided to further develop your therapy skills. It is also important to notice the impact your practice is having on you, and to support you to manage your boundaries and exercise self care.

I am a CAT supervisor accredited by ACAT and I draw on this model in supervision to formulate and build a picture of the clients' presenting difficulties. I also practice CBT and 3rd Wave models, so that supervision is an integrative process that weaves in these two models of therapy.

MY LOCATION

My consulting room is in South East London; it is a calm and comfortable space that helps you to feel relaxed. The nearest National rail station is Crofton Park, and overground station is Honor Oak Park. There is free parking available.