ABOUT ME
Dr Paula Bermudez
Counselling Psychologist, registered member of HCPC (PYL36977)
Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to get into a career path that would make a difference in people’s lives. This interest led me to study a degree in Psychology in Spain and eventually complete a Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology in London, helping me develop both my research and clinical expertise. As a Counselling Psychologist I am committed to humanistic values; this means that I believe in the potential for growth and change in every human being. I embrace empathy, openness, unconditional positive regard (acceptance), genuinness and congruence as the foundation stones of my work.
My training has formed me as an integrative practitioner, which means that I am able to adapt to my client's needs and preferences in therapy, combining different therapeutic models and skills in a congruent and sensitive manner. My core modality is Psychodynamic therapy, and I am able to work in a limited or open ended manner, whilst also adapting techniques and theories from other modalities, such as Humanistic, Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT), and Systemic Therapy.
​
I have been working in mental health since 2012 across different settings, including charities, home programmes, and primary and secondary care psychological services in the NHS. I have experience working with children, families and adults, providing both short term and long term interventions, with a variety of people dealing with circumstances unique to their lives.
​
For years, I worked in several settings simultaneously. Apart from my private practice, I worked at the University of East London (UEL) in research related matters in the Prof Doc Programme in Counselling Psychology, and I was also involved in training and supervising counsellors. At the same time, I worked part-time in a Secondary Care NHS Service providing long term Psychodynamic and Integrative therapy to adults presenting with severe and enduring mental health difficulties. ​
​
Currently, I am focusing on developing my own private practice to create a life in which I can find a good work-life balance. As I often say to my clients “a vital aspect of our wellbeing is to build a life we like living, a life that is meaningful to us”. Thus, I am trying my best to “do what I preach”- being congruent and authentic.
​
I am only practising online, offering therapy to people based across Europe, mainly people living in the UK and Spain, as I have Professional Registration in both countries and I have also lived experience of training and living there.
​
I love my work and I make sure that I continue my professional development with regular clinical supervision and attending trainings to ensure I continue to provide the best care I can to all my clients.
​
As a registered member of the BPS and HCPC I work following their ethical frameworks and standards of proficiency.
​