Joseph Poullis

Professional Profile

My name is Dr Joseph Poullis and I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist and EMDR practitioner working with Think CBT from London.

I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC: PYL20471) and a Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society (C.Psychol), with over twenty years of clinical experience. I hold a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology from City University London alongside four further degrees, including two Master's qualifications in Psychology of Education and Counselling Psychology. I have worked in GP medical centres, for the charity MIND, with UN Cyprus refugee projects, at Guy's Hospital (South London and Maudsley NHS Trust), in Harley Street clinical settings, and in private practice. I also lecture and supervise doctoral trainees at postgraduate level.

I work with adults and adolescents using an integrative approach, drawing on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, EMDR, Schema Therapy, and Cognitive Analytic Therapy. My specialist areas include trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, ASD, neurodiversity, couples therapy, and LGBTQ+ affirming practice. I am bilingual in English and Greek.

Dr Joseph's Philosophy on Motivation to Change:

"As human beings, we have a fantastic capacity to get ourselves lost in thoughts and feelings and disconnect from our values and goals. I do not have a one-size-fits-all answer to what you might be struggling with. I view therapy as a collaborative process, encouraging my clients to ask how they can learn to know themselves by breaking the old habits that keep them dissatisfied and stuck. Have you ever wondered why you can feel entirely convinced one day that existing habits have become toxic in your life, yet the next day find yourself coming up with reasons to stay with no change, or wait a bit longer? This shift in motivation is something people experience when trying to make all sorts of life changes. What has to happen inside our minds to motivate us to change behaviours that have been learned over a very long time? I believe that anxiety can be a force for change throughout your awakening mind. It is essential to consider what needs to change and what stops you from changing it, by connecting to your values and purpose in life. Your motivation for change is pivotal. No matter where you are in the cycle, every person moves through the stages at a different pace, and every step forward matters."

I abide by the ethical standards of the British Psychological Society and the HCPC, and hold full professional indemnity insurance to practise as a psychologist.

To book an appointment, please click the blue book appointment button next to my profile picture. I will call you to discuss your therapy options before confirming your first appointment.