Kirsten Shirke

I am able to offer long and short term therapy, face to face in south east London and more widely online across the UK.

I am a GP working in East London since 2003, and a psychodynamic psychotherapist seeing patients for therapy in NHS settings and in private practice.

I have a special interest in mental health disorders, alcohol and substance misuse, and am clinical lead for a project supporting survivors of domestic abuse in primary care settings. I have extensive experience of working with people experiencing a range of mental health disorders as well as refugees and survivors of trauma and abuse. I am able to work with people who have difficulties with emotions and relationships, disordered eating, self-harm and suicidal thoughts, low self-esteem, work stress and many other challenges.

I train doctors and medical students at all stages in their training and work with doctors experiencing mental health concerns, alcohol and substance misuse, burnout, and stress. I also have BSc in Sociology and have experience of qualitative research with South Asian women experiencing domestic violence. I am currently completing a dissertation for a Masters degree based at Goldsmiths University, exploring the impact on the COVID-19 pandemic on GP wellbeing.

Qualifications and memberships – MBBS, MRCGP, DRCOG, DFFP, BSc, BACP

I have a psychodynamic focus, though can work flexibly, using a range of therapy techniques that feel right for you. I believe therapy works by looking into the web of experiences and relationships in our present and earlier lives, so that we can start to understand more about who we are and learn to make changes that build strong and healthy relationships and fulfilling lives in the future.

I am able to offer a free 20 minute telephone or video consultation to talk through your situation and discuss how we might be able to work together.