Clinical Psychologist

Warm, compassionate, and evidence-based psychological therapy tailored to your unique experiences. Providing a safe, non-judgmental space to explore difficulties and empower meaningful change.

HCPC Registered Practitioner • BABCP Accredited Psychotherapist

Dr Neli Zheleva, Clinical Psychologist

About Me

I am deeply committed to my work and strive to offer a warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where we can explore your experiences together, understand your difficulties, and process your thoughts and feelings.

I have over seven years of experience working within NHS mental health services, providing evidence-based therapy to adults experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties. My practice is highly collaborative and culturally sensitive. I am passionate about tailoring therapy to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual, including adapting my approach to support neurodivergent ways of thinking, processing, and communicating.

Therapies & Specialisms

I work in an integrative, client-centred way, drawing primarily on standard evidence-based models to treat concerns such as anxiety, depression, panic, OCD, PTSD, trauma, low self-esteem, perfectionism, and work-related burnout.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

A structured approach focused on understanding how your thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours impact your emotional states, working together to develop practical coping strategies.

Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP)

The gold-standard evidence-based intervention specifically designed to help individuals break free from the exhausting cycles of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)

Specially integrated to target deep-rooted shame, harsh self-criticism, and perfectionism by developing inner self-warmth, psychological safety, and resilience.

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Focuses on clarifying your deeply-held core values and developing psychological flexibility, helping you take meaningful action even alongside difficult thoughts or emotions.

Training, Qualifications & Experience

  • • Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) – University College London (UCL)
  • • Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – University of Essex
  • • Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – University College London (UCL)
  • • MSc in Developmental Psychology – University of Kent
  • • BSc (Hons) in Psychology – University of Hertfordshire
  • • 7+ Years NHS Experience – Delivering specialized psychological support in adult mental health services.

Self-Help Resources & Articles

Explore evidence-based insights, psychological concepts, and practical strategies designed to support your mental well-being and personal growth outside of clinical sessions.

Anxiety & OCD

Understanding OCD: Moving Beyond the Stereotypes

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is frequently misunderstood as a simple quirk or a desire for neatness. In reality, it involves deeply distressing intrusive thoughts (obsessions) followed by repetitive mental or physical actions (compulsions) used to alleviate anxiety. True relief comes from shifting how we relate to uncertainty rather than trying to eliminate it entirely.

Learn More about ERP Therapy →
Burnout & Well-being

Navigating Workplace Burnout and Perfectionism

High standards can drive extraordinary success, but when combined with relentless self-criticism, they frequently pave the path to chronic emotional and physical exhaustion. Shifting away from burnout requires establishing firm psychological boundaries, learning to disconnect from demands, and practicing self-compassion to celebrate effort over flawless outcomes.

Explore Compassion-Focused Approaches →
Mindset & Flexibility

The Power of Developing Psychological Flexibility

Psychological flexibility is the foundational capacity to stay open, present, and conscious during difficult moments, allowing you to choose behaviors that align directly with your core values. Instead of spending vital energy trying to fight, suppress, or escape painful feelings, it teaches us how to drop the struggle and make room for them.

Learn More about ACT Therapy →

My Approach to Practice

"A strong emphasis on building a collaborative and culturally sensitive therapeutic relationship where you feel genuinely heard and valued."

"Dedicated to providing a safe, containment-focused environment empowered to nurture long-term, meaningful personal growth."

"Tailoring framework mechanics seamlessly to welcome and adapt for neurodivergent processing and communication strengths."

Book A Consultation

Professional Registrations:
HCPC Registered Practitioner
BABCP Accredited Psychotherapist

Session Formats:
In-person (Wimbledon, SW19) & Secure Online Video

Location:
40-44 The Broadway, London, SW19 1RQ