About Me
Dr Katarina Kovacova

I am a London trained clinical psychologist with over 15 years of clinical experience of working in a variety of different settings, including the NHS, voluntary and charity sector, academia and private practice. I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

I am trained and experienced in a number of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Imagery Rescripting, Systemic Therapy, Solution Focused therapy, Narrative therapy, Compassion Focused therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness Based Interventions, and aspects of Psychodynamic approaches. This allows me to flexibly use different therapies or their aspects to fit your particular needs.

I offer short-term, goal-oriented therapy as well as long-term, explorative individual psychotherapy. I can provide anger and stress management, culturally sensitive parenting support and couple therapy. 

Alongside my clinical practice, I have been a visiting lecturer at University of East London, Institute of Psychiatry and Canterbury Christ Church University where I have been teaching on the subject of clinical psychology, including CBT, Systemic Family Therapy, Narrative Therapy, research methods and critical psychology.

I have lived in a number of countries, which has made me more sensitive to cultural issues and discrimination. I speak Slovak, Czech and English fluently, a bit of German and I’m learning Portuguese. 

I love anything to do with the ocean. I surf, swim, dive in it and protect it. I love nature and animals. I also like dancing, skateboarding, strength training, pilates and to keep active in general. I am also passionate about learning languages and continuous professional development in clinical psychology.

From stuck to thriving - begin your journey toward the life you want to live.

What I Offer

I currently provide my psychological services mainly via HelloSelf and various other platforms, please get in touch to discuss your options.

I offer support for a range of difficulties, including but not limited to the following:

  • Stress
  • Worry
  • Various forms of anxiety (e.g. Social Anxiety, Generalised Anxiety Disorder)
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Panic attacks
  • Phobias (e.g. Heights, Dogs, etc.)
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Complex trauma
  • Low mood
  • Depression
  • Postnatal depression
  • Low self-esteem
  • Low self-confidence
  • Anger management
  • Loss and bereavement
  • Coping with health conditions
  • Psychological issues connected to cultural issues
  • Culturally sensitive parenting support
  • Adjusting to life changes and transition
Dr. Katarina Kovacova - Clinical Psychologist

Qualifications, Training and Publications

With a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of East London and an MSc with Distinction, my practice is grounded in rigorous academic training and decades of specialized development. My expertise spans a diverse range of evidence-based approaches—including ACT, Compassion-Focused Therapy, DBT, and Trauma-informed care—honed through continuous advanced training with leading experts and institutions across the UK and Europe. Below, you can explore my full academic background, specialized certifications, and published contributions to the field.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

  • Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, University of East London, UK
  • MSc in Psychology with Distinction, Olomouc University, Czech Republic

TRAINING

  • ACT for Anxiety, Contextual Consulting UK, (2026)
  • Using Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) for trauma: enhanced applications for understanding and using compassion in trauma treatment. Dr Chris Irons, PESI UK (2024)
  • Trauma-focused ACT with Dr Russ Harris, Contextual Consulting UK, (2024)
  • Treating perfectionism, Contextual Consulting UK, (2024)
  • ACT for Beginners with Dr Joe Oliver, Contextual Consulting UK, (2023)
  • ACT for perfectionistic, high-achieving and striving behaviours Contextual Consulting UK, (2023)
  • CFT in practice your CFT with Dr Russell Kolts,, Contextual Consulting UK, (2023)
  • Super-charge your CFT with Dr Russell Kolts, Contextual Consulting UK, (2023)
  • Acceptance and commitment therapy for depression, Contextual Consulting UK, (2023)
  • ACT in focus: navigating processes, procedures, and future directions, Contextual Consulting UK, (2023)
  • ACT for worrying, ruminating & obsessing with Dr Russ Harris, Contextual Consulting UK, (2023)
  • The ACT Matrix for beginners, Dr Joe Oliver, Contextual Consulting UK, (2023)
  • Facing the Storm with Dr Ray Owen, Contextual Consulting UK, (2023)
  • Imagery rescripting in PTSD with Dr. Kerry Young, CBTReach (2022)
  • Narrative Therapy, University College Hospital, London (2014)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, The Huntercombe Hospital (2013-2014)
  • Systemic Family Therapy, The Tavistock and Portman Trust, London (2012-2013)
  • Motivational Interviewing, National Problem Gambling Clinic, London (2011)
  • Mentalisation Based Therapy, Anna Freud Centre, London (2008)

PUBLICATIONS

  • Afonu, D., Kovacova, K. & Unwin, A. (2015). Is it Possible to Take a Liberation Approach as a Clinical Psychology Trainee? In T. Afuape, & G. Hughes (Eds.), Liberation Practices: Towards Emotional Wellbeing Through Dialogue. London: Routledge. Link
  • Kovacova, K. (2013). Clinical psychologists’ constructions of their work with children. Unpublished doctoral thesis. Link
  • Kovacova, K. et al. (2006). Exploring media representations of substance misuse using content analysis. Presentation at conference related to alcohol and drug issues, Prague.