Dr Sonia Kalsi

Counselling Psychologist
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About

Dr Sonia Kalsi is a UK-trained counselling psychologist and psychotherapist, with over 26 years of experience in the field of mental health. She has worked in a variety of mental health settings including the NHS, education, and the voluntary sector. She has also worked in various roles, as a clinician, consultant, trainer and manager of a counselling service in a university. Having worked in several universities in the UK and Australia for the past 15 years, her research area of interest is student suicide, and she continues to offer consultancy and training on student suicidality to universities.

Sonia has been providing psychological support to adults for the past 10 years and managed her own private practice for 6 years. She has extensive experience in supporting individuals with a range of psychological issues including (but not limited to) depression, anxiety, stress, mood instability, psychosis, eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, suicide, self-harm and bereavement.

Sonia believes in a human’s inherent capacity for change and healing, and viewing every client as a unique individual with specific needs and life experiences, she integrates a variety of therapeutic approaches to best suit clients’ needs. She provides a safe and confidential space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings, and embodies warmth, empathy, authenticity, integrity and compassion. She also likes to work collaboratively with clients, instilling hope, and empowering them to make significant changes in their lives.

Position at Priory

Dr Sonia Kalsi is a chartered counselling psychologist and integrative psychotherapist and has been working at Priory since July 2021.  She is registered with the Health Care Professions Council, British Psychological Society and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Training

  • Professional doctorate in counselling psychology and psychotherapy by professional studies - Middlesex University & Metanoia Institute, London (2021)
  • Clinical diploma in integrative psychotherapy - Metanoia Institute, London (2019)
  • Foundation certificate in counselling and psychotherapy - Westminster Pastoral Foundation, London (2010)
  • Certificate in coaching and mentoring level 5, London (2014)
  • MSc health psychology - City University, London (2000)
  • BSc psychology (hons), University of Warwick, Coventry (1996)

Research Interests

  • Doctoral research on student suicide in universities
  • Currently offering consultancy and training on student suicide

Links to clinical articles/research papers:

Kalsi, S. (2021). A difficult tightrope to walk: Experiences of working with suicidality in higher education. University and College Counselling Journal, British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, November 2021 edition.

Link:https://www.bacp.co.uk/bacp-journals/university-and-college-counselling/november-2021/a-difficult-tightrope-to-walk/

Kalsi, S (2020). A difficult tightrope to walk”: an exploration of therapists’ experiences of working with suicidal students in Higher Education. DCPsych Thesis, Middlesex University/Metanoia Institute, London, UK.

Link: https://eprints.mdx.ac.uk/32930/

Memberships of Professional Bodies

  • Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)- Registered Counselling Psychologist
  • British Psychological Society (BPS)- Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol.)
  • UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)- Accreditation as Integrative Psychotherapist
  • British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)- Registered Member

With specialist knowledge of Student Mental Health, I am experienced in working with issues including:

  • Procrastination
  • Perfectionism
  • Academic or Exam Stress
  • Transition/Adjustment issues
  • Homesickness
  • Loneliness/Isolation
  • Presentation anxiety
  • Social anxiety

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) Psychology
  • Certificate in Coaching & Mentoring Level 5
  • Clinical Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy
  • Foundation Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy
  • Master of Science (MSc) Health Psychology
  • Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology & Psychotherapy by Professional Studies (DCPsych)

Viewing every client as a unique individual with differing needs and life experiences, I integrate a variety of therapy approaches to best suit your needs. I aspire to embody warmth, empathy and compassion in therapy, and provide a safe, non-judgmental and confidential space for you to explore your feelings. I also like to work collaboratively with you, instilling hope, and empowering you to make significant changes that will lead to a more fulfilled and authentic life.