Debbie Johnson
APPROACH AND BACKGROUND
In psychoanalytic psychotherapy we examine, through the vehicle of the therapeutic relationship, what might be getting in the way of us being able to be at ease in the world and to help gain a deeper understanding of our thoughts and emotions. Together we navigate what could be keeping us stuck in our cyclical suffering. We may compassionately explore why and how, fear, grief, anxiety, loss of meaning, disappointment and depression can come to overwhelm us. We can discover how to slow things down and explore different perspectives to give new meanings, purpose, and ways of being. This can loosen the grip of the obstacles that prevent us from loving and being loved. We may find new pathways of thought to open up our lives, to spark energy and develop the capacity to turn towards the difficulties in our life.
I have years of experience with supporting people through many kinds of transitions and past and present traumas with a flexible, person-centred approach, focusing on the individual’s values and needs and with a respectful and responsive attitude for long-term or short-term psychoanalytic therapy or counselling.
Along with Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy my longstanding work has been as a Mindfulness trainer and Meditation Instructor, so I have a depth of understanding of the suffering of the human condition and the ways in which stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma can influence our behaviour in everyday life.
I have an interest and personal experience of Buddhist practice and psychology. This training is in the background of my psychotherapy practice.
Training, qualifications, and experience
I am a trainee psychoanalyst with the Philadelphia Association founded in 1965 with R.D.Laing. I am a Counsellor and Mindfulness trainer. I have over 20 years’ experience working within the caring profession.
I provide a non-judgemental safe space where difficulties can be explored and given time and space to be thought through and given words to describe with complete confidentiality.
I have worked in the NHS, MIND, Maggie’s Cancer Centre, Ease Well Being and in private practice. I have worked with groups and individuals with anxiety and depression or just not feeling right in the world, through to Psychosis, Cancer, PTSD and severe mental illness.
I am currently working in the NHS at Kings College as a psychotherapist in the PsiDer Psychedelic trials for treatment resistant depression. I also teach psychologists, doctors and consultants, Mindfulness Based Cognitive therapy via the Practitioner Health Service, a service that provides health care for NHS staff in England.
Prior to working as a counsellor and psychotherapist, I worked as a mindfulness trainer and meditation instructor teaching groups and one to one mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) since 2012.
I started working in the caring profession as an Acupuncturist since 2003.
I am registered with the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and The British Association of Mindfulness- Based Approaches (BAMBA) whose code of ethics I abide by.
Primary Qualifications
Trainee in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy @ Philadelphia Association 2020-2024
Diploma in Counselling City Lit 2019-2020
Certificate for Karuna Contemplative Psychology @ Karuna Training 2018-2020
Introductory Course Philosophy and Psychotherapy @ Philadelphia Association 2008-2009
M.A. Teaching Mindfulness Based Approaches (MBCT /MBSR) 2018
Teaching Mindfulness in Schools @ The Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice, Bangor University 2012
Mindfulness in Medicine and Psychology with Jon Kabat Zinn @ University of Oxford Mindfulness Research Centre 2010
Availability, fees, and contact details
I offer all my slots in-person, online or by phone.
I offer weekly, or twice weekly appointments.
I offer a set number of sessions or open ended.
I offer individual therapy and facilitate groups.
I offer appointments in-person at The Brixton Practice from 2pm until 8 pm on Thursday’s.
Please contact me directly for current availability.
Initial sessions are £20 (via phone or zoom/video call) and £50 per session thereafter.
You can contact me by email debbiejohnson47@yahoo.co.uk or on 077791021147.
