Psychology Bsc, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
Dr Serene Hadj-Hammou
Clinical Psychologist
Key Info About Serene
Qualifications:
Therapy used:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Systemic Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Ages worked with:
All ages
Clinics at:
Online
Health insurance coverage:
Aviva, AXA, BUPA, Cigna, Vitality, WPA and other providers
Accreditation:
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Hi! I’m Serene and I’m a Clinical Psychologist.
Can you tell me a bit about your background?
I became a psychologist because I believe that our stories and how we listen to each other are very important. For seven years I have worked with children, young people, families, and adults of different ages and backgrounds in different countries, including Canada and the UK.
After working with the NHS for a number of years, I began my doctoral training at the University Of Hertfordshire to qualify as a Clinical Psychologist. I currently work with children, young people, families and groups at a specialist charity in North London.
What would it be like to meet you?
I believe that the most important part of therapy is developing a good relationship with the hope that you can feel safe and supported in our sessions. I try to create a kind, warm and non-judgmental space where people can express themselves and feel listened to and understood.
In our first meeting, we will work together to understand what sort of support may be useful in helping you to move forward and what to expect from therapy and working with me. Going forward, we will explore your experiences, relationships, and cultural/social contexts with the aim of understanding what may be leading to the difficulties that are troubling you.
I will be interested in learning about your resources, strengths and skills, and how you have coped. We will also explore your hopes, interests and goals so that the way forward links closely to what is important to you.
What types of therapy do you use and what kind of difficulties do you help people with?
I am experienced in supporting young people, adults and families of all ages who have experienced a range of difficulties, including difficulties with low mood, low self-esteem, stress, anger, relationships, life transitions, family issues, anxiety, loss and bereavement and coping with traumatic life experiences. I have trained in a variety of therapeutic models, including Compassion-Focused Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness, Systemic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I believe in working creatively and integratively, drawing on a number of models so that we can work in a way that suits you as an individual.
What do you enjoy outside of psychology?
I enjoy being outdoors as much as I can (even when it is slightly too cold for it!)- I love hiking and hanging out in parks. I also spend my time with friends, going to music and art events and travelling.