Angela Dierks

Monday to Friday 8am-6.30pm.

I am a warm, down-to-earth therapist with 17 years of experience.

Whether you are an individual or couple right now you might be at your wit's end and not quite sure how best to address your issue of concern. You may be quite apprehensive at the idea of going into counselling. In the profile below I aim to give you some idea about my way of working as a counsellor/psychotherapist.

I trained as an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist and take as the starting point the needs of the individual, integrating psychotherapy theory in a way that best suits the person I am working with. I have 17 years experience working as a counsellor, psychotherapist, couple therapist and clinical supervisor. As a university lecturer on MA and MSc counselling courses I have regular opportunity to reflect on counselling approaches and to take this into my client work.

I work very closely with you, the client, in designing ways of addressing the issues that most concern you. These issues may be related to having difficulties in a relationship

• not being sure whether to continue with the relationship
• feeling low, depressed and without motivation
• feeling very anxious and worried or suffering from with panic attacks
• stress at work
• struggling to manage your anger
• struggling to make the right decision
• dealing with an affair
• the loss of a loved one
• a wish to explore yourself further
• your sexuality or sexual life
• lack of confidence and self-esteem
• getting used to big changes in life
• postnatal depression
• mild eating disorders

I am very dedicated to my work as a therapist and feel passionate about it. I witness my clients change through our work together and strongly belief that therapy has a profound effect on people's life.

Couples therapy

Being in a relationship can be hard work. Dealing with difference and conflict is a normal part of a relationship. In couples therapy we look at ways of relating and talking to each other that are more helpful, getting you out of unhealthy relationship patterns.

Theoretical models for therapy in a nutshell

Psychodynamic counselling is concerned with how your experiences from the past influence the way you feel, think and behave in the present. This is the 'classic' model of psychotherapy starting with Freud and Jung and including psychoanalysis, attachment theory, object relations theory and present day relational models.

The focus is on uncovering your unconscious ways of doing things, making your aware of them and ultimately to help you implement changes in your life.

Cognitive-behavioural theory (CBT) is most concerned with your thought patterns and how they affect your behaviour, which may occasionally seem irrational and come out of nowhere. CBT is a more practical approach to issues that trouble you, focusing on concrete, goal oriented exercises that help you to change your way of (negative) thinking.

Humanistic theory started off as a reaction to both classic psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioural models of counselling where the therapist was largely seen as the 'expert' and the client as the 'patient'. Humanistic models include person-centred counselling, Gestalt therapy and psychosynthesis. The belief is that the client knows best what choices to make and that the therapist helps by providing an environment where the client can flourish.

Integrative Therapy acknowledges that one theory cannot address everything and that every individual has different needs that demand different responses. As an Integrative Counsellor I believe that all of the three main theories referred to above are most effective when not dealt with in isolation but when used to address a specific need in the most holistic way.

In couples therapy the relationship is the client rather than two individuals. We will be exploring why you have chosen each other in the first place (the reasons can be quite surprising!), why you behave the way you do in your relationship and how you may be communicating more effectively with each other.

I have provided CPD training to counsellors, psychotherapists, clinical psychologists and couples therapists at different stages of their career. I deliver both face to face training as well as online training on a wide range of topics. In the past I have worked as a lecturer on a counselling and coaching programme at the University of East London. I am well versed and comfortable with offering teaching and training.

Supervision is an aspect of my work that I enjoy immensely.

I gained a Diploma in Clinical Supervision (CPPD) in 2014 and provide supervision for work with individual clients or for couples therapy. I work integratively as a supervisor drawing on different modalities, including psychodynamic, humanistic and CBT approaches to counselling and psychotherapy and focusing on the relational process between therapist and client. 

When supervising couples therapists I draw on different models of couples therapy, including attachment based therapy, Imago Therapy, the work of Bader and Pearson at the Couples Institute and the work of Terry Real.

I consider the goal of supervision to enable my supervisee to do their work as a therapist as best as they can in relating to their clients and supporting the clients in their quest for understanding and change. Supervision is a dynamic and creative process, discovering new insights into the client's motivations, relational templates and blocks that get in the way of change. I am always interested in the therapist's relationship with their client, gaining an understanding of the underlying, internal processes that play out for both therapist and client.

I have work with counsellors/psychotherapists at different stages of their career: students on placement, newly qualified therapists and fully accredited, experienced therapists. 

I provided group supervision for qualified associate counsellors in a student counselling service at a university as well as group supervision for trainee students on a MSc counselling course. 

As a supervisor I aim to provide a collaborative, supportive environment where supervisees are enabled to be as open as possible, where learning can take place in a trusting relationship and where challenges can take place without being undermining or shameful.

I work with individual supervisees as well as small groups. If you are interested in setting up a small group for supervision, please feel free to contact me.

I offer face to face supervision sessions as well as online sessions. I work with supervisees across the UK and based abroad too. I am flexible with regards to working in either mode.

I work from my home in Conway Road, N14 7BH. There is ample parking outside if you arrive by car. The nearest train station is Palmers Green and the nearest tube station is Southgate.