NAOMI TWIGDEN
Integrative psychotherapist specialising in trauma, relational dynamics and GSRD (gender, sexual and relationship diversity)
A warm, collaborative space to explore difficult experiences, understand recurring patterns and develop a more connected relationship with yourself and others.
As an integrative therapist, I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches, tailoring our work to your individual needs and experiences. These may include person-centred therapy, compassion-focused therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), attachment-based approaches, narrative therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and existential perspectives.
Where appropriate, I also draw on my experience as a meditation teacher, incorporating breathwork and somatic approaches to help explore the relationship between mind and body.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
I work with a broad range of concerns and have also developed specialisms in the following areas.
TRAUMA
I am a Level 7 diploma-certified trauma therapist, graduating with distinction. I work with people who may be experiencing difficulties with emotional regulation, flashbacks, dissociation, feeling safe and connected to the world, triggers or shame.
I work with people living with PTSD and complex PTSD (C-PTSD), drawing on psychoeducation and mind-body awareness alongside approaches such as Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT/tapping) and Cognitive Processing Therapy.
PSYCHOSEXUAL AND RELATIONAL DYNAMICS
I am interested in how our relationships with ourselves, others and the wider world are shaped by our experiences. I work with concerns including difficult family and interpersonal dynamics, social anxiety, attachment patterns, relationship difficulties, communication and neurodivergent relational experiences.
I hold a Level 5 psychosexual therapy qualification. I work with people navigating differences in sexual desire, kink, physical difficulties, sexual shame, sexual trauma and challenges around feeling connected to their sexuality. My approach is open-minded and non-judgemental, without making assumptions about what sexuality or relationships should look like.
IDENTITY AND LGBTQIA+
I work extensively with the LGBTQIA+ community. I have previously worked with Rainbow MIND and Switchboard Melbourne, supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals with a range of experiences and concerns.
This may include questioning or exploring identity, navigating a gender transition, understanding asexuality, and working through the relational, emotional and social experiences that can accompany identity development.
I aim to make therapy as accessible and comfortable as possible. If you are neurodivergent and have specific needs or preferences, please let me know so that I can do my best to accommodate them.
REACH OUT
Get in Touch
You are welcome to get in touch to arrange a free 15-minute introductory call. This is an opportunity for us to meet, talk briefly about what brings you to therapy and consider whether we feel like a good fit and whether our schedules align.
Fees
50-minute sessions
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In-person therapy: £85
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Online therapy: £70–£85, offered on a sliding scale according to individual circumstances.
I offer both weekly and fortnightly sessions.
Contact
Email: naomi@naomitwigden.com
In person:
The Therapeutic Rooms
Taylor's Yard
170 Brick Lane
London E1 6RU
YOUR FIRST SESSION
I know starting therapy can feel daunting, so I will do my best to put you at ease and create a relaxed, friendly and welcoming environment.
We might begin by exploring what has brought you to therapy at this point in your life and thinking together about a few goals for our work. I may ask a little about your life experiences and childhood, but you are always in control of what you choose to share. There is no pressure to talk about anything you would rather not.
I will adapt our work to meet your individual needs. Some clients prefer to use therapy as a sounding board, having space to talk things through and reflect, while others prefer me to take a more active role, perhaps offering practical tools, exercises or things to reflect on between sessions. We can find an approach that feels right for you.
the one person who will never leave us, whom we will never lose, is ourself
bell hooks
BACKGROUND
I use she/they pronouns and am part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Originally from the UK, I currently live and work in London, having trained as a psychotherapist while living in Melbourne, Australia.
Before moving into psychotherapy, I worked in the food industry, where I founded a food start-up and worked in marketing and brand management. I have also written a cookbook.
Outside of my therapeutic work, I have a personal interest in Buddhism, meditation and mindfulness, which sometimes inform my approach to therapy where appropriate.
TRAINING
2024
Diploma in Trauma Psychotherapy (Distinction)
The Grove, London
Creating a sense of safety in the body through psycho-education and emotional regulation, teaching practical tools for addressing both PTSD and C-PTSD symptoms (such as trigger responses, intrusive imagery and dissociation). A combination of techniques to work with the 'charge' held by trauma such as EFT (tapping), cognitive processing, somatic and imagery techniques, trauma-focussed CBT.
2021
Certification in Psychosexual Therapy
The Grove, London
Themes I work with include non-monogamy, kink, sexual compulsivity, sexual trauma, dissociation, sexual shame, physical issues, relationships and desire. GSRD (gender, sexuality and relationship diverse) affirming approach.
2017 - 2020
Graduate Diploma in Counselling
Australian College of Applied Psychology, Melbourne
Integrative degree inclusive of foundational training in mental health presentations, grief, alcohol and drugs, family, cross-cultural counselling, neurodiversity and trauma. My placement was as a student campus counsellor for SAE Institute in Melbourne.
Other Training
50 Hour Meditation Teacher Training (DreamHaus)
Breathwork Mastery with Jamie Clements
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Russ Harris
Switchboard Melbourne, Telephone Counsellor LGBTQIA+ Training