Mr Chris Westray

Christopher Westray is an experienced psychotherapist dedicated to guiding individuals towards a consistent, calm, and confident state of being. Life’s challenges can be overwhelming, and while we often hope to manage our feelings of low mood, anxiety, or distress, sometimes these emotions can feel insurmountable. Psychotherapy offers a pathway to structure and stability when life feels chaotic, helping to bring clarity and control when it seems lost.

With a compassionate approach, Christopher employs a blend of verbal and non-verbal techniques to facilitate a journey toward the truest and clearest version of oneself. His practice incorporates Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and lifespan integration to address core historical trauma that may be contributing to current symptoms. He works within a relational framework that integrates humanistic, psychodynamic, and solution-focused methods, creating a comprehensive therapeutic experience. When appropriate, Christopher encourages creative expression as part of the therapeutic process.

Since 2017, Christopher has been facilitating trauma and art psychotherapy groups, in addition to offering one-to-one psychotherapy. He is a state-registered art psychotherapist accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and holds both a Master’s degree in Art Psychotherapy and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership.

Christopher's background in psychotherapy is informed by integrative and psychodynamic perspectives. He is a qualified EMDR therapist, a level 3 lifespan integration therapist, and has received training in mentalisation-based therapy (MBT). His expertise extends to trauma-informed care, forensic psychotherapy, psychoeducation, and arts-based conflict resolution and mediation. He has also received extensive training in attachment-based approaches to mental health.

His professional experience includes work within NHS forensic, medium, and low secure services, as well as various third sector mental health organisations. Christopher has established and managed a successful private practice and has provided psychotherapy services to NHS staff through a staff trauma service. Prior to his career as a psychotherapist, he led several overseas education projects.