Meet Our Therapists

Cristian R Pena, CPsychol AFBPsS (Director and Chartered Clinical Psychologist)

I am a Clinical Psychologist who is an associate fellow of the British Psychological Society and Colbun Psychology’s Director. I set up this practice more than 15 years ago and am very proud of what we have created.

In addition to Colbun Psychology, I work as a Guest Lecturer at the Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. I also work as a Human Rights Consultant in the fields of torture and truth and reconciliation for organisations around the world. For more details, please visit the Human Rights Consultancy page above.

I have worked as a Clinical Psychologist in the NHS for many years. Most recently, I worked at University College London Hospital with families and adolescents suffering from cancer. Prior work for me has included working at a bereavement service in Camden & Islington NHS Trust, and with adolescents with complex needs and their families at Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust.

I provide therapy at Colbun Psychology online in English, Swedish and Spanish.

Ofrezco psicoterapia en español online por Zoom.

Jag erbjuder även behandling på svenska online, över Zoom.

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.

Dr Isabella Girling (Clinical Psychologist)

I am a Clinical Psychologist registered with the HCPC and qualified to work therapeutically with a wide range of client groups, including adults, young people, children, and families. I have extensive experience working privately as well as in physical and mental health services within the NHS. I offer supervision to practitioners and consultation to organisations.

I work with people in a way that best meets their needs. I have experience working within models of; Systemic Family Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) and Community and Liberation Psychology practices to effect change. I am interested in dreamwork and Transpersonal Therapy. My clinical practice aims to reconnect people with their values during times which may present personal, relational, social, spiritual and community struggles. Many of these struggles can bring suffering, expressed as low mood, anxiety, low self-esteem, and trauma. I work alongside clients to make sense of their unique experiences and their responses to these, acknowledging the influence of the different contexts and environments within which they are situated. I can often draw upon and incorporate the creative arts in the therapeutic work, particularly poetry.

As well as Colbun Psychology, I also currently work at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust. My research interests promote wellbeing for women and girls who have experienced multiple and severe forms of violence. It is of utmost important to me that I provide people with a safe and respectful space to explore the impact of their experiences.

I provide therapy at Colbun Psychology in Central London and online in English.

Dr Spyros Papadopoulos, DClinPsych (Clinical Psychologist)

I am a clinical psychologist registered with the HCPC. I have over eight years of clinical experience working in health, mental health, and social care settings across the NHS and local authorities. I have experience working with people across the life course, including children, young people, and families. Through my training and clinical practice, I have developed knowledge and skills in supporting people with a range of emotional and psychological needs, including low mood, anxiety, trauma, loss and bereavement, relational distress, and distress related to a physical health condition.

As a clinical psychologist, I have been trained in a range of evidence based therapeutic approaches and techniques and have developed skills in integrating these to meet people’s needs and preferences. During my core professional training, I became familiar with cognitive behavioural (CBT) and systemic therapies. I have since pursued additional training in CBT, Narrative Therapy, and attachment-based psychotherapies.

I have a specialist interest in migration, diverse (sexual and gender) identities, embodied experiences, and belonging. I am also interested in how people make meaning out of stories of struggle and overcoming, and how these stories are shaped by the contexts that we find ourselves in. These interests are reflected in my research, as well as my clinical practice.

I provide therapy at Colbun Psychology in Central London and online in English and Greek.

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)

My clinical experience made me realise we tend to consider our sexuality when it’s not how we expect it. Feelings of shame, inadequacy or guilt permeate how we see ourselves and affect our relationships. We wonder about professional help and whom to go to. Should we go alone or with our partners, if we have any? I have over 17 years of clinical experience and a sex-positive stance. I finished an MSc and PhD from University College London, where I taught in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. I trained in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy with Tavistock Relationships and Gender, Sex and Relationship Diversity (GDRS) Therapy with Pink Therapy. I have worked in many settings, including an NHS psychosexual service.

I work with adults and people in relationships who experience so-called “Sexual dysfunctions” (painful sex, premature ejaculation, lack of interest in sex, and compulsive sexual behaviours, among others). I also work with people struggling with identity or personal issues related to their sexuality who seek a supportive, open-minded clinician to help them work through their current situation.

If you have questions about your sex life, intimate relationships, or yourself, if you consider yourself LGBTQI+ or GSRD and are looking for a sex-positive clinician, I would be happy to offer you an initial assessment. I will consider your specific needs and whether further work with me could be helpful; building on my different skills and training, I will discuss with you your goals and tailor a treatment path that addresses your needs. I include cultural diversity and ethnic background aspects in my interventions.

My primary theoretical model is psychoanalytic; however, I use elements of other models that I have found helpful in my clinical experience, and I have trained in, such as Mentalisation-Based Therapy (MBT), Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (DIT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Trauma Focused Therapy, and Eye Movement and Desensitisation Therapy (EMDR),among others.

I provide therapy at Colbun Psychology in Central London, and online, in English and Spanish.

Ofrezco psicoterapia en Colbun Psychology en español e ingles en el centro de Londres, y online.

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.

Dr Lola Perez-Gavino, DClinPsy; MSc; PG Dip (Clinical Psychologist and Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist)

I am a Clinical Psychologist and Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist (registered with HCPC, BPS and BABCP accredited). I also have a Masters Degree in Speech and Language Therapy. I have 15 years of experience working in mental health. I currently work in the NHS in a child mental health service in Central London. I can help people with a variety of difficulties, including low mood and anxiety disorders.

I have extensive experience of working with children, young people and adults with OCD, which is one of my areas of special interest. I also have an interest in adapting standard CBT to young people and adults with high functioning Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.

The ultimate goal of therapy is to help people feel better in the areas they are unhappy about. In our work together, we will draw a map of your problems. For some people this may focus on what is going on for you at the moment, for other people, it may be important to find out a little more about where and when the difficulties started, to change the way they are affecting you at present. I draw on narrative therapy in my work. Everybody has a story of who they are and what is important to them. We often follow the path we are most familiar with and it may be difficult to see other routes on the way. I would like to explore with you new paths that may be less obvious, paths that would bring you closer to the kind of person you would like to be and to live by the values that are important to you.

In my spare time, I collaborate with LUNA Children’s Charity, which has the aim of helping children who have experienced trauma to move forward with their lives. As part of my role with LUNA, I have trained in the use of CATT (Child Accelerated Trauma Treatment), a therapeutic protocol aimed at improving children’s quality of life, and reducing symptoms of trauma using a cognitive-behavioural technique.

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

Diego Raya – MSc CBT, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) and Interpersonal (IPT) Psychotherapist

I am a Cognitive-behavioral and Interpersonal Psychotherapist (accredited by BABCP and IPTUK). I have further training as an IPT Supervisor at the Anna Freud Center and additional specialist qualifications in Mindfulness and Compassion-focussed Therapy. I have more than twelve years of experience in the field of mental health.

I am committed to working collaboratively in a safe space. My stance is supportive, empathic and non-judgmental. I feel comfortable discussing topics around racism, LGTBTQ+ phobia and any form of oppression/stigma towards minorities and people that do not conform with gender and sex norms.

I treat problems including depression, anxiety / stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma / post-traumatic stress, social phobia, generalised anxiety, phobias, grief and interpersonal difficulties (conflict with other person, difficulties in starting or keeping relationships going, lack of assertiveness.)

I have extensive experience working as a Psychotherapist in different hospitals and mental health institutions in London, such as the Homerton University NHS Trust and the North East London NHS Foundation Trust. Currently, I combine my private work with my part-time role as a Primary Care Psychotherapist in IAPT (NELFT).

I offer Psychotherapy in both Spanish and English.

Ofrezco psicoterapia en español en el centro de Londres, en Fitzrovia, cerca de Great Portland Street.

María Isabel Madrigal García (Clinical Psychologist)

I am a HCPC and BPS registered Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience. I have extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of adults with problems including depression, anxiety, personality problems, phobias, self-esteem issues and relationship problems within couples.
I am extremely passionate about my job and have been working at Colbun Psychology for many years; I was with Cristian when he set up the practice. When I see clients I use both a cognitive behavioral and humanistic approach. In addition to my Clinical Psychology degree, I hold a Masters degree in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

I also have experience of working within the NHS here in London, working part time in the Intensive Care department as a clinical psychologist at North Middlesex hospital, Edmonton.
Furthermore, I have written several research papers, which have been published in both Spanish and English-language journals. Presently my area of research is emotions and emotional intelligence.
I provide therapy at Colbun Psychology in Central London in English and Spanish.

Ofrezco psicoterapia individual y de pareja 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 qualified Systemic Family Psychotherapist registered with UKCP and a member of AFT. I am a registered psychologist with the BPS and with COPC. I have worked part-time in the field of mental health in a variety of settings. I work part-time in the NHS in a CAMHS (Children and Adolescent Mental Health Team) team as a Highly Specialised Systemic Psychotherapist. I have the experience of helping people overcome extreme traumatic experiences and writing medico-legal reports related to trauma. I have also worked in the charity sector with refugees and asylum seekers. In my private work, 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 offer supervision and training, run a Family Therapy Clinic, and offer consultations to other professionals. I have worked with people from a variety of social backgrounds and cultures. I consider the context (familiar, social, spiritual, and political) in which people have lived, and continue to do so, their past and present and how these experiences have influenced the relationship they have developed with themselves and others. 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). I emphasise the creation of a safe space in which, together with my client we can explore possible ways forward.

I provide therapy at Colbun Psychology in central London and online in English and Spanish. I can also communicate in Catalán.
Ofrezco psicoterapia en Colbun Psychology en español e ingles en el centro de Londres, y online.

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 Londres y en linea.

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