Ljiljana Despotovic

I currently have availability is for online and face-to-face appointments. I also offer outdoor 'walk and talk' sessions in local parks in SE London. 

I am an Integrative psychotherapist practising in south-east London and online. 

I initially trained in Psychodynamic counselling and I am influenced in my work by unconscious processes and Psychodynamic theories, in particular the Attachment theory, which I would use in order to make sense of your difficulties. Over the years I have expanded my training and therapeutic experience and developed a more integrative approach, which incorporates theories and techniques from other therapeutic models (including Relational Psychotherapy, Mindfulness, CBT tools and art and creative techniques) so that the therapy can be tailored to you and your particular presenting issues and needs. My aim is to help you make sense of your emotional and behavioural difficulties and find ways of overcoming or managing them better and ultimately, to help empower you to make the changes that you want, in order to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

 Among my particular professional interests and specialties is work with Eating Disorders and Obesity. 

My qualifications and Training include:

MA in Advanced Clinical Practice (Integrative psychotherapy)

CPCAB Certificate in Eco Therapy and Walk and Talk therapy 

CPCAB Advanced Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

CPCAB Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Skills and Theory

NCFED (National Centre for Eating Disorders) Practitioner Skills for Eating Disorders Diploma

NCFED Practitioner Skills for the Management of Obesity

Advanced Diploma in Working with Eating Disorders

I have extensive counselling experience within the NHS, private and voluntary sector with a wide range of clients and presenting issues - they include work with the elderly and young people, people living with HIV and those affected by addictions, loss and bereavement, clients with relationship problems, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, body-image issues and low self-esteem and those going through life transitions.

My preference is to work longer term but the length of therapy would depend on you and the complexity of the presenting issues that you bring and this would become clearer after the first couple of sessions. It can range from shorter-term, goal specific work (12 sessions) to longer-term (1-2 years).

Although therapeutic technique is important, I believe that equally important for the progress in therapy is the quality of therapeutic relationship. This is something upon which I place great emphasis and in my practice you can expect to be treated with respect and empathy in a safe, supportive and confidential setting.

During the initial contact via phone or email I will arrange an initial appointment for you as soon as possible. This first session is an opportunity for us to meet, do an initial assessment and for you to get the sense of how I work so that we could decide whether further sessions would be beneficial to you.