Dr Jamila Harkin

Hi! I’m Jamila and I’m a Counselling Psychologist.

My background is deeply rooted in a passion for social justice and equality, which guided me towards studying Social Change Theory during my undergraduate years. I’ve always been drawn to understanding the systemic factors that affect people’s lives and have worked to advocate for those who face inequality and marginalisation. This foundation in social justice sparked my desire to better understand individual struggles and how to support people on a personal level.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in a range of settings, all of which have enriched my understanding of mental health and human behaviour. I’ve volunteered with the Samaritans, which taught me the importance of listening and being present for individuals in crisis.

I’ve worked in paediatric healthcare settings, where I supported children and families navigating complex health challenges. Additionally, I’ve worked with children and young people from social care backgrounds, providing them with support through difficult life circumstances.

Currently, in addition to my work at The Oak Tree Practice, I’m part of an NHS community eating disorder service, where I work with both young adults and adults dealing with disordered eating and body dysmorphia. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the many layers of mental health struggles and the importance of a compassionate, individualised approach to treatment.

Throughout my career, I’ve focused on combining my knowledge of social justice with my psychological expertise to provide support in a way that values each person’s unique background and experiences.

When we first meet, I want it to feel like a space where we can genuinely get to know each other. Building a strong therapeutic relationship is a priority for me, as I believe this foundation is key to creating a safe, trusting environment where you feel heard and understood. My goal is for you to feel comfortable and supported from the outset, knowing that you can express yourself openly without judgment.

In our initial sessions together, I’ll take the time to understand your unique journey—your experiences, your challenges, and what has brought you to therapy. I believe in working collaboratively with you, so I’ll explore how I can best support you in reaching your goals. We’ll talk about what’s important to you and what you hope to achieve through therapy, and from there, we’ll tailor a plan that feels right for you.

Together, we’ll set clear, achievable therapeutic goals, and we’ll revisit them as we move forward, adjusting along the way to ensure that we’re always working towards what matters most to you. My aim is to help you feel empowered and confident in the therapeutic process, knowing that we’re in this journey together and that your well-being is at the heart of our work.

Working with me would be a collaborative and supportive experience, where I focus on truly understanding you as a person and empowering you to make meaningful, lasting changes in your life. I believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental space where you can express yourself openly and feel heard. I understand that every individual is unique, so I tailor our sessions to fit your specific needs, goals, and comfort levels.

I also want to acknowledge that I’ve personally been through my own therapy journey, so I have a deep understanding of what it’s like to be on the other side of the process. This means I’m not just approaching our work from a professional standpoint—I’ve experienced the vulnerability, the courage, and the challenges that come with being a client. This allows me to empathise with what you may be going through and to provide a supportive environment where you feel understood and respected.

My aim is to help you explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in a way that allows you to gain deeper insight and make empowered decisions for yourself. We’ll work together at a pace that feels comfortable for you, always focusing on what’s most important to you in the moment. Ultimately, I want you to leave our sessions feeling more confident, with practical tools to navigate life’s challenges, and with a renewed sense of hope and agency.

In my practice, I offer professional support for a wide range of psychological difficulties, with the aim of helping individuals lead more fulfilling and balanced lives. I work with clients facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, OCD, phobias, eating difficulties, body dysmorphia, trauma, health-related concerns, bereavement, and relationship difficulties. Each person’s experience is unique, so my approach is tailored to their specific needs.

To ensure the best possible outcomes for my clients, I draw on a variety of evidence-based therapies. I utilise Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help individuals challenge and change unhelpful thought patterns, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for promoting psychological flexibility and mindfulness, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), which is particularly effective for emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.

For deeper exploration of the unconscious and past experiences, I incorporate psychodynamic therapy, which helps individuals understand how past events influence present behaviours. Additionally, I use Motivational Interviewing to help clients resolve ambivalence and build motivation for change, particularly in contexts like addiction or behaviour change. Finally, I also incorporate techniques from Third-Wave CBT approaches, such as mindfulness and compassion-focused interventions, which are especially beneficial in addressing issues like trauma, self-criticism, and chronic stress.

By blending these different therapeutic approaches, I aim to create a supportive environment that empowers clients to explore their challenges, build coping strategies, and develop the skills needed for lasting change. Each approach is carefully selected based on the client’s unique situation, and I work collaboratively with them to ensure we’re addressing both the root causes and current symptoms of their difficulties.

Outside of psychology, I find joy in a variety of activities that help me stay balanced and recharge. One of my favourite things to do is practice yoga, as it allows me to connect with my body and mind in a deeply restorative way.

I also love running, as it gives me a sense of freedom and helps clear my head. Spending quality time with friends and family is something that brings me a lot of fulfilment—whether it’s sharing a meal, having meaningful conversations, or simply enjoying each other’s company.

I also enjoy travelling and value the opportunity to explore new places, learn about different cultures, and experience new adventures. Holidays are a perfect time for me to unwind, relax, and recharge.

And of course, I’m a food lover, so I truly enjoy trying new dishes and savouring good food with loved ones. These activities not only keep me physically active but also offer a sense of joy and connection that enriches my life beyond my professional work.

Moss, A.C., Spada, M.M., Harkin, J., Albery, I.P., Rycroft, N., & Nikčević, A.V. ‘Neknomination’: (2015) Predictors in a sample of UK university students. Addiction Research and Behavioural Therapies Journal (13),1, 73-75. doi: 10.1016/j.abrep.2015.05.003. PMID: 29531983; PMCID: PMC5845944.