Alexander Lajer
Psychotherapist in London

I am an integrative therapist dedicated to supporting children, teens, and young adults through emotional and behavioural challenges. My therapeutic approach is founded on the belief that while past experiences shape us, every young person possesses an intrinsic capacity for growth and the ability to overcome patterns that may have held them back. I work with young people experiencing anxiety, low mood, self-harm, addiction, trauma, and life transitions, creating a secure and confidential space where they can explore complex thoughts and feelings.

My approach is collaborative and tailored to each individual. I firmly believe in the importance of every young person's unique voice, and my core role is to attentively listen and validate experiences, irrespective of age, cultural background, gender, or beliefs. My therapy space is thoughtfully stocked with creative materials, and my therapy dog-in-training, Mr Fonzie, often joins sessions, providing a comforting presence that helps clients feel at ease and facilitates open communication.

Background & Psychotherapy Qualifications

I hold a Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapy and Counselling from Richmond Adult Community College and am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP). I also hold an enhanced DBS check for working with vulnerable adults and children, ensuring a safe and trustworthy therapeutic environment.

My professional experience includes three years as a volunteer therapist with Place2Be, where I worked with 5-12 year olds providing weekly play therapy in a primary school setting. Since 2018, I have worked with Portobello Behavioural Health as a behavioural coach and integrative psychotherapist, supporting young people and adults with complex mental health difficulties and substance use challenges. This diverse experience has deepened my understanding of the developmental pressures young people face and the importance of tailored, compassionate support.

My Specialisms

I specialise in working with children, teens, and young adults experiencing anxiety and stress, low mood and depression, self-esteem difficulties, self-harm and emotional regulation challenges, addiction and substance use, and behavioural and school-related issues. I also support young people navigating trauma, loss, bereavement, and major life transitions such as parental separation, educational changes, and identity formation.

For children and adolescents who may struggle to articulate emotions verbally, I use creative approaches including play therapy, art, sand tray work, and animal-assisted therapy with Mr Fonzie. These methods enable self-expression when words fall short, facilitating new insights and pathways forward. I understand that significant life changes can profoundly impact a young person's emotional wellbeing, and I provide crucial support to help them develop resilience and healthy coping strategies.

Approach to Psychotherapy & How I Work

I work integratively, drawing on psychodynamic and person-centred therapy, CBT-informed and behavioural approaches, and creative methods such as play, art, and sand tray work. My practice is relational and humanistic, prioritising the therapeutic relationship as the foundation for change. Where helpful, I incorporate mindfulness, compassion-focused techniques, and walk-and-talk sessions to support emotional regulation and self-compassion.

My approach is collaborative and tailored to each young person's needs and developmental stage. We work together to understand experiences, build resilience, and discover new ways of coping. Sessions are 50 minutes, held weekly at the same day and time, and take place at Golders Hill Health Centre or online via Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams. My aim is to empower young people to feel more confident, find their own solutions, and thrive. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to explore whether we might be a good fit.

Therapies & Rates

Please note the rates detailed below are there to give you an idea of the therapists standard rates, we strongly advise you contact the therapist for more detailed rates and any offers they may have.

Therapy	Appointment Type	Rate
Psychotherapy	In Person	£90 per 50 minutes
Psychotherapy	Online/Telephone	£90 per 50 minutes

Additional Rate Information

Sessions are £90 for 50 minutes, held weekly at the same day and time. I offer a limited number of sliding-scale concession places for families who need financial support—please ask if this would be helpful. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to all prospective clients to explore what you're looking for and whether my approach might be a good fit. I ask for 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment; cancellations with less than 48 hours' notice may be charged at the full session rate, unless due to illness or emergency. Sessions can take place in person at Golders Hill Health Centre or online via Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams.