Dr Philippa Bullemor-Day

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Taking the first step towards psychological therapy can feel overwhelming. For many people it can feel hard to talk openly about difficult experiences, distressing emotions, or persistent challenges, particularly when meeting a psychologist for the first time. My primary aim is to provide a safe, compassionate, and non-judgemental space where you feel able to explore whatever is important to you, at a pace that feels comfortable.

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I believe that a trusting therapeutic relationship is at the heart of effective therapy. I take a warm, collaborative, and transparent approach, working alongside you to make sense of your experiences, understand patterns that may be keeping difficulties going, and identify meaningful ways forward. Whether you are struggling with a specific difficulty or feeling stuck more generally, I will support you to develop greater understanding, explore challenges, identify strengths and develop practical strategies that support lasting change.

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I am trained in a range of evidence-based psychological approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Systemic Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based therapies. I integrate Psychosexual Therapy approaches when working with sexual difficulties and Emotionally Focussed Therapy for Couples when working with people with difficulties in their relationships. My clinical experience has taught me that our difficulties rarely exist in isolation and are often shaped by our relationships, life experiences, health, and the wider contexts in which we live. Therapy therefore involves understanding not only the problem itself, but also the unique context in which it has developed. As a result, I take an integrative and flexible approach, drawing on a range of therapeutic models tailored to your needs, goals, and circumstances.

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I am a Principal Clinical Psychologist with 15 years of experience working within the NHS. Alongside my private practice, I currently lead a specialist NHS HIV and Sexual Health Psychology Service, where I oversee the delivery and development of psychological care for people with sexual health difficulties. I continue to work clinically helping people navigate a wide range of psychological and sexual difficulties.

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My areas of specialist interest include:

• ​mental health difficulties (including depression, anxiety, stress and bereavement)

• sexual difficulties (also called psychosexual difficulties)

• sexual wellbeing (including exploring sexual identity)

• sexual health (including adjusting to living with a diagnosis)

• relationship difficulties and couples therapy

• health-related behaviour change (including changing sexual behaviours and managing sexual risk-taking behaviours)

• feeling out of control with behaviours or substances (including sex addiction and Chemsex)

• managing after a sexual assault or traumatic sexual experience.​

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Within both my private practice and NHS role, I provide specialist clinical supervision, consultation, and support to psychologists and other healthcare professionals. I am passionate about developing high-quality psychological services and helping to ensure that people receive accessible, inclusive and compassionate care. My NHS leadership role enables me to stay closely connected to the latest developments in psychological practice, ensuring my work remains evidence-based, thoughtful, and responsive to the needs of the people I work with.

 

I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London, followed by a Master's degree in Mental Health Studies at the Institute of Psychiatry and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London. I have also undertaken additional specialist training, including training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Systemic Therapy, and Systemic Leadership and Management.

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Alongside my clinical practice, I have a strong interest in contributing to research, developing services, and improving innovation within healthcare. I have contributed to research publications in the fields of HIV and sexual wellbeing and remain committed to integrating evidence-based practice into all aspects of my work.