About Us
Our Story
Our Story
Cognisance was founded in 2022 with a clear purpose in mind — to address the need for more inclusive and culturally sensitive therapy practice. Our journey began with a shared vision to create a therapeutic space that embraces both evidence-based approaches and a deep understanding of cultural diversity. Founded by dedicated professionals from different ethnic minority backgrounds, Cognisance set out to be a space where inclusivity, respect, and empowerment thrive.
Cognisance was founded in 2022 with a clear purpose in mind — to address the need for more inclusive and culturally sensitive therapy practice. Our journey began with a shared vision to create a therapeutic space that embraces both evidence-based approaches and a deep understanding of cultural diversity. Founded by dedicated professionals from different ethnic minority backgrounds, Cognisance set out to be a space where inclusivity, respect, and empowerment thrive.
Mission
At Cognisance, our mission echoes our passion — to foster a safe and nurturing space where cultural diversity and inclusivity are at the heart of effective therapy. We are driven by a genuine desire to empower individuals on their path to self-discovery and personal growth.
Vision
Our vision is a mental health landscape that genuinely understands, respects, and celebrates individual identities. We envision a future where every person’s journey is supported by a team that values their unique background and experiences.
Value
Our values are rooted in cultural appreciation, evidence-based practice, and community engagement. We value the uniqueness of each individual’s journey and aim to provide a space where diverse voices are heard, respected, and valued.
Community Ethos
Our commitment extends beyond therapy sessions to embrace the wider community. We’re active advocates for mental health, engaging with schools and communities across London. We stand firm in our belief that representation matters. Through conferences and webinars, we address concerns directly impacting underrepresented individuals, championing equality and diversity within the profession. At Cognisance, we’re not just about therapy but about forging connections, fostering understanding, and creating a supportive community for all.
Our Approach
At Cognisance, we are here to accompany you on your therapy journey. Our approach is centred around growth, self-determination, and creating a safe space and open dialogue that’s tailored to your needs.
Meet The Team
Dr Kenny Chiu
As an HCPC registered clinical psychologist, I specialise in empowering adolescents and adults to overcome their challenges, particularly in managing anxiety-related disorders like social phobia, OCD, PTSD, and complex PTSD. My comprehensive training at the Institute of Psychiatry at King’s College London has equipped me with the skills and knowledge needed to assess complex mental health issues, utilising therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. Additionally, I’ve undergone specialised training and garnered extensive experience in assessing neurodevelopmental conditions, including Autism and ADHD.
In my role as a clinical lecturer within a doctoral clinical psychology training program, I help develop the teaching module in relation to marginalised community mental health, child and adolescent mental health, neuropsychology, neurodevelopmental psychology, and forensic psychology. My research is devoted to comprehending the impact of physical, social, and developmental trauma on individuals, as well as identifying strategies for mitigating these effects. I am committed to advancing our understanding of these critical issues and contribute actively to peer-reviewed journals and international conferences, ensuring that my clinical practice is informed by the latest evidence-based approaches. Since 2019, I have been providing online therapy sessions, catering to both adolescents and adults. I encourage you to get in touch via email to introduce yourself and share your needs. We can arrange a brief consultation to explore how I can support you on your journey.
Areas of Focus:
- Anxiety Disorders (OCD, GAD, Social Anxiety, Phobias)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder/Complex PTSD
- Interventions adapted to individuals with ADHD and/or ASD
Treatments Offered:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Informed Interventions
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Education, Training and Membership:
- Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, & Neuroscience, King’s College London
- Member of Health Care and Professional Council (UK)
Languages:
- English and Cantonese
Selected Publications:
Leigh, E, Chiu, K., & Ballard, E. D. (2023). Social anxiety and suicidality in youth: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology. ISSN 2730-7166.
Chiu, K., Clark, D.M. & Leigh, E. (2022). Characterising negative mental imagery in adolescent social anxiety. Cognitive Therapy Research, 46, 956–966.
Evans, R., Chiu, K., Clark, D. M., Waite, P., & Leigh, E. (2021). Safety behaviours in social anxiety: An examination across adolescence. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 144, 103931.
Dr Natasha Ramzan
I understand it takes a lot of courage to begin and commit to therapy. I will provide a safe environment where we can work collaboratively to better understand your early life experiences, and the systems you have been exposed to throughout your life including family, different institutions, culture, and social norms. Your life experiences can impact your core beliefs, and values, how you regulate your emotions, and how you react/respond to adverse life events. I believe in a holistic and anti-oppressive approach, considering biopsychosocial factors rather than just focusing on mental health diagnoses/symptoms. I bring my authentic self to each session, which includes compassion, curiosity, and at times, humour and laughs.
A bit about myself, I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the United Kingdom (UK).
I have struggled with balancing dual cultural values (Canadian and Pakistani), which sometimes resulted in conflicts with my parents and led to experiencing anxiety and perfectionism. However, I have learned to balance and embrace both cultures’ values with time and have been managing my struggles with anxiety. I have always been passionate about spreading mental health awareness, especially within ethnic minority communities.
When I am not working, I love spending time with family and friends. I enjoy blogging about mental health, reading a good book, hiking especially during the fall season, and binge-watching Netflix. I also love travelling, which is my self-care.
Areas of Focus:
- Borderline Personality
- Relationship/Marital issues
- Dual Cultural Identity
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Transitioning difficulties for new immigrants
Treatments Offered:
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
- Couples Therapy (DBT/EFT)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD
Education, Training and Membership:
- Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, & Neuroscience, King’s College London
- Member of Health Care and Professional Council (UK)
Languages:
- English, Urdu/Hindi, Pashto and Punjabi
Selected Publications:
Ramzan, N., Dixey, R., & Morris, A. (2022). A qualitative exploration of adolescents’ experiences of digital Dialectical Behaviour Therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist, 15, e48.
Fuller-Thomson, E., Ramzan, N., & Baird, S. L. (2016). Arthritis and suicide attempts: Findings from a large nationally representative Canadian survey. Rheumatology international, 36(9), 1237-1248.
Dr Mazda Beigi
I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental environment to facilitate thought provoking discussions and help empower you to take back your quality of life. Through integration of techniques, we will open discussions and unravel untapped beliefs to help you transition towards your values. I am a Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Director and University Lecturer who publishes regularly. I offer a range of therapies (including CBT, ACT, and Narrative Therapy) and expert witness reports for the courts. I work with all age groups, supporting depression, trauma and anxiety (OCD, Phobias etc.).
As well as clinical and research activities, I am also involved in teaching on the King’s College London Clinical Psychology training programme where I also supervise trainees. I also work as an associate lecturer at Goldsmiths University and occasionally provide teaching at Middlesex University and the University of Northampton. I have an additional interest in providing talks and workshops in schools in order to reach out to and support young aspiring therapists. I have a particular interest in advocating for the need for more young people from Black Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds to pursue careers in clinical psychology.
While the first step is likely to feel overwhelming, it can be really helpful to complete a free consultation as a way of learning more about what I can offer and whether you feel comfortable about us working together. I am always happy to speak so please feel free to call or email so we can discuss further.
Areas of Focus:
- Anxiety and Trauma Related Disorders (e.g. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobias)
- Depression
- Low Self-Esteem
- Refugees/Immigrants
- ADHD/ASD
- Dementia
Treatments Offered:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Narrative Exposure Therapy
Education, Training and Membership:
- Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, & Neuroscience, King’s College London
- PhD—Brunel University in collaboration with the University College London Institute of Neurology in Queen Square
- Member of Health Care and Professional Council (UK)
Languages:
- English, Farsi and Dari
Selected Publications:
Owens A, Ballard C, Beigi M, Kalafatis C, Brooker H, Lavelle G, Bronnick K, Sauer J, Boddington S, Velayudhan L, Aarslan D. Implementing Remote Memory Clinics to Enhance Clinical Care During and After COVID-19. Frontiers in Psychiatry. Vol 11, pg1-15, 2020.
Cappon D*, Beigi M*(*joint first authors) Kefalopoulou Z, Zrinzo L, Candelario J, Milabo C, Akram H, Dayal V, Hyam J, Kass-Iliyya L, Silverdale M, Evans J, Limousin P, Hariz M, Joyce E, Foltynie T, Jahanshahi M. Globus pallidal deep brain stimulation for Tourette syndrome: Effects on cognitive function. Parkinsonism & Related Disorders VoL69, 14-18. 2019.
Beigi M, Wilkinson L,, Gobet F, Parton A, Jahanshahi M. Levodopa medication improves incidental sequence learning in Parkinson’s disease. Neuropsychologia. V93, pg53-60. 2016.