Counselling Psychologist

Dr Ricky Leslie

Ricky is a highly experienced counselling psychologist and psychotherapist with over a decade of experience in the NHS and extensive international work. He provides a non-judgmental, compassionate space for clients to explore their concerns. Ricky’s therapeutic approach draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Existential Philosophy, and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help clients better understand their experiences and navigate their emotional and mental health challenges.

In addition to his NHS work, Ricky has worked internationally, supporting war veterans, trauma and sexual abuse victims, and sailors who have experienced trauma. His expertise includes using EMDR to address both single-event trauma and complex trauma, guiding clients through recovery and healing.

Ricky also specialises in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi), having completed advanced training, and is highly experienced in working with dreams and dreaming disorders. This includes helping clients who experience nightmares, sleep terrors, parasomnias (such as sleepwalking, REM sleep behaviour disorder, sleep paralysis), and other sleep disturbances like restless leg syndrome. He also works with individuals experiencing Lewy Body Dementia, offering support in managing the complex sleep and dreaming disruptions associated with this condition. By integrating Existential Therapy, CBTi, and EMDR, Ricky provides a comprehensive approach to improving sleep, addressing nightmares, and enhancing overall wellbeing.

Ricky has extensive experience managing and treating various psychiatric conditions, including:

1. Depression(including major depressive disorder)
2. Anxiety(social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder)
3. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
4. Schizophrenia
5. Bipolar Disorder
6. Phobias(specific phobias, agoraphobia)
7. Personality Disorders(such as borderline, avoidant, and dependent personality disorders)
8. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
9. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
10. Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders
11. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (single event and complex PTSD)
12. Sleep and dream disorders (Oneiriophrenia, insomnia, RSBD, DRC)

He also works with existential concerns, helping clients explore issues related to purpose, meaning, dilemmas, and other existential givens like death, freedom, isolation, and responsibility. Ricky applies these skills to adults and older adults (65+), particularly those in the third phase of their lifespan, helping them navigate life’s existential challenges and mental health concerns holistically.

Additionally, Ricky has a strong focus on identity exploration and provides male-focused therapy. He supports men in navigating the complexities of societal and personal expectations, helping them build emotional intelligence, self-understanding, and healthier coping mechanisms.

In addition to his clinical work, Ricky has taught psychology and counselling skills at London South Bank University, contributing to the development of future therapists.

Driven by his passion for the human condition, Ricky offers a safe space for clients to explore parts of their lives that may feel neglected or in crisis. He is committed to helping individuals develop self-knowledge, resilience, and inner strength, enabling them to face life’s challenges with greater confidence. Ricky is also LGBTQ+-friendly and offers dedicated support for individuals undergoing the transition process.