Therapeutic lens

CLAUDIA BEHNKE • Claudia Behnke Psychotherapy

WORK • Wednesday Routine

CLAUDIA BEHNKE • psychosynthesis psychotherapist • Claudia Behnke Psychotherapy
Neighbourhood you work & live in: Bounds Green

It’s Wednesday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
It’s 7:30a, and I’m out walking Luna — my fur-bundle of joy — down the road to our favourite local bakery, White Fig. I grab a flat white, and Luna gets a little treat because, well, how could (the owners of White Fig) Michail and Amanda resist those puppy-dog eyes? I’m back home by 8, settling into my therapy space for my first client of the day. We typically start with a short meditative check-in — just enough to gauge where my client’s head and heart are at. This calm, cosy corner doubles as my haven for work and reflection.

What’s on the agenda for today?
Today is all about writing, learning, and prepping. I’ll be preparing a lecture for the coming week (I teach at a London university part-time), and later, carve out some time for CPD (Continuing Professional Development) to ensure I’m up to date with the latest therapy developments.

Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
If I fancy an intimate, cosy night out, I like to head to Gurmani in Turnpike Lane — it’s a family-run Georgian gem, full of warm vibes, flavours, and orange wine. For brunch, my weekend go-tos are Starfish in Palmers Green for their salmon and eggs, Korto for their excellent in-house roasted coffee, or Dusty Knuckle for some of the best sourdough in town — perfect after a leisurely stroll in Finsbury Park. If you spot a person devouring pastries with a happy puppy in tow, that’s probably me.

How about a little leisure or culture?
London’s theatre scene is basically one of my love languages. I went to see an incredible play called Second Best with Asa Butterfield at Riverside Studios — a treat for the theatrical soul. I also caught Sarah Snook in Dorian Gray (it blew my mind), and I experienced some jaw-dropping moments at Jon Ronson’s Psychopath Night.

Having been a stylist in my previous life, I’ll always have a soft spot for fashion. So you’ll often catch me wandering around the Victoria and Albert Museum or the Fashion and Textile Museum catching the latest fashion exhibition — Coco Chanel, Dior, Zandra Rhodes. On Sundays, Luna and I often trot over to the Farmers Market at Alexandra Palace. It’s dog-friendly bliss, with stalls of fresh produce, bread, and cheese (the cheese stall is legendary). After that, we usually hike around the park — good cheese plus scenic views over London equals a perfect Sunday in my book.

Any weekend getaways?
The seaside is my happy place, so I spent my last birthday at the Isle of Sheppey in an Airbnb right on the beach. It was me, my partner, and a handful of friends — we did long beach walks, explored the nature reserve, and discovered local farm stores. We also indulged in a delicious Sunday roast at The Ferry House, which by the way offers facials and massages. We finished the trip with a visit to Whitstable and a lunch at the Lobster Shack which had the most breathtaking views! Nature, sea, and relaxation — just what I needed.

What was your last great vacation?
A recent adventure to Edinburgh with my bestie was pretty epic. The city oozes culture, and while in Scotland, we had to take a hiking tour to the Isle of Skye (the rugged landscapes and medieval castles look like they were plucked straight from a fairy tale). On the way there, we even dipped our toes into Loch Ness. On Skye, we swam in the freezing but magical Fairy Pools and hiked the Quiraing — tough, but 100% worth it for the breathtaking views. The cherry on top? We caught the Northern Lights in Kyleakin, the little village we stayed in.

On the way back, we swung by Kilmahog to feed the hairy coos (Highland cows that are basically the cutest). Back in Edinburgh, we conquered Arthur’s Seat for some amazing panoramas, had lunch in a medieval setting at The Witchery (the décor alone is worth the visit), lost ourselves in the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, browsed antique shops, and ended our nights at Herringbone for dinner. For coffee and treats, I recommend the Hideout Cafe — it’s a cosy, family-run spot with a ’90s music vibe that instantly puts a smile on your face.

What store or service do you always recommend?
Counselling Directory. It’s a platform that helps you find qualified therapists and mental health professionals across the UK.