About Me
Dr Zuzana Winter
Chartered Clinical Psychologist
I have forever been fascinated by psychology, human resilience, what makes some people thrive and prosper whilst others seem to struggle, and how humans capitalise on the obstacles they face and turn them into an advantage. This curiosity has, in part, to do with my own life journey and belief that something useful and transformational can come out of all experiences, however unsettling or painful.
One of the biggest personal obstacles that my family and I had to face was during my time as a growing, oppositional and let’s face it, really annoying know-it-all teenager who struggled to get her point across. I ended up feeling alone and different from others. However this experience proved to be life transforming as it propelled my curiosity to reach out to others and to explore the world around me. Somewhere along the way, about 20 years ago, driven by my natural curiosity I left Slovakia - my home country, and arrived in the UK. Despite my best efforts to move on, I fell in love with this amazing place and people in it, making it my second home.
Knowing the topic of psychology was never too far from my mind, I embarked on a long study of psychology as part of my quest to become a chartered clinical psychologist. Through my personal and work experiences I have come to appreciate two things – our mental health is an enormous asset, and our relationships play a key role in good mental health.
My clinical work entails both working in the NHS and privately. I have worked in the NHS for over 10 years, and for the past four years I have worked in a specialist service for teenagers and their families who come to the service due to considerable levels of suicidal risk or other impulsive acts, putting the teenagers’ lives at risk. My private work entails working with individuals of all ages. My specialist areas of interest are personality disorders, difficulties with chronic symptoms that seem unresponsive to traditional therapeutic approaches, and experiences of emotional stuckness that can have widespread impact of one’s capacity to lead a life of felt inner freedom.
In my practice, I combine these amazing resources by partnering with families and using mental health as a catalyst for creating meaningful change.
Qualifications
BSc (Hons) - University of London (2007)
DClinPsych - University of Canterbury (2016)
CPsychol - since 2016
Based in South Croydon
Practicing in South London, Surrey and Kent
Professional Membership
Health and Care Professions Council
British Psychological Society - Division of Clinical Psychology