Filip Pasterski

We often find that life will sooner, or later, challenge us with unexpected adjustments, psychological pain, turmoil, relationship difficulties and/or mental and physical health difficulties or traumas. Despite our significant resources we can find ourselves emotionally depleted, feeling overwhelmed or unable to manage our emotions adequately.

We can be left struggling to believe in ourselves and lead a meaningful life.

Filip’s first contact with the Priory Group was in 1994 when he undertook a summer work placement as an auxiliary nurse at the Priory Hospital Altrincham, following his A-Levels. He later moved to London where he undertook his undergraduate studies in languages and social sciences, but he always knew that he would return to the field.

He is a psychotherapist and an eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) practitioner with extensive experience of working with clients within an inpatient hospital setting and a variety of psychological service settings. He has both substantial experience in the NHS and private sector.

Filip has a broad skill-set, and an expertise in evidence-based approaches with the therapeutic relationship standing firmly at the centre. As such he is able to compassionately offer his clients a tailored approach to suit their individual needs.

He has a special interest in EMDR, which is typically known for its efficacy in the treatment of psychological trauma. It has also shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders, depression and chronic pain.

Position at Priory

Filip joined Priory Wellbeing Centre Harley Street as a therapist in 2019 having left a full-time role in the NHS. Previously, he had worked as a Nursing Assistant and ‘Keyworker’ from 2001 at the Priory Roehampton Hospital, where he later commenced a placement as a trainee psychotherapist. On qualification in 2008, he then went on to becoming a therapist there.

Training

Filip’s training at the School of Psychotherapy & Psychology at Regent’s University afforded him a broad and focused grounding in humanistic, existential, phenomenological, psychodynamic and integrative therapies.

His clinical placements both in the NHS and at the Priory Hospital Roehampton ranged from working with models such as psychodynamic, cognitive analytic and cognitive behavioural therapies; the latter including third wave therapies such as acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness.

Regular work with either interpreters or in a foreign language has deepened his awareness to and sharpened his sensitivity to working cross-culturally.

Filip completed his training in EMDR in 2009. He now has a special interest in this approach and is a fully accredited practitioner.

Research Interests

Filip has particular expertise and interest in complex and recent trauma; he has also received specialist training on working with military veterans.

Additionally, Filip’s Master’s dissertation focused on the Role of Psychotherapy in the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder. He has significant interest and experience in this field and also has received specialist training in psychoeducation and relapse prevention for bipolar disorder.