Psychotherapy with Robin McAfee

About Me

Robin McAfee

I’m a UKCP-accredited psychotherapist with extensive experience of supporting people through a wide range of experiences - including addictions, anger, anxiety, depression, health concerns, identity, LGBTQ+ issues, loss, obsessions, self-esteem, sex-related issues, sexual identity, sexuality, spirituality, stress, and trauma.

My intention is not to provide quick fixes or give advice but to facilitate and support self-discovery and the innate capacity for healing that resides in us all.

Before becoming a psychotherapist, I began my career as a gardener and went on to become a garden designer in London. I've also worked for organisations focusing on environmental issues and peace building.

Qualification & Credentials

MA Integrative Psychotherapy & Counselling

The Minister Centre -- 6-Year postgraduate training

BA English Language & Literature

University of Oxford

Full Clinical Member

UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)

Registered Member

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

Experience with the Albany Trust

Counselling for a charity offering a positive approach to sexuality and relationships.

Issues

Do any of these feel Familiar?

Anxious or stressed lot of the time.

Overthinking and worry make it hard to settle and relax.

Feeling low or depressed.

Things may look fine, but inside you feel flat or numb.

Relationships feel hard.

The same negative patterns keep showing up.

When the past feels present.

Family wounds, unmet needs and trauma still affect you.

Questions about who you are.

You want space to explore identity, orientation or beliefs without judgement.

Never quite good enough.

You hold yourself to high standards but your inner critic is never satisfied.

How I Work

My Therapeutic Approach

Clients come to therapy for many reasons—grief, trauma, stress, anxiety, painful memories, relationship patterns, or simply the sense that something isn’t quite right. Whatever brings you here, we’ll work together to make sense of your experiences in a way that feels meaningful and grounded.

While talking is central to therapy, I also welcome more embodied and creative ways of working, where appropriate. Below are a few principles that guide how I work:

Integrative

My approach is integrative, drawing from psychodynamic, humanistic, and body-oriented therapies. I don’t use a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, I’ll meet you where you are, and together we’ll shape the work around your unique experiences, values, and goals. I see therapy as a collaborative process—not about fixing you, but about exploring your inner world together. Through this process, we’ll aim to deepen your self-understanding, build resilience, and support your capacity to face life’s challenges with greater self-acceptance.

Relational

At the heart of therapy is the relationship between us. I offer a warm, collaborative space where the work is co-created and unfolds at your pace. How we relate—how you feel heard, how we navigate trust, safety, or challenge—can itself be a powerful part of the healing process. I believe lasting change happens not just through insight, but through genuine connection.

Embodied

Therapy isn’t only about talking—it’s also about sensing, feeling, and reconnecting with your body. Our emotions and life experiences often live in the body, even when they’re hard to name. By gently tuning into how these show up physically, we can support deeper healing, release tension, and build more grounded self-awareness.

Inclusive

I welcome clients of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. This includes people of all races, genders, sexualities, cultures, neurotypes, and relationship styles. Whether you follow a particular faith, are spiritually curious, or don’t identify with religion at all, you’re warmly welcome here. My practice is LGBTQ+ affirming, neurodiversity-informed, and committed to creating a space where you can bring your full self - without judgment, pressure, or the need to explain.

"You need not, and in fact cannot, teach an acorn to grow into an oak tree, but when given a chance, its intrinsic potentialities will develop. Similarly, the human individual, given a chance, tends to develop…the unique alive forces of their real self"

Karen Horney

Practicalities

Fees & Next Steps

Pricing

50 Minutes, in-person or online

£75 per session

Limited reduced-free slots available for students and those on low income. Please inquire during your initial consultation.

Concession Rates

What if I’m not sure therapy is right for me?

That’s completely understandable. You’re welcome to come for an initial session and see how it feels—there’s no obligation. Therapy is a collaborative process, and you’re always in control of what feels safe and supportive.
What is integrative psychotherapy?

Integrative therapy brings together ideas from different therapeutic traditions. It’s flexible and tailored to you—not a one-size-fits-all approach. It offers both practical tools for the short term and space to explore deeper issues for lasting change.
Do you offer online sessions?

Yes, although my work is primarily in person, I understand that life sometimes calls for flexibility. If you're feeling unwell, travelling, or something unexpected comes up, we can meet online using a secure, encrypted platform. While being together in the same space can bring a certain depth, online sessions can still offer meaningful support when needed.
Does psychotherapy work?

Decades of research show strong, lasting benefits: the first major meta-analysis reviewing nearly 400 studies found that people who received psychotherapy did far better than those who did not (Smith & Glass, 1977), and hundreds of subsequent meta-analyses have consistently confirmed its clear clinical advantages (Wampold & Imel, 2015). Studies also indicate that psychotherapy effectively addresses most mental health concerns and is at least as effective as medication (Hollon et al., 2006; Cuipers et al., 2013), with effects that tend to be more enduring and less prone to relapse once treatment ends (Hollon et al., 2016; Nordal, 2010).
How long is each session?

Sessions last 50 minutes and usually take place weekly at the same time. This rhythm helps build momentum and a sense of continuity.
Can we meet fortnightly?

Weekly sessions help build trust and continuity, especially early on. We can consider fortnightly sessions later, based on your needs and progress.
What kinds of issues do you work with?

I work with a broad range of experiences—including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, family issues, trauma, stress, loneliness, addictive behaviours, anger, feeling stuck, sexuality, perfectionism and feeling stuck. You also don’t need to have a clear “problem” to start and you don’t need to be in crisis to deserve therapy.
What type of therapy is best for me?

While certain models may be better suited to particular challenges, a large—and growing—body of evidence shows that the strongest determinant of positive outcomes is the quality of the therapist–client relationship, sometimes called the “therapist effect” (Barkham et al., 2018; Orlinsky, Rønnestad, & Willutzki, 2004). Researchers highlighting this effect also point to findings that differences between established psychotherapy models generally do not significantly change outcomes (Seligman, 1995; Tasca et al., 2018). So, the most important step is finding a therapist you feel you can work with openly and collaboratively.
What can I expect in the first session?

This session is a chance to get to know each other. I’ll ask about what’s brought you to therapy, any relevant background, and what you’re hoping for. There’s no pressure to share everything straight away—we’ll go at a pace that feels comfortable for you. The session generally follows this flow: Settle in & practicalities – A quick orientation to the space. Confidentiality check-in – We’ll outline privacy limits and I’ll answer any questions. Your story & goals – You talk; I listen and help clarify themes. Initial aims – We may sketch out one to three early goals. Wrap-up – We reflect on how it felt, answer questions, and book the next session if it feels right.
Is everything confidential?

Almost entirely, yes. What you share in therapy stays private unless: you ask me to share something, I’m concerned about serious harm to you or someone else, or I’m legally required to disclose (e.g., terrorism or money laundering). If any exception ever arises, I’ll always try to talk with you first.
How long will therapy take?

That depends on your goals. Some people come for a few months to work through something specific; others stay longer to explore deeper patterns. We’ll check in regularly to make sure the work continues to feel right for you.
Do you offer concessions?

Yes. I keep a limited number of lower-fee spaces for students, people on low incomes, and those facing financial difficulty. If cost is a barrier, please mention it on your enquiry form and we’ll explore what’s possible together.
Is this the right therapy for me?

Research shows that the therapeutic relationship itself is key to positive outcomes. An initial consultation is the best way to find out whether this is the right fit for you. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you here, what you’re hoping for, and whether my approach aligns with your needs. If I’m not the right person to help, I’ll suggest other options.