WELCOME TO THERAPY FOR ME

Hello! I am Idyli Kamaterou

The fact that you are on this website means that you have taken the first step towards changing life situations, experiences and symptoms that are putting pressure on you and are holding you back in some way.

Life is full of events and transitional phases that can lead to difficult emotions and negative thoughts about ourselves and the future. In order for those transitions to be successful, a range of skills are required: patience, persistence, ability to accept change and creativity to adapt to the new situation. It is, therefore, unrealistic for us to believe that we should always be able to cope without support and that asking for help is a sign of weakness.

My view is that strong people are the ones who are able to identify areas in their life that they are not satisfied with and then take action to improve them. It is undoubtable that this is not an easy step to take as we do not always feel prepared, ready or motivated to address this. However, how likely is for a problem to be resolved without our active role and participation?

I am here to join you in this journey towards your goals for self and life improvement…

WHY CHOOSE ME AS YOUR ANXIETY THERAPIST?

As a Specialist CBT therapist, I use the most researched, evidence-based psychotherapeutic approach to help you manage your difficult thoughts and feelings.

I specialised in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy at the University of Oxford and I have worked in some of the best NHS mental health teams in the UK, including the Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma at the Maudsley Hospital where I worked with leading figures in CBT therapy and research in the UK. I worked closely with and was supervised by experts in anxiety conditions, such as: Professor David Veale and Dr Fiona Challacombe.

My approach is warm and collaborative. We are going to work as a team to achieve your therapy goals. This means that I will adapt the sessions and tailor the treatment plan to your needs. I will invite your feedback and complete regular reviews (scheduled every 6 weeks) to ensure we stay on track.

People often complain that they cannot find a therapist who can remember their story. I am an attentive therapist who pays attention to detail. I am as motivated for you to achieve your therapy goals and improve your mental health as you are.

Compared to other psychological therapists who will sell you a block of therapy sessions, I believe in the value of freedom and, therefore, although I would like you to be committed to our sessions, I would not ask you to pay for more than one session at a time.

Evidence for the high quality of my work has been the Award for Best Psychological Therapist in Greater London 2024 (https://smenews.digital/winners/therapy-for-me/) as well as my testimonials and top ratings on Google.

HOW WILL CBT THERAPY HELP YOU IMPROVE YOUR WELLBEING AND MANAGE MENTAL HEALTH SYMPTOMS?

With the use of CBT as a therapeutic model, I will help you address your difficult emotions (such as: sadness, guilt, regret and anxiety) by working on adapting unhelpful thinking and behavioural patterns.

In the first few weeks of our work together, we will spend time understanding what maintains your distress. We will then discuss ways and strategies you can put in place to break the identified vicious cycles.

Through this process, your confidence and resilience will grow. You will start living life driven by your values which will lead to a more meaningful experience.

The aim of our sessions will be for you to become your own therapist and continue applying these principles and ideas after the end of therapy. CBT does not encourage a dependency on your therapist but it aims for freedom and independence.

I help people experiencing symptoms of:
-       Anxiety (including anxiety of perinatal mums & dads)
-       Stress (such as: work-related stress)
-       Panic
-       Social anxiety
-       Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
-       Phobias
-       Low self-esteem
-       Self-doubt
-       Self-criticism
-       Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
-       Pain management

I do not work with people who are under 18 or whose primary difficulty is related to:
-       Addictions
-       Gambling
-       Eating disorders
-       Personality disorders

I have specialised in working with perinatal mums and dads when I worked for the perinatal stream of the Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma at the Maudsley Hospital. I assessed and treated expectant parents as well as parents of children up to the age of 3.

In the past, through my experience in primary mental health services, I specialised in treating adults 65+ and people with long-term conditions.