Nicholas Messing
Counselling Psychologist & Parent-Infant Psychotherapist
My clinical practice is grounded in the understanding that our earliest relationships and formative histories profoundly shape our adult lives. While I hold specialist expertise in the developmental journey of infancy and childhood, my work is deeply committed to supporting adults as they navigate the complexities of their internal worlds. I provide a psychodynamic framework for individuals to explore how personal history and early experiences continue to influence their current well-being, relationships, and professional lives.
I bring extensive experience in delivering psychological support for adults facing emotional distress and difficult long-standing relational patterns. My approach is one of commitment to creating a containing, reflective environment where deep-seated individual narratives can be safely examined and understood.
I work online, but also have in-person availability in Uxbridge, West London.
Professional Journey
My career is defined by a series of senior clinical roles within the NHS and the broader public sector, including early intervention and complex clinical cases.
Adult Psychological Services. I have a robust background in providing psychodynamic therapy within diverse adult settings, ensuring tailored support for a range of emotional and psychological needs:
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Woking Adult Talking Therapies Service: Providing psychological support for adults within the primary care sector.
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UCL Student Psychological Services: Delivering focused therapeutic interventions within a high-pressure academic environment.
Parent, Baby & Toddler Mental Health. My expertise in the foundational bonds of life has been honed through leadership roles in pioneering services, focusing on the profound transition into parenthood:
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Specialist Parent-Infant Service (Current): Serving as a Highly Specialist Psychologist for seven years, focusing on deep relational work.
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Hounslow Parent Infant Relationship Service: Clinical Lead responsible for establishing West London’s inaugural parent-baby service and developing its therapeutic framework.
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Perinatal Mental Health Specialist Pathways: Extensive clinical contributions across Hounslow, North London, and Tower Hamlets NHS Trusts.
Children, Young People & Families
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Southwark Under 12s Child & Family Team: I spent 12 years within this Maudsley Hospital-based service, where I chaired complex case discussions and developed innovative clinical practices.
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Marlborough Family Service.
Formative Clinical Experience
My current practice is anchored in a decade of immersive clinical work conducted prior to my formal qualification in 2004. This period encompassed diverse roles across forensic, community, and educational settings, providing a comprehensive understanding of the human lifespan.
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Professional Training (1998–2004): Specialist placements within adult community mental health and NHS psychological therapy services in Soho, Newham, and Earlsfield.
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Early Foundations: Assistant Psychology roles within NHS forensic care services (Orchard Lodge and the Croydon Community Forensic Team) and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
Professional Registrations & Memberships
I maintain the highest standards of clinical accountability through registration with the UK’s leading regulatory and professional bodies.
Academic & Specialist Qualifications
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Specialist Parent-Infant Psychotherapy: The Anna Freud Centre, London.
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Postgraduate Diploma in Psychoanalytic Infant Observation: The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust.
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MSc in Advanced Counselling Psychology: University of East London.
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MSc in Therapeutic Psychology: University of Surrey.
Regulatory Bodies
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Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): Registered Practitioner (Counselling) Psychologist, PYL19382
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British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC): Registered Parent-Infant Psychotherapist.
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British Psychotherapy Foundation (BPF): Professional Member.