Dr. Shimu Allan, DClinPsy
Clinical Psychologist
Hello and welcome.
I am a Clinical Psychologist with 15 years’ experience working within the NHS and over 10 years’ experience running a private practice.
Currently, I work at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, London, where I lead a team of psychologists providing psychological therapy for people experiencing mental health difficulties within the context of sexual health and infectious diseases, cancer and palliative care, and neuro cognitive impairments.
In my private practice, I help clients manage low mood, stress, anxiety, loss and grief, traumatic experiences including historical abuse, as well as gendered, cultural and racial issues.
I take a flexible, collaborative and integrative approach to tailor assessments and intervention to the unique needs of each person I work with, drawing from a range of therapeutic approaches including narrative therapy, systemic family therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and acceptance commitment therapy.
Storytelling is essential in driving change.
I have a keen interest in using narrative ideas in my work, helping people to reshape their stories about their identity and lives, particularly in a world where problematic stories can overshadow. I believe people are privileged authors and have many skills, competencies, beliefs, values, commitments and abilities that can assist them to reduce the influence of problems. In therapy, my aim is to find alternative and hidden stories and help people to see their personal strengths and resources, allowing them to reclaim agency and rewrite their lives in empowering ways.
The stories you tell about your life and identity can shape how you feel, with some stories having positive effects and others a negative one. People often come to therapy with problem focused stories of who they are and what their life has been like. I am interested in hearing about these stories, as well as the ones that did not make the cut.
Through the telling and retelling of your life, including the untold stories, therapy can help reduce the influence of the problems you are facing and open up new possibilities for living. I believe people are the privileged authors of their lives, with skills, values, beliefs and abilities that can support meaningful change.
So tell me, what is your preferred story?
“We are the authors of our own lives.
Therapy can help you find the stories that empower you, not just the ones that weigh you down.”
Approaches I draw from;
Narrative Therapy
Systemic Family Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Acceptancance Commitment Therapy
Qualifications and Experience
Qualified, insured, and registered member of the Health and Care Professionals.
BSc Psychology
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
Diploma in Narrative Therapy
Additional training in:
Systemic Family Therapy | Cognitive Behavioural Therapy | Mindfullness Therapies | Acceptance Commitment Therapy | Compassion Focused Therapy.
Alongside my private practice I am currently head Clinical Psychologist at the Royal Free Hospital, London, where I am lead to a team of psychologists specialising in providing psychological assessment and therapy to individuals living with long-term health conditions.
I have extensive experience working across NHS and community settings, including Camden and Westminster Talking Therapies services, providing assessment and therapy for depression, anxiety and common mental health difficulties using cognitive behavioural approaches.
My background also includes work in sexual health and sexual trauma services, drug and alcohol services, learning disability services, and children and adolescents mental health, with a strong commitment to culturally informed and inclusive practice.
Other than being passionate about helping people to make positive and fulfilling changes to their lives, I am adventurous and travel as much as possible.
“a ship is safe in it’s harbour, but that is not what ships are built for” J.A Shedd
I practice yoga and have a special interest in Kirtan, an ancient form of yoga that incorporates meditation, song and dance. I enjoy painting and being socially active.
Sessions And Fees
I am recognised by the following insurers:
Aviva | Axa Health | WPA | Allianz
Cancellation policy – 48 hours notice.
I understand things can get in the way of attending your therapy session. Please kindly give 48 hours notice if you are unable to attend or would like to reschedule. Cancellations with less than 48 hours notice, or completely unattended sessions, will be charged in full.
In-person or online
Free Consultation | 15 mins
One - Off Consultation | 90 mins. £150
Psychological Assessment | 50 mins £120
Psychological Therapy | 50 mins £120
Couples Therapy | 90 mins. £150
Reach Out to Shimu
Beginning therapy is a personal decision and it is important that it feels right for you. If you have any questions or would like further information, you are very welcome to get in touch.