Vera Ama Adofo-Nyarko
Gravesend,Kent
Summary
Experienced Psychotherapist and Registered Mental Health Nurse with over eight years in diverse mental health settings, including acute care and private practice. Specialises in integrating Psychodynamic, Person-Centred, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to provide tailored, evidence-based interventions. Proficient in risk assessment and crisis intervention, dedicated to fostering clients' psychological wellbeing and facilitating meaningful change.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
14
14
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Psychotherapist
Ama Vera’s Private Therapy
01.2022 - 06.2026
- Provide integrative psychotherapy to adult clients presenting with a range of emotional and psychological difficulties.
- Conduct comprehensive assessments and collaboratively establish therapeutic goals.
- Deliver short- and long-term therapy informed by psychodynamic, person-centred, and CBT approaches.
- Support clients experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, trauma, grief, and life transitions.
- Maintain accurate clinical records in accordance with ethical and legal requirements.
- Engage in regular clinical supervision and continuing professional development.
Senior Psychiatric Liaison Nurse
Lewisham Assessment Unit, Ladywell Unit / University Hospital Lewisham
09.2020 - 06.2026
- Triage and screen referrals received from A&E, GPs, CMHTs, and other secondary care services.
- Conduct brief mental health assessments to determine appropriate care pathways.
- Provide specialist advice and signposting to relevant services.
- Deliver teaching and educational sessions to healthcare professionals and students.
- Mentor and support student nurses during clinical placements.
- Coordinate NHSP bank staffing requirements and assist with e-rostering.
- Support service development and maintain high standards of clinical practice.
Online Psychotherapist
BetterHelp
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Delivered remote psychotherapy via video, telephone, and written communication platforms.
- Managed a diverse caseload of clients from a variety of cultural and social backgrounds.
- Provided evidence-based therapeutic support for anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, and personal growth.
- Adapted therapeutic interventions effectively for online delivery.
- Maintained high standards of confidentiality, safeguarding, and professional practice.
Trainee Psychotherapist
City Pregnancy Counselling and Psychotherapy
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Provided counselling and psychotherapy to clients experiencing pregnancy-related and reproductive issues.
- Supported individuals affected by pregnancy loss, fertility concerns, birth trauma, and complex emotional challenges.
- Delivered compassionate and client-centred therapeutic interventions.
- Participated in regular supervision and reflective practice.
Trainee Psychotherapist
Lewisham IAPT Service
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Delivered therapeutic interventions within an NHS Talking Therapies setting.
- Conducted assessments and collaboratively developed treatment plans.
- Supported clients presenting with anxiety disorders, depression, stress, and interpersonal difficulties.
- Worked within multidisciplinary teams and participated in regular clinical supervision.
- Maintained accurate and timely clinical records.
Psychiatric Liaison Nurse
University Hospital Lewisham
01.2019 - 09.2020
- Completed comprehensive psychosocial and risk assessments for patients presenting to A&E with mental health difficulties.
- Developed effective therapeutic relationships during periods of crisis and emotional distress.
- Facilitated referrals to inpatient mental health services, community teams, crisis services, and psychological therapies.
- Worked collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to develop safe and effective care plans.
- Considered the impact of physical health conditions on mental wellbeing and treatment planning.
Registered Mental Health Nurse (PICU)
Ladywell Unit – Johnson Unit
10.2017 - 01.2019
- Assessed, planned, implemented, and evaluated individualised care plans for service users with complex mental health needs.
- Delivered evidence-based nursing interventions within a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit.
- Administered medication safely and monitored therapeutic effectiveness and side effects.
- Developed therapeutic relationships that promoted recovery and engagement.
- Worked collaboratively with carers and multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care.
Bank Clinical Support Worker
07.2015 - 10.2017
- Provided direct patient care, ensuring adherence to best practices under supervision of registered professionals.
- Supported assessment, planning, and delivery of tailored care for individuals with mental health needs, enhancing patient outcomes.
- Identified and communicated changes in patients’ mental and physical health, facilitating timely interventions.
- Managed challenging situations using de-escalation and effective communication techniques.
- Supported patients through therapeutic engagement and meaningful activities.
Education
MA - Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy
University of Roehampton
City of london 01.2018 - 01.2022
Diploma - Counselling Skills
Counselling Academy
01.2018 - 01.2018
BSc - Mental Health Nursing
University of East Anglia
01.2014 - 01.2017
A Levels - English Literature, Sociology, Psychology, Law
Shooters Hill Post-16 Campus
01.2012 - 01.2014
GCSEs - Information Technology, English Language, English Literature, Mathematics
Conisborough College
01.2006 - 01.2011
Skills
- Individual psychotherapy
- Mental health assessment
- Crisis management
- Risk management
- Care planning
- Referral management
- Clinical documentation
- Ethical safeguarding
- Therapeutic relationships
- Team collaboration
- Clinical leadership
- Mentorship and teaching
- Conflict resolution
- Empathic communication
Certification
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
- Accredited Psychotherapist
- Membership Number: 00928045
- Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
- Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN)
- Registration Number: 17G0315E
REFERENCES
Available upon request.
THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES
- Integrative Psychotherapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Person-Centred Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Trauma-Informed Practice
- Relational Therapy
PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS
- Psychotherapy and counselling
- Trauma-informed practice
- Women’s mental health
- Perinatal mental health
- Crisis intervention
- Psychological wellbeing
- Clinical supervision and mentoring
Timeline
Psychotherapist
Ama Vera’s Private Therapy
01.2022 - 06.2026
Online Psychotherapist
BetterHelp
01.2022 - 01.2024
Senior Psychiatric Liaison Nurse
Lewisham Assessment Unit, Ladywell Unit / University Hospital Lewisham
09.2020 - 06.2026
Trainee Psychotherapist
City Pregnancy Counselling and Psychotherapy
01.2020 - 01.2022
Trainee Psychotherapist
Lewisham IAPT Service
01.2019 - 01.2022
Psychiatric Liaison Nurse
University Hospital Lewisham
01.2019 - 09.2020
MA - Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy
University of Roehampton
01.2018 - 01.2022
Diploma - Counselling Skills
Counselling Academy
01.2018 - 01.2018
Registered Mental Health Nurse (PICU)
Ladywell Unit – Johnson Unit
10.2017 - 01.2019
Bank Clinical Support Worker
07.2015 - 10.2017
BSc - Mental Health Nursing
University of East Anglia
01.2014 - 01.2017
A Levels - English Literature, Sociology, Psychology, Law
Shooters Hill Post-16 Campus
01.2012 - 01.2014
GCSEs - Information Technology, English Language, English Literature, Mathematics
Conisborough College
01.2006 - 01.2011