Dr Zera Brittenden

Senior Clinical Psychologist

I am a Senior Clinical Psychologist with experience of working in the NHS, in private practice, and as a research therapist on a clinical trial. I currently work part time as a Clinical Tutor on the Doctorate of Clinical Psychology at King’s College London (KCL), where I support trainee psychologists and lead on supervisor training. Furthermore, I am involved in teaching at local universities including at KCL and University College London (UCL). I completed my Bachelors degree in Psychology at the University of Exeter and since then I have obtained two Masters degrees in Mental Health Studies and Early Intervention in Psychosis at KCL. I completed my doctoral training as a Clinical Psychologist at KCL, and I am registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC). I have also completed post-qualification training in CBT, obtaining a PGCert from UCL.

I work with people who may be experiencing difficulty with a range of issues, including anxiety (e.g. social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, worry/generalised anxiety, health anxiety, panic), trauma, psychosis spectrum experiences (e.g. voices, paranoia or unusual beliefs), sleep, perfectionism and low self-esteem.

Therapy usually begins with understanding how these difficulties may have developed, before working on what may be maintaining them, supporting you to make changes in line with your goals. I am primarily trained in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) but also work integratively depending on your unique needs e.g. drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). I am also interested in attachment theory and how our early relationships might inform how we relate to ourselves, the world and other people.

I understand that starting therapy and making changes can be daunting. I will aim to support you to get the most out of therapy while ensuring you retain a sense of control, working collaboratively throughout, and providing you with a safe space to express yourself. I am professional in my approach, and ultimately aim to relate to people as human beings- bringing compassion, respect and a sense of humour to the therapeutic relationship.