I am Dr Claudia Kustner, an HCPC-registered principal clinical psychologist.
I trained and worked in South Africa for 10 years, and I have worked as a senior psychologist in NHS hospitals for over 15 years. I am also a lecturer of psychology at various UK universities.
I work with adults and older adults aged 18 years and above. I have a particular interest in supporting individuals, and/or family members of individuals, adjusting to chronic health conditions and struggling with low mood, anxiety, family stress, or burnout.
Examples of issues I work with include:
- an individual or family member living with a physical or mental health condition, and the strain this puts on relationships.
- caring for an older parent with health issues, or tension between adult family members.
- rebuilding trust or closeness after a difficult period.
I work from the understanding that our minds, our bodies, and the worlds we live in are not separate. Our emotional lives, relationships, wider contexts, and physical health shape one another, and I find that therapy is often most effective when it holds all these aspects in mind.
I’m also committed to cross-cultural and inclusive practice. Culture shapes how we understand illness, distress, and help-seeking, and I aim to meet people with curiosity about their backgrounds and beliefs.
Outside of my work I enjoy dancing, and volunteering in the community.