I am Lila, a UKCP accredited and BACP registered integrative psychotherapist practicing and SE and central London and online. My approach is integrative and it incorporates different aspects of theoretical and practical knowledge and relates them to the experiences that emerge within the therapeutic relationship. I have experience of working with a wide range of issues, and I work both long-term (open-ended) and short-term (12-16 weeks). Although positive effects of therapy sometimes emerge after a few sessions, my preference is to work longer-term, when the we can work on deeper level and achieve a more lasting change.
I was born and raised in Yugoslavia, but I spent most of my adult life in London, which I now consider home. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, I trained as nurse, completed BA in Russian Studies at UCL, and worked as an interpreter. I enjoy all kinds of art, and sometimes use it in my sessions with clients. I like music, reading and writing, long walks in nature and learning and experiencing new things. After initially qualifying as a psychodynamic therapeutic counsellor, I have trained extensively in CBT, and in working with various forms of eating disorders. The training that I undertook with the National Centre for Eating Disorders was largely based on the use of CBT methods and the science of nutrition, while the training with prof. Julia Buckroyd was informed by the attachment theory. More recently I have completed MA in Integrative psychotherapy Advanced Clinical Practice , which allowed me to integrate into my practice some current developments in relational psychoanalysis, trauma therapy, Internal Family Systems and neuroscience. Having been trained in different ways of working therapeutically allows me to have some flexibility and be able to tailor my approach to the individual clients and their needs. My aim is to look at the client holistically, and help them identify and address what keeps their difficulties going now, as well as to explore and understand the root of their difficulties. I have over 15 years of experience of working with adults and adolescents, from a variety of backgrounds and with a vast range of issues, which include depression, anxiety, bereavement, loss, trauma, abuse, and food and body image issues. Among my particular professional interests are working with clients with eating disorders, self-esteem and identity issues, relationship difficulties, and various issues affecting women and girls. Before setting up in my private practice, my professional psychotherapy and counselling experience included working within a GP surgery, a private clinic specialising in Eating Disorders, and within several mental health charities, including those supporting elderly clients and people affected by HIV.
