From a young age I knew that one day I would become a psychologist.​
My fascination with cognitive processes, behaviours and emotions inspired me to pursue a career in the field of mental health and wellbeing. My mission, since then, has remained the same: to impact the lives of others for the better and empower people to recognise the potential in themselves.​
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This led me to dedicate over a decade to academia, work and volunteer positions to gain the experience and qualifications to become a therapist. It has been a very human journey, with all the challenges, triumphs and parts in-between. My studies and personal experience have taught me the value of introspection, the ability to self-reflect and develop self-awareness, which enables us to acknowledge our strengths and weaknesses, to overcome the challenges and uncertainties life throws in our path.
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Lily Saunders, Registered Member MBACP
Qualifications and Experience
I am a BACP qualified therapist (Diploma in Person-centred Counselling) and Psychology graduate (BSc First Class Honours). I have furthered my studies through the completion of a Masters in Theoretical Psychoanalytic Studies, which supports a psychodynamic understanding of the sessions during my work.
I am actively engaged in continuing my professional development, with a particular interest in the subjects of intergenerational trauma, relationships and perinatal mental health. I have a mental health first aid certificate and am also experienced in applying the therapeutic benefits of nature to my practice; I offer walk and talk therapy as an option for those who would feel more engaged and gain more from this approach.
My Story
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I often laugh with my close friend about how we have been blessed with a "full experience" of life - through feelings of loss and loneliness to the connections and joy brought by a meaningful moment. Wellbeing often feels like a privilege, but I believe that the reins of life are in our hands, much like Freud's analogy of the charioteer guiding the horse. And by overcoming our own personal mountains we can be empowered, rather than feeling that we are at the hands of fate.
My journey led me to pursue a career in psychology and mental health, from speaking to my Stepfather as a child I decided I wanted to become a counsellor or a clinical psychologist. I am working towards both! I studied psychology throughout school and as a major in my bachelors. I studied a masters in Theoretical Psychoanalytic Theory (Freud and other psychodynamic works) and recently completed my qualification as a a Person Centred counsellor. Psychodynamic and person-centred approaches are usually considered opposite ends of the spectrum, but I'm an advocate for the benefits of both: the depth of the unconscious and childhood experiences explored by psychodynamic therapy and the holistic and humanistic approach of person centred counselling. Let's just say I'm an integrative counsellor!
I am based in North London, having finished my counselling qualification I have started teaching and am starting to consider a PhD in psychology and gaining client hours through placements. I have been blessed with a gorgeous son who is my biggest source of growth and learning! I’ve committed to prioritising self-care and taking the opportunity to slow down where possible. At times it is exhausting and pregnancy stirred up some interesting emotions. I'm choosing to be curious and allow myself to feel whatever I need to, keeping a positive space and prioritising my own and my baby's needs! My love for him is a driving force for me to become the best version of myself.
There is much for me to learn as a Mother and as a therapist (and one day clinical psychologist). But I embrace this special journey, maintaining compassion towards myself and others in the face of challenges. Every experiences and encounter is an opportunity for growth.
As an integrative, person-centred counsellor, I am passionate about empowering you in your mental health and wellbeing journey to find meaning and purpose in life and reach your potential.
