Dermot Martin MSc CTA PTSTA UKCP, BACP (accred)

Finding Freedom Beyond Survival: Psychotherapy in Chiswick, W4

Life often teaches us to survive, but rarely teaches us how to truly thrive. Based in Chiswick, West London, my practice is rooted in a profound respect for the ways we navigate hardship. I believe every one of us is doing our best with the tools we have. Yet, the very strategies that get us through difficult times often become the barriers that hold us back—stifling our growth, straining our closest relationships, and dimming our potential at work and home.

My role is not just to listen, but to illuminate. By carefully examining the patterns that both protect and constrain you, I create a therapeutic relationship where deep relief is possible. We don’t just manage symptoms; we excavate their roots. This process clears the path for you to rediscover your agency, fostering a richer, more authentic connection to yourself and to the people who matter most.

Working with individuals, couples and families, I offer a confidential, non-judgemental and supportive approach; a safe place to focus on concerns, consider change and seek new perspectives.

I use a psychodynamic approach, drawing on Transactional Analysis, Relational Psychoanalysis, combining the latest research in neurobiology and regulation theory. Working relationally, I pay particular attention to the dynamics emerging in our sessions, as many of your emotional dilemmas with others will emerge in therapy sessions, so that together we can address them ‘in person’.
Understanding the process of change, I have experienced personally the effectiveness of psychotherapy during difficult periods. I am sensitised to pain, suffering and how we can recover. As well as first hand experience of many of life’s challenges, my work is informed by extensive training and professional clinical practice.

Common concerns

As a Counsellor, Psychotherapist, relationship therapist and Relational Transactional Analyst , I treat individuals and couples with a range of challenges. Common concerns I see and treat include but are not limited to:

  • Anxiety and depression which are often experienced as somatic distress, bodily tension, worry, fear, paralysis, and a sense of stuckness or getting nowhere.
  • Relationship difficulties with others which could include partners, children, friends, colleagues, co-workers , your boss. This often presents itself as feelings of anger, restlessness, chronic disappointment, and boredom.
  • Childhood trauma and recent traumatic experiences which may include common life occurences such as financial difficulty, illness, separation/divorce, transitions, aging, and death of a loved one.
  • Isolation and aloneness as a result of loss of relationships, life stage events such as children or parents moving away, and a lack of connection to community.
  • Sexual issues and infidelity.

Is psychotherapy right for you?

While this is often a difficult question to answer, if you have suffered for a long time, been chronically unhappy or unfulfilled, have tried many things but nothing seems to work, then psychotherapy is a worthwhile option. When considering seeking a psychotherapist, it is important to understand each therapist’s approach and decide whether their style and yours are a good fit.

Working with couples

In my work with couples, I treat the relationship itself as my client. From a neutral, compassionate standpoint, we identify the patterns that breed criticism, distance, and dissatisfaction. By fostering a new awareness, we help you and your partner articulate what you truly need from one another. My work is psychosexually informed, recognising that emotional and physical intimacy are inextricably linked.

But our work together goes deeper than conflict resolution—it is nothing less than social activism. Changing the power paradigm in the living room is how we change the world. I teach clients to stand up for themselves while simultaneously cherishing their partner, rejecting the old, corrosive model of dominance and submission in favour of one built on mutual respect. Together, we don’t just repair what is broken; we build a new, sustainable architecture for lifelong romance—one where both partners can be fully seen, heard, and valued without sacrificing their individuality.

This is relationship therapy as a radical act of reclamation: reclaiming your voice, your desire, and your capacity for enduring, equitable love.

 

Fees

Psychotherapy with individuals, self funding fees vary as per your circumstances.

Couples therapy fees negotiated as per your circumstances.

Please enquire for insurance and co-payments.

Cancellation

Where ever possible we will try to reschedule an appointment if you are able to give at least 48 hours notice, the appointment will need to be rescheduled for a time within that week. The fee for appointments that are missed or cancelled including where it has not been possible to reschedule is chargeable.

Clinical Supervision

I offer an integrative approach to supervision, based on the Hawkins & Shohet model, with a focus on embodied and relational awareness.

Supervision is intended to offer a safe place to explore and contemplate the work you are engaging in.  We will jointly explore the interface between the personal and professional, with an awareness of parallel process. I also pay attention to the relational field, between you and your client.                           I aim to provide a holding and sometimes challenging experience for you, so that you can offer the same in your work.

I am a UKCP-recognised Supervisor and work with individuals and groups. I work with counsellors, psychotherapists and anyone in related professions. 

My intention with supervision is to explore the greatest possible range of interventions that will further the work that you are doing, without making judgements about a right or wrong thing to do. It is intended to be a deeply satisfying and supportive professional relationship.

As well as working in private practice, I work as a group supervisor for EACS. 

My fees for individual supervision are £75 / hr. for trainees and £80 for qualified practitioners, online or in person.

I also run monthly supervision groups for qualified and trainee psychotherapists and those in related professions.

For group rates and availability, please contact me directly.

Contact 

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Telephone +447720663379


Training, qualifications & experience

MSc in Psychotherapy with distinction from the Metanoia Institute and Middlesex University , with a reputation for professional excellence.
I’m also a certified Relational Transactional Analyst CTA (P) in the field of psychotherapy with individuals, couples and groups.

Advanced diploma in relationship therapies from the NAOS Institute.

Postgraduate diploma in psychotherapeutic counselling, Metanoia Institute.

My work includes long and short-term psychotherapy within private practice, NHS and other institutional settings – with clients presenting an extensive range of personal struggles such as relationship issues, developmental trauma, depression, anxiety, many types of addiction, somatic illness, low self-esteem, sexual issues, bereavement, identity and personality issues.
I pursue ongoing training, learning, and personal growth as part of my commitment to the challenge and enjoyment of working with the complexities of the human psyche.

I am also a primary tutor and module lead, on the MSc Transactional Analysis program at the Metanoia Institute.

Professional membership 
I am bound by the Codes of Ethics and Professional Procedures of the following organisations.
BACP (Bristish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy)

UKCP (United Kingdom Council of Psychotherapy)

EATA (European Association for Transactional Analysis)

IARPP (International Association of relational psychoanalysis)

Metanoia Institute.