Camilla Poncia B.Sc. (Hons) M.Sc CPsychol
Psychological Therapy is more than just a career, I believe in what I do and feel confident that I can help people who are keen and motivated to change and overcome their problems. I appreciate and understand that it takes courage to take that first step and recognise that you might need or want some help. I always do my absolute utmost to ensure you feel comfortable and welcome all clients to communicate their likes and dislikes in therapy for the best possible outcome. Here’s a little bit of information about my background and training.
I was born in the UK, but raised in South Africa in my younger years before moving to Canada until a teenager. I then returned to the UK. Having lived in the Midlands, London and Guernsey, I have now settled here in Bournemouth.
I went to Loughborough University and studied Social Psychology. I achieved a Batchelor of Science 2:1 with honours. At this stage, I already knew I wanted to keep working in the field of Psychology and was passionate about becoming a therapist. I took a year out and spent some time working as a support worker for Adults with Learning Disabilities in preparation for my next phase of study. I went on to train as a Counselling Psychologist at London Metropolitan University and achieved chartered status in 2002.
During my training I was interested in working with both children and adults and was fortunate to have some very interesting and challenging placements including working at GP surgeries through the NHS in very deprived areas, working at a secondary school in inner city London and a charity called Kids Company, that supported vulnerable children and families within the city.
Following my training, as well as continuing to work in the NHS, I worked for an organisation that specialised in helping children and adolescents with ADHD/ADD. After a few years of working in London and the Midlands, I took a job in a secondary care mental health setting in Guernsey. This was an incredibly interesting experience and enhanced my skills in working with adults with personality disorders, eating disorders and other complex issues.
Having now been qualified for over 20 years, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and expertise in a range of disorders including, anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, childhood trauma and PTSD, eating disorders, ADHD/ADD, personality disorders, addictions, bipolar disorder, and self-harm to name but a few. I use a range of approaches to help my clients with their difficulties. I tend to sway towards using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), as it has a very high evidence base of success. However, I am not a pure CBT therapist and will tend to draw on a range of other approaches depending on the wants and needs of my clients. These approaches include Acceptance Therapy, Solution Focused, Problem-Solving, Systemic and Psychodynamic Therapy.
I welcome and encourage working closely with GP’s, Psychiatrists, and Consultants across disciplines to provide comprehensive and coordinated care, with permission from my clients.
