About
Embarking on the therapy journey is a significant commitment to self-improvement. As a chartered counselling psychologist with 20 years of practice, I use my expertise to establish an honest, nurturing therapeutic relationship with my clients. I believe in acceptance, authenticity, and the power of discovering one's unique meaning in life, inspired by Viktor Frankl's 'Man's Search for Meaning'. My comprehensive approach integrates various therapeutic modalities, fostering a connection between mind and body to promote psychological flexibility, resilience, and equilibrium.
Position at Priory
I am a chartered counselling psychologist at Priory, bringing my extensive 2-decade experience to the practice of individual therapy. I am registered with the UK's health regulator and the British Psychological Society (BPS). My role within the organisation extends beyond providing therapy, to teaching and conducting research.
Training
I hold a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, a post-MA Diploma, an MA in Counselling Psychology, and four different degrees, two of which are Master's level qualifications in Psychology of Education Existential Psychotherapy and Counselling Psychology. My extensive education has equipped me to incorporate a blend of therapeutic approaches into my practice.
Research interests
My active engagement in research around emotional intelligence is a significant part of my professional activities. This research greatly influences my integrative approach to treatment, and I am particularly interested in exploring and promoting the development of emotional intelligence within a therapeutic context.
I am passionately involved in exploring emotional intelligence within therapeutic and educational settings. My two main areas of interest are understanding the link between the therapeutic relationship and emotional intelligence, and investigating the connections between trait emotional intelligence and university performance. These interests guide my integrative approach to therapy and continue to enhance my professional practice.
I have had the privilege to contribute to the following research in the field of emotional intelligence:
- The Therapeutic Relationship and its Links to Emotional Intelligence" can be accessed bellow on links to clinical articles.
- Trait Emotional Intelligence and its Links to University Performance: An Examination" is available for reading
Links to clinical articles/research papers:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0191886912005442
https://openaccess.city.ac.uk/id/eprint/13778/1/Poullis,%20J.%20(Redacted).pdf
Qualifications
I have obtained a BSc (Hons) in Psychology. This was followed by a series of qualifications: an MSc in Psychology of Education from the UCL Institute of Education, an MA in Counselling Psychology, a post-MA Counselling Psychologist accreditation, and finally, a Doctorate in Psychology, all from City University, London.
My professional expertise spans over 20 years, with a particular focus on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR). I have worked in private practice, academia and hospital environments.
I offer face-to-face and remote therapeutic sessions, specialising in cognitive assessment and treating anxiety and depression for adolescents and adults. I also serve as a lecturer and clinical supervisor at Middlesex University New School of Psychotherapy & Counselling.
In addition, I completed EMDR Europe & UK Accredited Training, and attended a series of workshops by the National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioural Medicine. This, coupled with my fluency in both English and Greek, equip me to offer well-rounded, tailored psychological support.