Get to know us - Dr Raffaello Antonino

I am a Consultant Counselling Psychologist, registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) and a Chartered Member of the BPS (British Psychological Society), with over 10 years of experience working in mental health. I am Clinical Director and co-founder of Therapy Central, where I lead a team of psychologists, therapists, and counsellors offering evidence-based support to individuals and couples across a wide range of difficulties.

I use an integrative approach informed by over a decade of practice, including work in both the NHS and private sector. I have extensive experience working within Cognitive Behavioural approaches (CBT), Schema-therapy (SFT), Person-centred, Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance & Commitment therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness.

My clinical interests span anxiety, self-esteem issues, relationship difficulties, trauma, and neurodevelopmental conditions, particularly adult ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). I have specialist training in the assessment and diagnosis of adult ADHD, having completed dedicated training including the UKAAN (UK Adult ADHD Network) for Assessment and Diagnosis. I offer structured ADHD diagnostic assessments and ongoing psychological support to individuals seeking a deeper understanding of their neurodivergent experience.

Alongside my clinical practice, I am a Senior Lecturer and supervisor in Counselling Psychology at the University of Roehampton (and previously at London Metropolitan University), where I teach and supervise doctoral students within both clinical and research domains. My academic role strengthens my ongoing commitment to evidence-based practice, research dissemination and continuous professional development.

My mission is to offer a warm and compassionate therapeutic space, always grounded in a person-centred basis with a deep respect for each client’s unique experience. I work collaboratively to tailor therapy to the individual’s needs, often incorporating techniques such as CBT-based exercises, guided imagery, mindfulness, and when appropriate, bespoke audio resources for use between sessions.

I maintain an honest, open, and non-judgemental stance, holding the view that psychological distress is often a natural response to life’s challenges. Had I lived through the same experiences as my clients, I believe I would likely feel the same. I view the therapeutic relationship as a powerful and healing alliance and training ground — a safe and confidential space in which to experiment with new ways of thinking, relating, and acting, with the aim of fostering personal growth and a more fulfilling life.

I can work with clients with a variety of difficulties, including:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Panic Disorder
• Social Anxiety
• OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
• Health Anxiety
• Specific Phobias
• GAD
• Anger
• Personality Disorders
• Physical Health Problems
• Chronic Pain
• PTSD/Trauma
• Relationship Difficulties
• Couples Therapy
• Work Stress
• Low Confidence/Esteem
• Bereavement

Insurances I work with: AXA, Aviva, CIGNA, Simply Health, WPA and others.

 

Publications:

Oliver, J. R., and R. Antonino. 2025. “ What Is So Special About Student Counselling? A Foucauldian Analysis of Discourses Shaping Practice in UK Embedded University Counselling Services.” Counselling and Psychotherapy Research 25, no. 2: e70031. https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.70031.

Lee, D., & Antonino, R. (2023). Are we losing connection? Lived experience of online mutual aid groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contemporary Drug Problems, 50(3), 328–349. https://doi.org/10.1177/00914509231170773

Lloyd, C. E. M., & Antonino, R. (2022). “A gentle balance of pushing, pulling and sitting with”: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of psychological therapists’ experiences of working with goals in adult pluralistic private practice. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 35(1), 190-214. DOI: 10.1080/09515070.2021.1954881

Antonino, R. (2016). The crossroad : experiences of non-EU/EEA international Masters students in their last year of study in the UK. Doctoral thesis, London Metropolitan University.

 

Author of these articles and pages

Depression, Anxiety, Bereavement, OCD, Anger Management, CBT, Trauma & PTSD

“Anxiety, a beauty and a beast”

 

Mentions, Contributions and Interviews:

Thriveglobal.com – Interview on Morality and Judgement

CommunityPsychiatry.com – Article “How to take care of yourself during the pandemic”

Bustle.com – Low Self-Esteem issue for young people using online Social Media

It’s All you Boo – 50 tips from experts to manage mental health during a crisis

Healthline – How Swearing can be good for your health

Her Norm – Relationship Issues expert advice

 

Publications:

Oliver, J. R., and R. Antonino. 2025. “ What Is So Special About Student Counselling? A Foucauldian Analysis of Discourses Shaping Practice in UK Embedded University Counselling Services.” Counselling and Psychotherapy Research 25, no. 2: e70031. https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.70031.

Lee, D., & Antonino, R. (2023). Are we losing connection? Lived experience of online mutual aid groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contemporary Drug Problems, 50(3), 328–349. https://doi.org/10.1177/00914509231170773

Lloyd, C. E. M., & Antonino, R. (2022). “A gentle balance of pushing, pulling and sitting with”: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of psychological therapists’ experiences of working with goals in adult pluralistic private practice. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 35(1), 190-214. DOI: 10.1080/09515070.2021.1954881

Antonino, R. (2016). The crossroad : experiences of non-EU/EEA international Masters students in their last year of study in the UK. Doctoral thesis, London Metropolitan University.