Meet Our Psychologists in Soho, Central London
Dr Nicholas Wakefield | Clinical Psychologist in Soho (EMDR, Schema, DBT, Existential, MBT & CBT)
I think that every person’s therapy journey is different. Some people need skills and coping techniques to help deal with things in their current context. For others it is important to address the underlying psychological mechanisms that give rise to the problems or symptoms at different points in life. For some it is important to address childhood origins of problems so that they can break free of repeating, destructive life patterns. I want to help people find the journey that is right for them.
Trained in the UK both academically and by the clients I have met along the way I’ve spent 15 years developing my therapy style; how I relate to the person in the room is just as important as the psychological knowledge I bring. I try to take a person centred approach, first trying to understand not just the problems a person presents with but the person themselves so that the current issues can be put into the context of the whole person. Through this approach I aim to help a person deal with their psychological, emotional and relational difficulties in a way that suits them.
My background in the UK is working with complex presentations and trauma, as such I have substantial experience in working with a range of psychological difficulties including personality disorder, psychosis, anxiety, addiction, compulsive sexual behaviour/sex addiction, depression, PTSD, trauma, grief, self-esteem, anger and interpersonal difficulties.
I spent 6 years in the middle east working with individuals, relationships and families. I have learnt a lot about working with people from a range of cultural and religious backgrounds.
I have a passion for learning and to continue to develop my theoretical knowledge and therapeutic skills. I believe that no one psychological theory or model can fully explain the human condition. And working in the NHS for many years I have been fortunate enough to be trained and supervised in a range of psychological therapies for both individuals and groups which include: Schema Focused Therapy, Mentalization Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy,
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Eye-movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
More recently my explorations have taken me down the Existential therapeutic and philosophical path, whilst I do not claim to be an Existential Psychotherapist I try to incorporate these ideas into my therapeutic approach.
I have extensive teaching and training experience (I’m just showing off now, you probably don’t need to know this) having taught on the University of Liverpool, Doctorate of Clinical Psychology program, and University of Nottingham, Doctorate of Forensic Psychology program. I have been responsible for the supervision of assistant psychologists, Trainee Clinical Psychologist and Qualified Clinical and Forensic Psychologists. I have delivered training to a range of professionals including medical professionals, psychologists, nurses and probation officers, as well as delivering numerous Dubai Health Authority Continuing Medical Education courses.
Professional Bodies
Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) – since 2013 (on going) - 149379 Member Division of Clinical Psychology (DCP) – since 2007 (on going) AFBPSS since Dec 2022
Registered with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) – since 2012 (on going) - PYL28183
Mentalization Based Treatment Qualified Practitioner – British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC) – Since September 2014
Supervision
I am committed to maintaining the highest standards of clinical excellence to ensure I can provide the best possible care for clients. Continuous development is at the core of my practice and here I share with you what I am doing to realise this.
Regular supervision should be part of any psychologist or therapist practice regardless of age or experience. Your therapist can’t know everything already! Supervision is a meeting between your therapist and a more experienced therapist to discuss issues, difficulties and gaps in knowledge. It is a space for your therapist to reflect on the work they do with you, consider what biases or blind spots they may be bringing to your session and explore the possibility of different directions and for greater understanding of their work with you.
Dr. Nick Wakefield utilises different modalities in his clinical practice therefore has different supervisors to reflect this.
Schema Focused Therapy
Dr. Kerry Beckley is Registered Practitioner Psychologist (Clinical and Forensic), Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (AFBPS) and past Chair of the Faculty of Forensic Clinical Psychology, BPS, UK. Kerry is an Accredited Schema Trainer/Supervisor in Individual and Group Schema Therapy. Whilst at Rampton High Secure Hospital, she developed the Schema Therapy Programme for men with a diagnosis of personality disorder. She was previously the Project Lead for the Personality Disorder Offender Pathway Project in Lincolnshire and was previously seconded part time to the Safer Communities Partnership in Lincolnshire to develop a strategy for supporting and treating perpetrators of domestic abuse. Kerry now runs her own company providing expert witness reports and training and supervision in both individual and group Schema Therapy. She has published and presented on Schema Therapy for many years, both nationally and internationally. She currently provides a series of regular webinars ‘Forensic Conversations’ with Dr. Jackie Craissati, Consultant Clinical Forensic Psychologist MBE.
Existential Therapy
Dr. Nancy Hakim Dowek is an Existential Psychotherapist and program lead for the doctoral (DProf) degree in Existential Psychotherapy at the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling (NSPC). She is an experienced psychotherapist, lecturer and clinical supervisor and author. She provides clinical and research supervision to both doctoral and masters students. She completed her doctoral degree in Existential Psychotherapy on ‘The lived experience of the bi-rooted migrant’.
Nancy’s research interests include: Identity, Migration, Belonging, Roots, uprooting, Bi-Rooted, Cosmopolitanism, Dualism in Self and Identity, Life Crisis and Life Transitions, Existential and Human Issues and Limited Situations.
Professional bodies: UKCP, UPCA,
Fluent in English, French and Hebrew
Dr Claudia Mulligan
(DCounsPsych. UK)
Counselling Psychologist
As a psychologist I offer support to adults experiencing psychological distress — whether that is navigating anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, or the everyday challenges of modern life.
At the heart of my work is the therapeutic relationship. I believe real, lasting change becomes possible when you feel genuinely safe — heard, accepted, and free from judgement. That sense of safety isn't a backdrop to therapy; it is the work.
I take a holistic view of the people I work with. Rather than focusing solely on a presenting problem, I'm interested in the full picture: the life experiences, relationships, and patterns that have shaped who you are. Early experiences, family dynamics, and the ways you've learned to connect with others are all held in mind throughout our work together.
A central part of what I do is help clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves — why they feel the way they do, why they relate to others as they do, and where those patterns come from. That self-awareness is often where meaningful, lasting change begins. I work integratively, drawing on psychodynamic and attachment-based approaches within a contemporary, relational framework.
Sessions are collaborative. I bring psychological knowledge, evidence-based techniques, and practical tools you can use in daily life. You bring your story. Together, the work is about building healthier relationships with others by first building a kinder, more grounded relationship with yourself.
Adults I work with often seek support for anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, emotional regulation and self-understanding, work stress and life transitions, addiction, sleep difficulties, and LGBTQ+ identity and experience.
Professional Bodies
I am a registered Psychologist and a member of the British Psychological Society and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. I completed my Doctorate in Counselling Psychology at City, University of London.
HCPC registration PYL048100
Simon Santhanam
HCPC Registered Psychotherapist & Art Psychotherapist | MA, Art Psychotherapy
Compassionate, Integrative Therapy in Soho & Central London
Whether you are navigating a difficult life transition, processing trauma, or seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, starting therapy is a meaningful step toward positive change.
I work with adults and young people across Central London who want to break unhelpful patterns, build emotional resilience, and foster healthier relationships with themselves and others.
LGBTQ+ Affirming & Identity-Focused Support
A significant focus of my practice is providing a dedicated, LGBTQ+ affirmative space. Living with the impacts of minority stress, navigating the coming-out process, exploring gender or sexual identity, and confronting discrimination can feel isolating.
I offer an empathetic, non-judgmental environment where you can freely explore who you are, heal past wounds, and move forward toward an authentic and fulfilling life.
How I Work: An Integrative & Creative Approach
Every client is unique, which is why I tailor my approach to your individual needs. Grounded in psychodynamic and trauma-informed principles, I predominantly provide talking therapy while integrating evidence-based frameworks, including:
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Practical strategies to manage unhelpful thought cycles.
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Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT): Cultivating self-acceptance and softening inner criticism.
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Mentalisation-Based & Rescripting Techniques: Gaining insight into relational dynamics and processing past distress.
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Art & Creative Psychotherapy: As a qualified arts therapist, I can incorporate creative methods when verbal expression alone feels limiting, offering an alternative pathway to liberation and self-discovery.
Areas of Focus
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LGBTQ+ & Identity Exploration: Sexuality, gender identity, coming out, and minority stress.
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Relational & Family Dynamics: Attachment patterns, relationship difficulties, and boundary setting.
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Trauma & Life Transitions: Processing past trauma, grief, bereavement, and major life changes.
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Intersectionality & Diversity: Exploring the overlap of cultural background, race, and identity.
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Anxiety, Low Mood & Resilience: Building grounded coping mechanisms for daily life and burnout.
A Safe, Collaborative Space to Move Forward
The cornerstone of effective therapy is a relationship built on trust, consistency, and warmth. My commitment is to meet you exactly where you are—with clarity, curiosity, and compassion. Together, we will make sense of your experiences and create a clear, sustainable pathway forward.
Available for in-person sessions at our Soho clinic and online across the UK.
