Welcome
Therapy with me is about transformation, connecting to a way of being, where hope rather than the hurts you have experienced, shape your future.
“There is hope after despair and many suns after darkness” - Rumi
About Me
I am a UKCP accredited Psychotherapist, EMDR Consultant, Supervisor and Organisational Consultant, with over 30 years clinical experience offering: individual and group therapy, supervision and consultation to the National Health Service (Tavistock and Portman NHS, Kings College, Institute Psychiatry, Maudsley Hospital, West London Mental Health NHS), and international organisations (Freedom from Torture and Trauma Aid UK). I have worked with a variety of client groups, with a complex history of clinical severity across a range of care settings.
“At its heart, therapy with me is about looking at adaptive ways to address past hurts and challenges, to enable the possibility of living life by creating a new narrative".
Yesterday is gone and its tales told. Today new seeds are growing.” – Rumi
The diversity of my rich, cultural background is reflected in the multiplicity of work and trainings, I have undertaken. I use a relational, integrative approach, that is inclusive in addressing and assimilating the mind, body, emotions and for some spiritual beliefs. I am particularly interested in the latest research on polyvagal theory, brain plasticity, body psychotherapy, meditation and incorporate this into my work with you.
I work with people from all walks of life and backgrounds, who come to me, presenting with a diverse range of problems. As a fully qualified psychotherapist, I am a member of the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy, and abide by their code of ethics and am registered with a number of accrediting bodies.
“Most causes of psychopathology results from the individuals unwilled and unwanted aloneness in the face of overwhelming emotions”
- Diana Fosha
EMDR - Consultant Psychotherapist, Supervisor
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma and other presentations. In my work, I use it as an effective treatment to address many issues arising in therapy; run supervision groups internationally and for services, supporting clinicians through the certification process. EMDR has been endorsed by the National Health Services and World Health Organisation as an effective treatment for trauma.
Organisational Consultant
Services going through challenges or transition have often requested my input as an organisational consultant. (Ashiana, Institute of Clinical Research, OTS-Oxford Therapy Centre). By meeting with managers and workers alike, I use psychometric tools to become familiar with the structural and internal dynamics existing within a service.
The consultancy offered is tailored to meet the specific needs of an organisation. Group programs are facilitated to support a service to be more adaptive in instigating change: creating value, improving work dynamics and productivity. So supporting - problem-solving and strategic planning for future service development. Leadership training is also offered.
Accrediting organisations
“The wound is where the light enters”
- Rumi
How having therapy with me works?
One can have no smaller or greater mastery than mastery over oneself.
Leonardo Da Vinci
Initial Assessment
I start my work with an initial assessment that usually lasts for 50 minutes, when working with an individual, couple or family.
Towards the end of the assessment, we collaboratively decide on the number and frequency of sessions.
If deemed necessary, I link up with other professionals to provide a care package or refer clients for specialist help if I am unable to assist them.
A problem shared...
At the heart of my work, I provide a safe, confidential space to establish trust, where the therapeutic relationship is a fertile space; a mirror reflecting the wounds and challenges a person has experienced. The purpose of our wok together is to create change, healing and new patterns of behaviour.
“It is in having a safe therapeutic alliance that the person is safe to explore and take risks; knowing that they exist in the mind and heart of an empathic, attuned and self-possessed other” - D. Fosha 2020
Problems I work with
People come to me for help with a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported by psychotherapy.
Abuse, Addictions, Anxiety, Bereavement, managing life change, Depression, Eating Disorders, Feeling unfulfilled, Hopelessness, Identity, Illness, Isolation, Relationship difficulties. Panic attacks – Generalised anxiety disorder, Parenting, Performance anxiety, Personal growth, PTSD, Personality disorders Self-esteem, Stress, Sexuality, Trauma, Work related issues, etc.
Academic History
Surrey University - MSc Supervision & Organisational Consultation
Roehampton University (WPF) - Diploma Supervision (BAPPS), (UKCP)
Chiron Centre - Integrative Psychotherapist & Biodynamic Massage (UKCP)
York University - BA Honours Politics
Plater College, Oxford - Oxford University Diploma Social Administration, Psychology, Philosophy & Quantitative Methods
Additional trainings:
West London Mental Health NHS - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Institute of Psychiatry - Family Therapy
Kings College - Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing. Trainer - Alexandra Richman
Body Psychotherapy, Working with PTSD - Babette Rothschild, Parts 1-3
Unlock Your Quantum Powers - Dr Jean Houston
Workshops presented
• Meditation
• Eating disorders using EMDR
• Mindfulness
• Working with trauma and complex PTSD – compassion fatigue
• Using body psychotherapy in the relationship
• Dialoging with the Inner child
• Building Resilience
• Living with gratitude
• Developing leadership skills
EMDR & Spirituality
Clinical Roles
Information for clinicians and organisations looking to develop: clinical or leadership skills, increase motivation and performance, manage difficult relationships and improve wellbeing at work
Feb 2022 -present
Trauma Aid UK
Consultant Supervisor - Middle East
Providing clinical supervision to EMDR clinicians working with trauma, torture and refugees. Supporting them to work towards consultant status.
January 2022 -present
Freedom from Torture
Consultant Group Supervisor
My role is to supervise the therapeutic work of clinicians working with political refugees and survivors of torture.
March 2020 - Jan 2022
Frontline Collaboration Against Covid-19
Psychotherapist
Offering free psychotherapy to frontline workers whose mental health is impacted by treating patients presenting with Covid-19.
June 2019 - Jan21
Bromley, Croydon Women’s Aid
Group Supervisor
Facilitate and run reflective practice groups for frontline staff and managers working with vulnerable groups: refugees, young people, Japanese community, LGBT and vulnerable men.
May 2018 – Oct 2018
Freedom from Torture
Clinical Group Supervisor
Run supervision groups for family and group psychotherapists managing the complex needs of torture survivors and refugees.
Oct 2017 – Apr 2018
Ashiana
Organisational Consultant
My role was to promote well-being, motivate staff to achieve their objectives, improve work dynamics and productivity. Aid in problem-solving and strategic planning.
2013 – Apr 2018
Ashiana
Supervisor
Offer clinical supervision to managers working with working with victims of domestic violence, refuges, FGM, forced and honour based violence.
Jul 2015 – Jul 2016
Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust
Clinical Coordinator
Manager and clinical supervisor. Facilitate joint consultations with member agencies. Support service development. Supervise clinical staff, provide treatment to complex patients presenting with: personality disorders, medically unexplained symptoms and psychopathology.
May 2012 – Jan 2016
Waterloo Multi-ethnic Counselling
Group Supervisor
Run supervision groups for clinicians working with: dual diagnosis: depression, PTSD, personality disorders, anxiety and torture.
July 2019 -Dec 2020
Minster Centre
Individual Supervisor
Jan 2011 – May 2013
IKWRO Women’s Rights and Solace Women’s Aid
Individual Supervisor
support supervisees to deliver an effective and ethical client service.
Jan 2011 - April 2013
Monitoring Group
Lead psychotherapist
Individual and group therapy offered to victims of hate crimes. Devised organisational policies and procedures. Offer outreach work and consultation to member organisations.
Sep 2011 – Jan 2013
West London Centre for Counselling
Group Supervisor
Run supervision groups to trainee psychotherapists providing treatment for IAPT services
Nov 2011
Institute Clinical Research
Organisational Consultant
Facilitate a consultation program on team building and leadership. Deliver a timely and robust management plan ; making recommendations for structural and strategic changes leading to a more productive work environment.
May 2004 – Dec 2010
West London Mental Health Foundation NHS Trust
Senior Psychotherapist
Treat patients diagnosed with eating disorders. Liase with national networks, focus on prevention and management. Implement NICE guideline. Develop innovative group work.
Oct 1999- June 2006
Ealing Primary Care Trust
Psychotherapist
Offering brief therapy within a primary care setting.
Jan 2002 – Sep 2005
Traumatic Stress Service - South London & Maudsley NHS Psychotherapist
Provide assessment and treatment for PTSD, dissociative disorders, refugees, survivors of torture, victims of human trafficking and those diagnosed with personality disorders.
June 1996- May 2004
Asian Women’s Counselling Service
Psychotherapist
Psychological treatment offered to women from the South Asian community. Conduct research, raise awareness amongst professionals and community groups.
Sep 1999 – Sep 2001
Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College
Honorary Psychotherapist
Individual and group therapy offered to adults. Participate in family eating disorder programmes. Contribute towards training and research carried out by the Institute.
Feb 94 - Sep 02 Qalb Mental Health Centre
Jan 97 - June 98 EACH Alcohol Counselling Services
Nov 93 - Dec 94 WACS Alcohol Counselling Services
Feb 93 - Aug 93 Oxford Cyrenians Deputy Manager
Oct 91 – Aug 93 Sahara Asian women’s refuge
Get in touch
My practice is based in the heart of Liverpool Street, Waterloo, close to a number of tube stations.
Feel free to contact me on:
0208 287 7619 or at therapy@punamsood.com
if you have any questions about how psychotherapy works, or whether I am the right therapist to help.
My fees are charged on a sliding scale, reduced for charitable organisations.
Referrals: Self, friends, General practitioner, professionals involved in the care of a person.
Insurance Companies - WPA, AXA,Vitality Health. Recognised as an accredited psychotherapist ,
Online zoom sessions offered. I am registered with GDPR/Data Protection Act 2018 - to ensure your data is kept safe.
Languages spoken: Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu.
©2021 Punam sood
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