Rate Ljiljana (Lila) Despotovic

Hello, and welcome to my profile!

I'm Lila (MA, MBACP, MUKCP), a registered and accredited psychotherapist and counsellor based in London, UK, with over 16 years of professional experience, which includes working within The National Health Service, a specialist Eating Disorders clinic, my own private practice, and several mental health charities, such us those supporting young people, elderly clients and people affected by HIV and suffering from addictions.

My approach is integrative and tailored to client's needs. It is informed by psychodynamic and attachment theories and contemporary understanding of trauma and relationships, and it draws from my training in integrative, psychodynamic and CBT psychotherapy approaches. I have also trained extensively in working with eating disorders and obesity.

Over the years, I have worked with adults and adolescents, from a variety of backgrounds and with a vast range of issues, which include depression, anxiety, stress, bereavement, loss, trauma, abuse, and food and body image issues. Among my particular professional interests are working with clients with disordered eating patterns, self-esteem and identity issues, life transitions, and relationship difficulties.

I also have a personal experience of being a client in various types of therapy, as well as varied life experiences, which I believe are important in order to develop empathy with clients and their experiences, and are a rich source for development as a therapist and a human being.

My own interest in psychotherapy and counselling comes from my curiosity and interest in human stories and in trying to make sense of our human nature, and how to navigate life, but also from my personal experiences which included going through consequences of a war and loss, personal insecurities, illness, and complex relationships.

I was born and raised in Yugoslavia, but I spent most of my adult life in London, which I now consider home. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, I trained as nurse, completed BA in Russian Studies at UCL, and worked as an interpreter. I enjoy all kinds of art, and sometimes use it in my sessions with clients. I like music, reading and writing, long walks in nature and learning and experiencing new things.

In my work with clients, it's important to me to create a safe therapeutic relationship where thoughts and feelings can be shared and explored without fear of judgment. My aim is to explore the roots of your difficulties, as well as give you some tools to manage those difficulties better and empower you to make the changes that you want.

Taking that first step towards a more fulfilling and happier life is not easy and it takes courage. I look forward to supporting you on that journey.