About Me

Welcome to my website, I hope this information is useful in deciding if I could be the right therapist for you.

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I care deeply about upholding the values of my profession, to be a clinician and a role model who 'practises what he preaches'. To this end I have engaged in ongoing personal individual therapy and reflective space for 15 years. I strongly believe that a therapist undertaking their own personal therapy at a sufficient duration and depth will enhance safety and psychological containment for whatever their clients' may bring.

 

There are many different types of therapy and 'specialisms' in the field of therapy, this to me can be a contentious issue as psychotherapy and counselling are unregulated in the UK. Claims can be made by clinicians that are entirely legal but potentially misleading. Therefore, any specialisms I work with are supported by a full clinical training, rather than a short professional development workshop or self directed study.

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Although I work with many different types of emotional and psychological challenges, the theme that underpins much of work is treating psychological trauma, particularly events in childhood. It is often our early developmental experiences that create the template for our adult challenges. Whilst therapy may not need to work directly with historical or developmental experiences, it is vitally important the therapy work be attuned to the impact these may have had. In therapy we consider the pressure past experiences may currently exert and what unresolved experiences, stuck points or patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving need to be worked through and resolved, where possible.

 

I have a specific interest and professional experience in post traumatic growth, at the Priory  I worked with many high profile or high net worth clients. The trauma of sudden success, fame or wealth are often underestimated or can be ridiculed as '1st world problems'. I offer a trauma informed and understanding space to explore the darker side of fame and success and how to cope with the unexpected challenges this can bring.

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Specifically I am trained and experienced in the following:

 

Individual and Group Psychotherapy

 My primary training was in Gestalt therapy, meaning I focus on the therapeutic relationship we create and systemic issues the client is experiencing. However, my therapy work is informed by my study of psychoanalytic theories (especially attachment and Kleinian theory) and by the psychoanalytic clinical supervision and psychosexual supervision I regularly receive. My work with individuals and groups is mostly long term and open ended therapy at psychological depth, relationship and sex therapy is often shorter term and focused, but can be long term when needed. My long term clients present with developmental trauma, relational or sexual issues, addictions, personality disorders and varying degrees of anxiety and depression.

 

My initial training for individual and group therapy was four years via a Post Graduate Diploma in Gestalt Therapy and a Masters degree in Psychotherapy. I have ten years clinical experience working with individuals and couples along with 2000 hours experience delivering psychotherapy groups for inpatients and day-patients. For my ongoing  professional development I am currently undertaking an 18-month Intermediate Group Analysis training via the Centre for Group Analytic Studies in Cape Town.

 

Psychosexual & Relationship Therapy

My private practice includes a significant amount of relationship and psychosexual work. To treat this client group I undertook three years additional specialist training via a Transpersonal Couple Counselling & Psychotherapy Diploma and a Diploma in Clinical Sexology and Relationship Therapy. I am COSRT accredited  with six years experience teaching Psychosexual students at the Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology. I was also lecturer on the COSRT accredited MSc Psychosexual Therapy, validated  by the University of Hull. 
 

DBT

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is the NICE recommended gold standard treatment for emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD), formerly known as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). DBT is designed for patients with enduring and often high risk problem behaviours. DBT has also been adapted to work both with addiction and psychological trauma.

 

I undertook a full foundation and extended training in all four core DBT skills: Mindfulness, Emotional Regulation, Interpersonal Effectiveness and Distress Tolerance. Along with managing a 20 week DBT programme in a psychiatric hospital I was also part of the clinical programme, delivering the full range of DBT interventions: skills groups, one to one DBT and in-between session coaching. My two years experience in the DBT programme included weekly attendance at a DBT consult, ensuring fidelity and adherence to the DBT model, often managing high risk and challenging patient presentations. 

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CBT

I trained in the US, as part of the Beck CBT Clinical Certification Programme. I provide short term intensive treatment for anxiety, depression, personality disorder and trauma using CBT.

https://beckinstitute.org/certification/

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Trauma Therapy - I have undertaken continuing professional development and training in 3rd wave CBT therapies for treating trauma: Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure for PTSD (both NICE guideline recommended). I work with survivors of violence and sexual assault, people diagnosed with PTSD or couples and partners of someone impacted by psychological trauma. 

 

Addiction Therapy 

Ten years clinical experience working with individuals with addiction and ,couples, groups, partners and family members of addicts in rehabs, detox centres, inpatient settings, day hospital, outpatient and private practice. Previous roles includes Senior Addiction Therapist and Addiction Treatment Programme Manager for the Priory. 

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My previous work experience includes Therapy Services Manager at The Priory Hospital in North London, where I was responsible for the therapy provision for all inpatient, outpatient and day patients across four services: General Psychiatry, Addiction Treatment, OCD Complex Obsessional Disorders and CAMHS. You can view my full employment history via my LinkedIn page.

https://www.linkedin.com/simonwilsontherapy

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