We are a small independent practice offering psychological and psychotherapeutic services to individuals (children, adolescents and adults), couples and families in London, in Athens and online. We offer a wider range of generic and specialist treatments and psychotherapeutic interventions, such as systemic & family psychotherapy, couple therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, attachment-based family therapy, gender exploratory therapy and therapy for eating disorders. We have a strong interest and extensive clinical experience supporting individuals and families who experience embodied distress that can often manifest through different presenting challenges.Â
ICF Consultations was established in London by Anastassis Spiliadis, who was interested in implementing independently his approach in supporting clients in whatever context (individual, couple or family) suits them and the challenges they experience, thus following an evidence-informed psychotherapeutic approach.Â
We are registered members of major professional and registering organisations, such as the Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice within the UK (AFT), the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and the British Psychological Society (BPS) and at all times adhere to the AFT and UKCP codes of ethics. We are particularly sensitive to all aspects of diversity and active supporters of anti-discriminatory practice both clinically, as well as in the community.
GEM / GET was coined in 2018 by Anastassis Spiliadis. He wanted to describe the way he has been working psychotherapeutically with people across the lifespan who experience gender-related distress. This is a systemic-developmental model that weaves together theory, practice and ethics and is applicable both in the public and the private sector.Â
There are clinicians who often claim to be practising Gender Exploratory Therapy without having completed any formal training on the approach. If contacting a clinician to support you or a significant other who experiences gender-related distress, please check with them where they have trained in GEM / GET and also whether they are qualified to work both with individuals and families.Â
GEM / GET is fully aligned with the recommendations of the Independent Review of gender identity services for children and young people in England
“Family and systemic psychotherapy – also known as family therapy – can help those in close relationships to better understand and support each other. It enables family members to express and explore difficult thoughts and emotions safely, understand each other’s experiences and views, appreciate each other’s needs, build on family strengths, and work together to make useful changes in their relationships and their lives.
Family therapists can see children and adults on their own, or with other family members. Sometimes they offer a mixture of individual and family appointments, if they think that will be useful. Family therapists can also work with couples.”(AFT)
Individual Couple & Family Psychotherapy
This depends on the type of psychotherapy (individual, couple or family) and on the location (London or Athens). We can provide you with more information upon request.Â
Individual psychotherapy sessions last 50 minutes (online or in-person), whereas couple and family psychotherapy sessions last 60 minutes (online or in-person). Longer psychotherapy sessions can be arranges where relevant; this can be further discusses in person with you psychologist / psychotherapist.Â
Usually weekly or bi-weekly psychotherapy sessions can not be cancelled; in exceptional circumstances a session can be rescheduled or cancelled provided there is a 72-hour-notice either by email or text message. In any other case any missed sessions will be charged.Â
This really depends on the challenges you face, as well as other factors, such as the progress you and your psychologist / psychotherapist observe etc. Psychotherapy can be offered within a time-limited or a longer-term context and this is something you will discuss and agree upon jointly with your clinician, whilst regular reviews will offer you the opportunity to reassess the progress you notice. Whereas there is some flexibility with regards to the treatment plan, we have a more structured and clear treatment plan in relation to psychotherapeutic interventions for eating disorders, self-harming behaviours and other risky or enduring mental health challenges.Â
All psychotherapy sessions under ICF Consultations are confidential and this is both in line with the Code of Ethics of our professional associations and regulatory bodies and our personal values. However, should anything arise during therapy which causes concern about your or anyone else’s safety, we will discuss this with you at the earliest opportunity and consider who else may need to be involved in order to maintain safety and ethical standards of practice, in accordance with the AFT and  UKCP Code of Ethics.
No, we are not medical doctors. However, we work alongside medical associates (adult, and child and adolescent psychotherapists) who we can refer you to if we feel this is appropriate / needed, either for a consultation or an assessment.
No, we do not offer urgent or emergency support.
England: In an emergency please call 999 or go to your nearest A&E or your G.P. Also if you want to talk to someone any time any day call the Samaritans free phone (from UK mobile or landline) 116 123.
Greece: In an emergency please call 1018 (Klimaka organisation for suicide prevention) or go to your nearest hospital.
