Dr Polina Lukanova

Counselling Psychologist

Dr Polina Lukanova completed her doctoral training in Counselling Psychology at the University of Roehampton. She has experience working in a variety of settings such as non-profit organisations, public and private sectors.   

Dr Lukanova works with adults and young people and has experience in treating anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, complicated grief, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), attachment and relational difficulties, adjustment disorder, bereavement, and work-related stress.  

Dr Lukanova’s areas of special interest are trauma and neurodevelopmental disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Dr Lukanova’s work experience in Transport for London’s trauma department has allowed her to gain specialist experience in assessing and treating clients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). She also currently provides psychological support and supervision for Recovery Code X, an organisation whose focus is on providing peer support to those suffering with CPTSD. 

She views every person’s lived experience as unique, which is why she draws from a variety of therapeutic approaches to tailor the therapeutic encounter to her client’s individual needs and preferences. She is trained in several approaches such as Person-Centred Therapy, Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. She holds an empathic stance acknowledging the importance of context, culture, and diversity, and their influence on how we feel, think about ourselves and interact with others. 

If you or a loved one is in crisis and needs immediate help, please visit our Crisis Information page.

Marina Hilleary

December 9, 2024 No Comments

Dr Marina Hilleary is a Clinical Psychologist working in the NHS and private practice. She completed her BSc in Psychology at the University of Exeter, graduating with first-class honours and was subsequently awarded an MSc in Mental Health Studies and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London.

Dr Hilleary has 9 years of clinical experience in various NHS mental health settings, her current position being on a Specialist Adolescent Team at a Community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). She has a specialist interest in working with children, young people and their families and has worked with young people presenting with a wide range of difficulties including depression, low self-esteem, anxiety (specific phobias, GAD, social anxiety, separation anxiety, panic and OCD), PTSD, behaviours that challenge and additional neurodevelopmental needs.

Dr Hilleary is experienced in carrying out comprehensive psychological assessments (including cognitive assessments) and recognises the importance of working towards a shared understanding of the presenting difficulties to enable a positive therapeutic outcome. She draws on a range of evidence-based psychological therapies and models, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based approaches. In addition, Dr Hilleary utilises systemic family approaches when working with young people and their families.

Dr Hilleary adopts an integrative, compassionate and person-centred approach to engage young people, building their motivation to participate in decisions around their care plan and achieve their therapeutic goals. She works creatively with her clients and, where appropriate, alongside any of their important support systems.