Cristian R Pena, CPsychol, AFBPsS, Director and Chartered Clinical Psychologist
I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, and Director of Colbun Psychology. I founded the practice over 15 years ago, and remain deeply proud of the thoughtful, inclusive and welcoming space we have created.
Alongside my work at Colbun Psychology, I am a Guest Lecturer on the Doctoral Programme in Clinical Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire, and I work as a Human Rights Consultant for organisations based around the world. Further information about my international and human rights work can be found via Estudio Londres (link to www.Estudiolondres.org).
I have many years of experience working as a Clinical Psychologist within the NHS, as well as in specialist trauma and health settings. More recently, I worked at University College London Hospital, supporting patients affected by cancer. I have also worked within a bereavement service at Camden & Islington NHS Trust.
I work from an integrative therapeutic approach, drawing from narrative, systemic and psychoanalytic work, and adapting this to each person’s needs and circumstances. I also specialise in working with the LGBTQIA+ community, and aim to offer an affirming, thoughtful and respectful therapeutic space.
At Colbun Psychology, I currently offer online therapy in English, Spanish and Swedish.
Ofrezco psicoterapia en español online por Zoom.
Jag erbjuder även behandling på svenska online, över Zoom.
María Isabel Madrigal García (Clinical Psychologist)
I am Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience working with adults. I support people with a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety, low mood, phobias, self-esteem concerns and relationship difficulties within couples.
I have been part of Colbun Psychology for many years and worked closely with Cristian from the very beginning of the practice. I care deeply about the work I do and about creating a space where people feel understood and supported. In my clinical work, I draw mainly from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and humanistic approaches, adapting my way of working to each person.
Alongside my work in private practice, I have also worked within the NHS in London, including part-time work as a Clinical Psychologist in the Intensive Care Department at North Middlesex Hospital in Edmonton.
I have contributed to research published in both Spanish- and English-language journals, with a particular interest in emotions and emotional intelligence, and how these shape wellbeing and relationships.
I offer therapy at Colbun Psychology in central London, working in English and Spanish.
Ofrezco psicoterapia individual y de pareja en Colbun Psychology en español en el centro de Londres.
Dr Leanna Ong (Clinical Psychologist)
I am a registered and experienced Clinical Psychologist registered with the HCPC and the ACP-UK. I am trained to work with clients from all backgrounds, with a special interest in Women’s health and well-being across the lifespan.
I currently work across the NHS specialising in Maternal mental health and community psychology, alongside working on the Clinical Psychology Doctorate training programme at
University College London and providing an independent clinical psychology service in central London.
I am passionate about working collaboratively with individuals to provide a safe space to explore and understand their current context and difficulties. I am trained in and draw
upon a range of psychological approaches including narrative, systemic, cognitive
behavioural, community and trauma informed therapy interventions. I specialise in
working through relational and developmental difficulties, racial and intergenerational
trauma, and women’s health.
I provide therapy at Colbun Psychology in Central London and online in English.
Kehinde Afuape (Systemic Practitioner)
I am a Systemic Practitioner (accredited by AFT), furthering my training and practice in Systemic and Family Psychotherapy at the renowned Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust. I have a breadth of experience working in the NHS and across the public sector in services such as schools, local authority, the voluntary sector, charities and homeless shelters. I offer individual and family therapy to adults, children and young people.
I have extensive experience working with young people with challenging behaviours and learning difficulties as well as those diagnosed with Autism and social communication difficulties. This does not only enable me to explore issues that may affect those with these diagnoses but also the inevitable impact it often has on their families. In addition, I also support other young people and their families who may similarly experience; anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. I was invited to join the clinic whilst working with young people and their families affected by cancer at UCLH, which integrates the importance of mental health support for people with long term health conditions.
As a British West African, I draw on my understanding of the importance of valuing and respecting cultures and traditions to engage people from BAME and a broad range of backgrounds. I enjoy creating spaces that are inviting to all. I have a deep understanding and appreciation for the various ways people communicate – e.g. body language as well as verbally – and approach therapy with the understanding that some people may feel anxious, be cautious or worried about possible judgments. Keeping these and other insights in mind helps my therapeutic approach to be more conversational and follow the pace set by the client. Moreover, my colleagues and clients often comment on my natural, calm and engaging style which creates an environment where people feel comfortable and safe.
I provide therapy at Colbun Psychology in Central London in English.
Dr Wilson Gallego Hoyos (Clinical Psychologist; Psychosexual &
Relationship Psychotherapist; Gender, Sex and Relationship Diversity [GSRD] Psychotherapist)
I am an HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist and an EMDR Europe-accredited EMDR therapist, trained in a range of therapeutic approaches including Systemic Psychotherapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). I have specialist expertise in trauma-focused work, offering Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
I have also completed a foundation course with the Society of Analytical Psychology and hold a growing interest in Jungian concepts, which I integrate into my practice where appropriate. In addition, I have undertaken accredited training with COMPASS Pathways as a psychedelic-assisted therapist. I have experience working on a clinical study involving psilocybin treatment and offer preparation and integration support within a robust ethical framework.
My integrative training enables me to tailor therapy to your individual needs. I work with young people and adults, supporting clients to expand their life choices and live more fully, even in the face of challenging circumstances.
I offer a collaborative, respectful, and confidential therapeutic space. My approach recognises the connection between personal distress and the wider social, cultural, and political context. Together, we will explore the beliefs and relational patterns that shape your experiences, helping you to make sense of how you feel and respond.
A central aim of my work is to support you in reconnecting with your personal and relational resources, values, and hopes, so that the way forward remains aligned with what matters most to you. At the heart of my practice is developing a genuine, trusting, and safe therapeutic relationship.
Alongside my private practice, I am a Lead Psychologist in the Staff Psychology Service at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. I previously worked extensively within specialist trauma services at the Tavistock Centre, including Looked After Children and Refugee Service.
I offer therapy in English at Colbun Psychology and have a strong understanding of the Arabic language and culture.
Dr Irina Aron (Psychodynamic Psychotherapist)
I trained as a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist at the Tavistock Centre, London and specialised in Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (DIT) at the Anna Freud Centre. DIT is a short-term psychotherapy (up to 16 sessions), which is particularly effective for anxiety and depression. I am a DIT practitioner accredited by the BPC and am also a Registered Member of the BACP. As well as Colbun Psychology I work as a consultant at a high-end rehabilitation service in Switzerland offering treatment for a variety of conditions.
I have previously worked as a psychotherapist in the NHS in Camden & Islington and in East London.
I have an academic background in linguistics and intercultural communication and I specialise in working with people who live transnational lives, have diverse cultural backgrounds or are challenged by diverse cultural environments. I work with individuals and (intercultural) couples. Depending on my clients needs I combine in-depth psychodynamic work with more future focused and goal oriented work, which is associated with coaching.
I provide therapy at Colbun Psychology in Central London in English, Russian and Bulgarian.
Предлагаю психотерапевтические консультации на русском языке в Центральном Лондоне
Предлагам психотерапевтични консултации на български език в Централен Лондон
Dr Sherry Rehim (Clinical Psychologist)
I am a Clinical Psychologist registered with HCPC. I am trained in a range of therapeutic approaches including systemic, narrative and cognitive behavioural approaches. I have further training in trauma focused interventions including Narrative Exposure Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). My extensive training enables me to draw upon different models to tailor an approach to best meet your needs.
I work with children, young people, adults and families with the aim of enabling clients to enhance life choices and to live more fully, even in the most challenging circumstances. I am committed to working collaboratively in a respectful, appreciative and confidential space. My approach emphasises the relationship between distress and the world we live in, and so I seek to understand a person’s unique difficulties in their social, cultural and political context. Together we will explore the beliefs and relationship patterns which shape your life to make sense of your experiences and the ways in which you respond. I aim to reconnect people to their personal and relational resources, values and hopes so that the way forward remains close to what is important to the individual.
Alongside my private practice, I work across children and adult services in the NHS. I work at the Tavistock Centre Looked After Children and Refugee CAMHS, and for Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust supporting the psychological wellbeing of staff.
I provide therapy at Colbun Psychology in Central London in English
Dr. Shabana Dar, D.Clin.Psy; M.Sc. (Clinical Psychologist)
I am a clinical psychologist registered with the HCPC and qualified to work with adults, adolescents and children. Prior to joining Colbun Psychology I worked within the NHS and have 14 years of experience in the field of mental health.
The therapy models I have worked within include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) and Systemic Family Therapy. I find Mindfulness and Compassion focussed therapeutic approaches particularly helpful with complex emotional issues. My own starting point in becoming a clinical psychologist began with an interest in existential philosophy and psychology, which has continued to inform my work. I am also interested in the growing body of neuropsychological research and practice that explores the relationship between the mind and body, and psychology and spirituality. I have worked with people from a variety of cultural, ethnic, religious and spiritual backgrounds, and feel it is imperative to create a shared understanding of their particular personal and social context. This is helpful in enabling clients to clarify their own evolving personal values and make progress in their lives in keeping with these.
Unless a client is specifically looking for one particular type of therapy (e.g. CBT) the type of therapy I create for each person depends on their specific situation and needs. I integrate relevant elements from different models to create a more tailor-made approach unique to each person’s therapeutic journey.
I provide therapy at Colbun Psychology in Central London in English.
Dr Jose López, ClinPsyD, MSc (Clinical Psychologist and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapist)
I am a Clinical Psychologist and Cognitive-Behavioural Psychotherapist (registered with both the HCPC and BABCP). In 2012 I completed a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of East London. Over three years I rotated through a number of different services throughout London. This gave me valuable experience with children, adults, older adults and people with learning disabilities. During this time I became familiar with different therapeutic approaches (systemic, CBT and narrative/community psychology).
Prior to this, I worked with older adults in psychiatric care, undertaking research on the topic. Over the last five years, I have specialized in Primary Care Psychology, from a Cognitive-Behavioural (CBT) and Third wave (Mindfulness) approach, mostly focused on mood and anxiety problems.
My areas of interest are psychological trauma, working with distressed couples, and the process of adaptation for people who migrate to the UK from Spanish-speaking countries, a topic on which I have published research.
After completing a postgraduate diploma in CBT, I currently work for a Primary Care Psychology Service (NHS). I work with individuals (from children to adults), couples and families and also provide clinical supervision to other practitioners.
I provide therapy at Colbun Psychology in Central London in English and Spanish.
Ofrezco psicoterapia en Colbun Psychology en español en el centro de Londres.
Carla Di Falco (Psychologist and Systemic and Family Psychotherapist)
I am an Italian-Swiss Psychologist and a Systemic and Family Psychotherapist. I have been a member of the UKCP since 2008. I have worked in the NHS in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for several years. As well as in Adult Psychotherapy services, I have also worked in secondary schools with adolescents and their families. When I work I draw from different approaches (systemic, CBT; emotionally focused couple therapy, Attachment etc.), as I believe that every client has different needs, which requires flexibility in the therapeutic approach.
I have a special interest in relationships, sexuality, couple and family issues, life cycle transitions, pregnancy and childbirth; issues related to adapting to a new culture and language, low self esteem, anxiety and low mood.
I provide therapy at Colbun Psychology in central London in French, Italian and English.
Carla propose une psychotherapie aux francophones à la Colburn Psychology au centre de Londres
Carla propone la psicoterapia per italiani alla Colbun Psychology nel centro di Londra.
Lourdes Berdasco (Psychologist and Systemic and Family Psychotherapist)
I am a Systemic Family Psychotherapist registered with UKCP and a member of AFT. I am a registered psychologist with the BPS and a Clinical Psychologist with C.O.P.C. I have worked in the NHS in CAMHS (Children and Adolescent Mental Health Team) and with refugees who have experienced trauma.
In my independent practice, I offer therapy to adults, couples, young people, and families, dealing with a variety of emotional difficulties including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and relationship problems, with a view to finding new possibilities and ways to address change. I help young people and adults with attachment issues, neurodiversity (ASD and ADHD).
I work in an integrative way. I draw on a range of different approaches and integrate different therapeutic models. These include Systemic psychotherapy, Narrative approaches, CBT, Psychodynamic, Mindfulness based techniques, MBTC approach and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) with adults and children. I emphasise the creation of a safe space in which together with my client we can explore possible ways forward.
I also offer clinical supervision, training, and offer consultations to other professionals.
I provide Psychotherapy at Colbun Psychology online in English and Spanish. I can also comunicate in Catalan.
Ofrezco psicoterapia en Colbun Psychology en español e inglés online. También puedo comunicarme en catalán.
També puc comunicar-me en català.
Ana Anes – Counselling Psychologist (HCPC registered)
I am a Counselling Psychologist working from a humanistic approach. I tend to incorporate Life Cycle Integration (LCI) and Focusing-Oriented Psychotherapy into my sessions. In addition, I offer EMDR.
I specialize in trauma, life crises, emotional difficulties and grief. I have extensive experience in working with gender based violence, sexual violence or workplace bullying and harassment.
My background is in social work. As a result, I have a very social and intercultural outlook. In the past, I used to work in a women’s centre in Madrid, Spain and have previously worked in an organisation specialising in domestic violence in London. I have experience in working with migrants in Spain and in the UK.
I offer psychotherapy in Spanish and English near Oxford Circus and online.
Ofrezco psicoterapia humanista en español en línea.
Some abbreviations
ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy)
BABCP (British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies)
BACP (British Association for Counseling & Psychotherapy)
BPC (British Psychoanalytic Council)
BPS (British Psychological Society)
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
HCPC (Health & Care Professions Council)
UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy)
AFT Association of family therapy
ACP-UK: Association of Clinical Psychologists