Counselling Psychologist

Dr Natalie Stechler

I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and The British Psychological Society (BPS). I have worked with adolescents and adults in various settings, including the NHS, as a volunteer and in private practice. I have a wide clinical experience from body image, eating disorders, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), depression, anxiety, low-self-esteem, perfectionism and relationship difficulties. During the pandemic, I have been a counselling psychologist at the North Middlesex Hospital. I support NHS staff affected by Covid-19 by providing individual therapy, psycho-educational workshops and debriefings to those suffering from anxiety, flashbacks and PTSD.

I work at The Nightingale Hospital’s Eating Disorder Unit running groups and providing therapy for in/outpatients. Here I treat people with Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating and BDD. I use evidence-based therapies including: CBT, Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Enhanced Cognitive Therapy (CBT-E) and the Maudsley Method of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA). I also worked in secondary care services and treated those with personality disorders using cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) and with a Complex PTSD service using trauma focused CBT while using CAT, narrative exposure therapy, psychoeducation, mindfulness and grounding.

My work is underpinned by CBT as well as third wave CBT approaches such as CFT. As a counselling psychologist I am competent in more than one modality and have a pluralistic stance for treatment. I see this as highly valuable as it permits flexibility for treating each client in a way which is most suitable to their needs. I understand that we all are unique and may respond to adversities and challenges differently due to our beliefs and assumptions about ourselves and others. Therefore, I will work collaboratively with you to find the best approach to help you gain insight and to challenge established ways of thinking. I wish to help you work towards achieving change and feeling empowered in your choices about the future. 

I believe one’s relationship with their therapist is fundamental to any therapeutic change. My relationship with my clients is at the very essence of my work. In order to work through difficult parts of your life I believe that it is essential to have someone who understands, is non-judgemental and is one you can trust. We all need a safe space where our emotions are validated, allowed and accepted. 

I have experience in working with the following disorders:

• Body Dysmorphic Disorder
• Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating)
• Anxiety related disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Depression
• Low-self-esteem
• Self-criticism and shame
• Perfectionism
• Relationship difficulties
• Stress and work related stress
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Working with adolescents