GET TO KNOW ME

 

Hello, I'm Clive Gifford, a compassionate yet practical and straightforward psychotherapist with over 20 years dedicated to guiding individuals through emotional hurdles toward resilient, fulfilling lives. Based in the UK, I balance my NHS role with private online sessions, tailoring evidence-based approaches to honour your unique story and strengths—including offering therapy in fluent Spanish for those who feel most at home in that language. While London born, my early years in Peru, spanning childhood and adolescence, immersed me in a vibrant collectivistic culture shaped by Catholicism and strong community bonds, fostering my profound appreciation for how diverse backgrounds intertwine with mental wellbeing. This foundation has cultivated my cultural sensitivity, empowering me to connect authentically with clients from varied walks of life, fostering an inclusive space where every identity is validated and integrated into healing.

 

Professionally, my path ignited in high-security environments like Broadmoor Hospital, supporting those with intricate mental health and personality disorders, which solidified my devotion to empathetic care. The following seven years focused on neurodiversity, working with individuals with learning disabilities and autism, refining a truly person-centred lens that celebrates individuality. Alongside, I completed an MSc in Research Methods in Psychology, publishing on autism and honing my ability to think critically and holistically about human experiences. Over the last decade in the NHS Talking Therapies Service, I've qualified in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), while deepening expertise in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA). Collaborating with colleagues and drawing wisdom from countless clients has continually evolved my practice.

 

At heart, I'm inspired by therapy's power to illuminate paths of growth amid life's complexities. If anxiety, depression or trauma resonates with you, I offer a nurturing, collaborative haven to unpack your narrative, build adaptive tools, and reclaim agency—empowering you to navigate distress with self-compassion and independence. Ready to embrace that transformation? I'm here to walk alongside you—let's chat about how we can collaborate.