About me

Reflect and Explore

Ulrike Wirth

UKCP registered

Integrative Psychotherapist

About me

I trained at Metanoia Institute and have a Clinical Diploma and an MSc in Integrative Psychotherapy, validated by Middlesex University.

My background is in the NHS. Alongside my private practice, I am part of the therapy team at Kingston Hospital’s cancer services, working with patients and their relatives as well as facilitating reflective practice groups for clinicians. Previously, I worked for the NHS full-time as hospital staff counsellor.

I have regular supervision to support my clinical work and to ensure professional and ethical practice.

I chose integrative psychotherapy as I believe that there is no single truth and that it is important to question assumptions and re-examine the formulae and approaches we habitually use. Integration, for me, is attempting to hold different and sometimes opposing theories and finding a common language. In this age of political and social polarisation, this inclusive approach feels important to me as it requires an attitude of openness, curiosity and non-defensiveness and a readiness to step outside our frame of reference.

In my practice, I draw from psychodynamic theory, person-centred therapy, as well as from existential, intersubjective, phenomenological and neurobiological approaches.

I also find that stories can help us understand our feelings better. You can read more about this in my blog.

Before I became a psychotherapist, I worked as a traditional acupuncturist. I practised privately for eight years and then spent a further eight years working solely for the NHS as part of the chronic pain management team at Kingston Hospital.

Although I have now retired from acupuncture practice, I remain very interested in the body-mind connection and the effects of somatisation – emotional distress and trauma that manifest as physical symptoms.

Meditation and mindfulness

I am also an experienced meditator. I was introduced to Buddhist insight meditation, the origin of today’s better-known mindfulness practice, in my early 20s and have been meditating ever since. In 2001 I began more formal practice by visiting a Thai Buddhist centre for regular walking and sitting meditation as well as attending my first silent retreat. For the past 20 years or so, I have carried on cultivating my individual practice and I like integrating mindfulness techniques in my psychotherapy practice.

Back to Home Page

Get in touch

If you are considering therapy, please complete this form and add a few details about yourself. As a next step, I will arrange a free telephone call with you to find out what is going on for you at the moment and what kind of support you may need.

If you would prefer to call, you can leave a message on 07948 377778.

I try to answer all enquiries within two business days, and all contact is strictly confidential. Find out more by reading my Privacy Policy.