Dr TAMATHA RUFFELL

WHO ARE YOU?

I am a Clinical Psychologist, currently working part time in the NHS at the Primary Care Recovery Service at The Wilson Hospital and privately in London delivering a range of talking therapies using a one to one and group approach.

I hold a diploma in Psychology from the London Metropolitan University, an MSc in Mental Health Studies from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN) and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from University College London.

Whilst completing my studies I have worked in the field of health and psychosis research at the IoPPN and have published several papers in journals related to these areas. My current research focuses on interventions which aim to reduce the stigma and discrimination those with mental health difficulties can experience in our society today.

I have worked across primary and secondary care treating individuals and families with mild to severe mental health difficulties, learning disabilities, relational difficulties and complex health problems. My clients have ranged in age from 7 to 83. My experience with clients has taught me that all people are capable of remarkable change given the right support and I aim to use my extensive training and experience to provide the support to enable that change.

HOW YOU WORK?

As a Clinical Psychologist I have been trained and can deliver a variety of therapeutic person-centred approaches with individuals, couples and families in both the short term and long term.

If the work you want to do aims to address a specific difficulty, such as depression, anxiety or a specific phobia, and you would like to work together for a relatively short period of time (8-12 weeks), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which attempts to change the relationship between your thoughts, feelings, behaviours and physical experiences may fit.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, a mindfulness-based values focussed therapeutic approach can also be used for short term work and is particularly indicated when you may be

experiencing health problems, such as chronic pain. It has also been found to be effective for those looking to maximise their potential in the sports and business fields.

Compassion Focussed Therapy and Schema Therapy approaches are integrative approaches which draw on techniques from CBT, Psychodynamic psychotherapy, evolutionary and developmental Psychology, neuroscience, Buddhism and Gestalt therapy. They are used for medium to long term work and are indicated if you want to process the impact of your early experiences and reduce the impact of these experiences on your day to day life and relationships.

Systemic approaches such as Narrative therapy, Solution Focussed Therapy and Systemic Family Therapy are indicated when you may want to come to therapy as a couple or a family to address the difficulties that you are facing together.

When we first meet, I aim to create a safe, compassionate and non-judgemental environment. I will take a holistic perspective of your difficulties; considering not only your subjective experience of your life but also the impact of the environment in which you are living and working. From there we will create a shared understanding of your difficulties which will inform the therapeutic approach that we will use.

YOUR CORE VALUE,  WHAT ARE THEY?

I believe that our relationship is central to the work that we do. I will provide a safe, compassionate, non-judgemental space. A space where you will receive unconditional positive regard and where we can build an honest, open, authentic and transparent relationship. A relationship which will provide the foundation for the change that you would like to make in your life.

WHY CHOOSE YOU AS A THERAPIST? WHAT IS IT ABOUT YOUR THERAPY THAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE?

I am deeply committed to your progress. That means that I am continually updating my skills and techniques to ensure that you are receiving the very best therapy. Adapting the therapeutic approach to fit your needs is a core skill I feel makes my therapy effective. I will be with you as you explore your darkest moments whilst also being the person that highlights your strengths, your resilience, your bravery.

WHAT THERAPIES DO YOU OFFER?

I offer my clients CBT, ACT, CFT, Schema, Narrative, Solution Focussed and Systemic Family therapy. I predominantly work with clients face to face but also offer Skype sessions.