Philippa Robinson

INDIVIDUAL AND COUPLES Counselling in Kensal Rise

CALL 07966 396199
EMAIL

“…the human psyche, like human bones, is strongly inclined towards self-healing. The psychotherapist’s job, like that of the orthopaedic surgeon, is to provide the conditions in which self-healing can best take place.”

— John Bowlby

My Approach

When we work together we will work collaboratively to explore your issues, guided by my professional experience and your needs. As an Integrative Counsellor I am trained to draw on a range of skills, ideas and theories, tailoring my work according to the needs of each person I work with. Because no two people are the same, my approach to counselling reflects my belief that different problems call for different ways of working together in a counselling session.


The therapeutic space can be a place for insight and for understanding your long-standing patterns of thinking and behaviour. It is where you can come face to face in a safe environment with the origins of your problems, rather than just focusing on the symptoms.


Being in therapy can feel difficult at times as we uncover your deeply held, often unconscious beliefs that are impacting your life. But this therapeutic work offers you the opportunity for growth and change and while it can feel challenging it is also the space for humour, laughter and playfulness - a vital part of the healing process.

Frequently our work will involve talking together as we explore your issues. However, my training in body psychotherapy means that we may also use other tools in our work together such as grounding and breathing exercises to help us stay present when things get too much. During the process of exploring the root causes of your issues, I may think it is of benefit for me to give you some assertiveness exercises. In addition, deep work can often be achieved through play so I provide the option to use pens and paper or a sand tray to get in touch with what is going on for you when words just don't feel like they are enough.


Whatever methods we use, the therapeutic relationship that we build between us will be at the root of the healing process. For that reason, you need to feel comfortable with me and feel that you can work with me. So our initial session (75 minutes) is in part for you to tell me what is going on for you and why you have decided to come to counselling at this point. But it is also for you to get a sense of whether or not you feel you would like to work with me. It is not unusual to feel a little unsafe and nervous at the beginning of an initial session. But this is generally only temporary.

My Experience

In addition to my private practices in Kensal Rise and Central London I have previously worked at Cruse as a bereavement counsellor and as a counsellor at Families Without Fear, a service for men and women who are experiencing domestic abuse. Through my work in these services I have a particular interest in bereavement and loss, domestic and childhood abuse and transgenerational trauma.

I am able to work with a number of issues, including the ones listed below. If you are experiencing any of the following, then counselling may be useful for you:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Loss and bereavement
  • Feeling stuck
  • Difficulties with intimacy and relationships
  • Life transitions
  • General Dissatisfaction
  • Work-related problems
  • Bullying
  • Trauma
  • Co-dependency
  • Emotional, physical and sexual abuse - past and present
  • Low self-esteem and low self-confidence
  • Negative and destructive thought-patterns
  • Difficult childhoods
  • Issues around connecting with people
  • Difficult family relationships - past and present

My Background

Prior to training as a counsellor and psychotherapist, I spent over 25 years working in the creative industry. My experiences in the business have given me an understanding of the challenges of the workplace in general, but also specifically the pressures and anxieties involved in working in a creative environment and the difficulties around maintaining a work-life balance.

My Professional Qualifications

I trained at The Minster Centre and I hold a BACP-accredited Diploma in Integrative Counselling. In order to develop my professional practice I regularly attend BACP and UKCP-accredited training courses and national conferences held by some of the leading authorities on neuroscience, attachment and trauma. My core training has included humanistic therapy, psychodynamic therapy, relational psychotherapy and body psychotherapy.

In addition, I have attended the following trainings:


  • Couples Therapy at NAOS Institute
  • Encounter-Centred Couples Therapy with Hedy Schleifer
  • Imago Dialogue (for couples) with Harville Hendrix
  • Bereavement Counselling at CRUSE
  • Internal Family Systems with Dr Claire Rabin
  • Working with Children with Jon Blend
  • Jungian Sand Play Therapy
  • Gestalt Sand Tray Therapy


I am a registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and I abide by their ethical framework for Good Practice in counselling and psychotherapy.

What Happens Next?


If you are unsure whether therapy is right for you then the best thing to do is to come for an initial assessment to get a sense of what it feels like to talk to me. During that session we can discuss together whether I am the right person for your needs.

If you would feel more comfortable speaking to me on the phone before arranging a session then you are welcome to call me on 07966 396199 or email me to arrange a brief telephone conversation to talk through your concerns.

©2022 Philippa Robinson

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