vivi

Dr Vivi Gkofa

Clinical Psychologist

Key Info About Vivi

Qualifications:

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IOPPN) King’s College London (KCL)

MSc Clinical Neuropsychiatry at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IOPPN) King’s College London (KCL)

MSc Mental Health Sciences Research at University College London (UCL)

BSc Psychology with Clinical Psychology at University of Kent

Therapy used:

Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Ages worked with:

Children and Young People, Adults

Clinics at:

Finchley Central, Online

Health insurance coverage:

All major private medical insurers

Accreditation:

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Languages:

English, Greek

Hi! I’m Vivi and I’m a Clinical Psychologist.

Can you tell me a bit about your background?

I grew up in Greece and moved to the UK to study, and have been here ever since. Psychology has always been a passion of mine, and after completing my undergraduate and master’s degrees, I went on to complete my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

During my training, I had the opportunity to work alongside leading clinicians and researchers. I was able to work with young people, adults, couples and families, delivering evidence-based approaches and learning how to tailor these approaches to each person’s unique needs.

I have worked across both NHS and private practice settings with individuals experiencing a range of difficulties, from common mental health struggles to more longstanding challenges.

Alongside my clinical work, I’m very passionate about teaching and currently teach at Regent’s University London.

What can I expect in the first session?

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and explore what brought you to therapy. We’ll discuss your goals, your current difficulties and any questions you may have about the therapeutic process.

My aim is to create a warm, supportive and collaborative space where you feel comfortable sharing your experiences. Together, we’ll begin to develop a shared understanding of your difficulties and agree on a treatment plan that reflects your individual needs and goals.

What therapies do you use and what kind of difficulties do you help people with?

I work with people experiencing a broad spectrum of presentations, including relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety disorders, low self-esteem, chronic physical health conditions, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

A particular focus of my work is helping people understand their relational patterns- how past experiences may influence the way they relate to themselves and others today. Together, we will explore the origins of these patterns, identify what keeps them going, and develop new, healthier ways of responding.

I work integratively, with a particular emphasis on CAT informed therapy. I also draw on other evidence-based approaches including CBT and ACT ensuring that our work is tailored to your unique needs and goals. I also offer EMDR.

Above all, I aim to create a warm, collaborative, and supportive space where you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself, navigate challenges, build a more fulfilling life and reach your full potential.

What are your interests outside of psychology?

Outside of work, I enjoy going to the theatre and am also a member of a local Greek theatre group. I also love skiing- both on the mountains and on the water.

Publications

  • In preparation for journal submission – Are outpatient inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) clinics considering the bidirectional relationship of the gut brain connection?