Our Team

Lucy remains passionate about supporting individuals to achieve their potential and live substance free lives. Lucy joined UKAT as Centre Manager at Banbury Lodge in 2024 and looks forward to a new challenge.

Dimitra is an experienced therapist with a proven history of working in mental health care. She started her professional career in the addiction & recovery field in 2004 as a social worker in NGO “Return” in Greece. There she completed her bachelor’s research in women’s alcoholism. It was rated as “excellent” and published by the University of Crete. During her research, Dimitra had first-hand experience of the struggles people with addiction would face and group therapy. She could see what was required to free oneself from addiction; both of the person suffering from the illness and of their loved ones. Her areas of expertise are group therapy, eating disorders, addiction counselling, couple’s therapy, crisis intervention, anger management and individual counselling. Dimitra had also worked as a special consultant in the Haemodialysis Unit of Henry Dunant Hospital of Athens, in the mental health rehabilitation Centre “Iremia” and in the recovery and rehabilitation centre “Filoktitis”. For the past 15 years, Dimitra is also working as a systemic, family therapist and eating disorder therapist in her private practice.

She has been using her general medical knowledge to help the clients at Banbury Lodge achieve an acceptable level of physical wellbeing whilst undergoing detox treatment, in order to be able to focus on the personal and psychological aspects of their lives, and ultimately, achieve recovery from substance misuse and addiction.

Her professional experience begins when she qualified as a general adult nurse in 2015 and began her career working as a nurse in elderly, dementia and palliative care field. She acquired a wide range of experience in the medical field while working in a nursing home, dealing with a variety of illnesses commonly occurring in elderly patients.

In 2018 she started working on a surgical ward, where she gathered experience in managing patients post-op. She underwent extensive training in order to fulfill her nursing duties and provide the best of care towards her patients, with a portfolio comprising venepuncture, catheterisation, BLS (basic life support), ILS (immediate life support), AIMS (acute illness management), early warning signs of deteriorating health, use of AED, intravenous drug administration, pain management, extensive wound management and more.

During her time spent as a nurse in the surgical ward, she developed a particular interest in pain management and how it is sometimes associated with substance misuse.

Anna believes in the power of a strong therapeutic relationship in facilitating personal growth and healing. In addition to Person-Centred therapy, Anna incorporates Gestalt therapy into her practice, encouraging clients to focus on the present moment and the integration of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Through Gestalt techniques, Anna guides her clients in understanding how they relate to themselves and others, ultimately helping them make meaningful changes in their lives. Anna also utilises Transactional Analysis, a modality that helps clients gain insight into their interpersonal relationships and communication patterns. With this approach, she supports clients in identifying and modifying unproductive patterns, promoting healthier interactions and self-empowerment. Anna has a wealth of experience, particularly in the field of addiction, having worked in this area for six years. Moreover, Anna specialises in working with cult survivors, offering them a safe and nonjudgmental space to process their unique experiences and heal from the trauma they may have endured. Being bilingual in Polish and English, with a solid understanding of Slovakian and Ukrainian, Anna is able to serve a diverse range of clients, breaking down language barriers to provide effective counselling and support. Anna also has a strong background in working with young adults, recognizing the unique challenges and transitions that this age group faces. Her approach is tailored to their specific needs, helping them navigate the complexities of adolescence and early adulthood

She has worked with differing presenting issues but has a particular interest in attachment, relationships and trauma. She has joined Banbury Lodge as she finds group work to be hugely rewarding.

He also has a specialism in helping clients understand and deal with Cults and Coercive control. His recent placement focused on working with Neurodiverse individuals or those awaiting a formal diagnosis. He is a registered member of the BACP and accredited with the NCPS. As a qualified hypnotherapist, meditation, mindfulness and transpersonal workshop facilitator he is able to work holistically at depth with a multitude of presenting issues. His primary specialties are with Complicated trauma, Inner Child work, Neurodiversity and spiritual health. Olaf also ran several community groups around the Northamptonshire area focusing on mental health and well-being and provided a space throughout the pandemic running an Online Karaoke group every week. His work is guided by a principle of mutual respect, trust and understanding, his clients often mention how they just feel calmer for being around him. “Only when we can truly accept and understand all the facets of our past, knowing where we came from, can we understand our present and take full control over our future.” Olaf Nixon

When applicable, I have also started to introduce the medium of art into my practice. I feel this can help to unblock negativity and aid clients in understanding their emotions, this allowing clients to express feelings and thoughts that they otherwise struggle to. In my private practice I run Walking Talking Therapy, giving people the opportunity to talk, exercise and have new surroundings. I am thrilled to be joining Banbury Lodge and helping in the recovery journey for clients.

Furthermore, art-making as an activity can relieve stress and build confidence in learning new skills. Mike has worked as an art therapist in secondary schools with adolescent clients and in a mental health community prison with adult male clients. His clinical experience so far has focused on clients with learning difficulties and autism and has experience working with clients with anxiety, depression, personality disorders and complex trauma. Mike uses a person-centered approach in the belief that you are the only expert on yourself. You do not need to be an artist to benefit from art therapy!

I've come to Banbury lodge with an interest in working and developing my skills with individuals who have addictions, being a part of their journey, while working within a team dynamic.

With over one year of experience in the field, he excels in his role through: - Excellent communication skills, enabling effective relationships with clients and colleagues alike - Timely and effective communication, ensuring seamless support and care - A passion for working with clients, driven by a desire to make a positive impact - A flexible and adaptable approach, with a strong commitment to delivering exceptional service More Moyo's experience and dedication make him a valuable asset in healthcare support, consistently delivering high standards of service and support.

With a Health and Social Care diploma from the London Professional Training Centre and her self-development and counselling understanding, she’s down to earth in working with clients and creating an ambience for adequate recovery. She is happy, contributing her quota and making a positive impact in Banbury Lodge.

I'm excited for my new venture in addiction and seeing what difference I can make to people in need.

Olivia is interested in meeting all sorts of people from all walks of life and looks forward to working as part of an amazing team.

She is passionate about person-centred care and helping people reach their potential and lead fulfilled lives. Dionne is compassionate and approachable. She is able to collaborate with management, doctors, therapists, and nurses to deliver the best possible care. Dionne has a strong understanding of relevant regulations and ethical standards related to privacy and consent.

Having a wealth of experience working with vulnerable people for over 20 years in various settings he has a very good understanding and knowledge of both Addiction and Recovery. Feeling Positive about working alongside the staff team and supporting the clients with their journey into recovery at Banbury Lodge.

Shah has taken employment up with Banbury Lodge as a Bank Night Support Worker with the intentions of inspiring independence and success in helping the people they support overcome their addiction.

Eve has a proven track record of working effectively in providing cleaning services and consistently works hard on daily tasks. Her adaptability allows her to work in various environments and communicate with people from diverse backgrounds. Eve is happy to be a member of the Housekeeping Team at Banbury Lodge, where she contributes to providing excellent cleaning services to the guests.

After 15 years, she felt it was time for a change. Kayleigh found the best of both worlds at Banbury Lodge, doing two things she loves: speaking with the clients to make a positive change to a person's day and cleaning, making use of many tips and hacks.

She had been searching for her place for a long time and desired to be part of a good team. Katalin finds it fulfilling to belong to a community that fosters growth, where collaborative work brings out the best in everyone.