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About me

Collin Siemer MA, MSc,UKCP reg., MUPCA (accred.),

MBACP

Collin SiemerI’m a professionally qualified integrative counsellor with experience practicing in a variety of settings with both individuals and couples.  I trained in New York City and London and have worked helping people for the past 17 years. I work with individuals and the issues in their lives be they recent, relating to the past or a bit of both.

I don’t know anyone who hasn’t gone through a period of difficulty in their life. Often counselling and psychotherapy can be extremely beneficial at these times. I provide a space that is safe, confidential and secure to explore the things you may be finding difficult. This is a space to talk about the things you may not feel comfortable speaking about to anyone else.

Part of the work may be getting to the bottom of issues, but often it is just being able to sit with another and allow you to explore the way you think about the world. I often find that in gently disrupting one’s system of thinking, doors can open to gain a deeper understanding of what may be troubling.

Areas I most frequently cover:

London Bridge, Waterloo, and South East London,Baker Street, Regents Park, St. John’s Wood

Qualifications

  • MSc, Counselling and Psychotherapy – University of Roehampton
  • Post-Graduate Diploma, Counselling and Psychotherapy – University of Roehampton
  • Post Graduate Certificate, Counselling and Psychotherapy – University of Roehampton
  • Intro to Counselling – University of Roehampton
  • Masters of Arts – Media Philosophy and Design, New School for Social Research, New York City
  • Double Bachelors of Arts – Communications/Filmmaking and Composition, University of Ramapo, New Jersey

Professional Affiliation

I am a member of:

  • BACP – British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy – Individual Member. I abide by the guidelines set out by the organization.
  • UPCA – Universities Psychotherapy and Counselling Association.

How I work

Counselling or Psychotherapy

You may be wondering what the difference is between counselling and psychotherapy. Often the terms are used interchangeably. An easy way to think about it is that counselling is often thought of taking place over a shorter length of time and usually focuses on one problem affecting you. Psychotherapy is considered to be a longer engagement and can look at a variety of issues. They may be they new or connected to past events in your life.

I work with individuals and how they are in the world. What I find most important is building a trusting therapeutic relationship and then exploring together at a pace that is comfortable for you. Be it counselling or psychotherapy, I practice in a manner that integrates a number of theoretical schools of thought which form the basis of my approach:

  • Phenomenology
  • Psychodynamic
  • Psychoanalytical
  • Post-Modern
  • Existential
  • Person-Centred

Though I have a strong grasp of these approaches I am very aware of the importance of working with people individually. I respect how you think about the world and yourself in it. I have assisted people who have had varying amounts of experience and exposure to this process, and who have come to counselling for a variety of reasons.

Some of the issues I work with:

  • Individuals
  • Couples
  • Relationships issues
  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Depression
  • Work related issues
  • Suicidal feelings
  • Drug use
  • Bereavement
  • Heath issues
  • Chronic illness
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Sexual and/or cultural identity
  • Low self esteem
  • Isolation
  • Issues with panic
  • Feelings of being lost or stuck
  • I have also worked with the America expatriate community for the past 10 years.

Our meetings

I work both short-term and long-term, usually meeting once a week for 50 minute sessions. Our work begins with an initial consultation to establish if we will both be comfortable working together. We will also discuss the best timeframe for our work.

Experience

Therapeutic experience

As well as working with individuals and couples privately, I have worked as part of the IAPT service for the South London and Maudsley trust. This is the national service run by the NHS working with GP referrals. I am also been part of the counselling team at the Terrence Higgins Trust. I do pro-bono work for organizations such as Community Links in Canning Town.

Contact 

Email: collin@collinsiemer.com

Mobile: 0794 4355 789

I am located in London Bridge and South East London:

St Margarets Court, 62 Borough High Street,  London
 SE1 1XF

South East London SE26, Sydenham, Forest Hill, East Dulwich, Crystal Palace Beckenham, Bromley. 

Fees

Initial consultation is £40.  

I work on a sliding scale according to income or personal circumstances.  I have a small number of lower-cost times available which I am happy to discuss.  Please contact me to enquire.