Spotlight on a Therapist

An Interview with Dr. Georgina Bell, Lead Therapist at WLAC.
Interview by Angela Ridgeon

Georgina has been a cornerstone of WLAC’s therapeutic team since 2014, when she responded to a Guardian advert for the role of Lead Therapist. After two rounds of interviews with Chief Executive Heather Boxer and a panel, she joined the charity - then with just six therapists. Today, the team has grown to thirteen.

Georgina’s journey into clinical psychology began at Nottingham University, followed by a doctorate at Surrey University. Before joining WLAC, she spent a decade at CAMHS in Merton, where she eventually became Head of Psychology. Her move to WLAC was inspired by a desire to continue working with children and families, and she was drawn to the charity’s mission to support vulnerable families. She immediately noticed the warm, friendly, and relaxed atmosphere, and was struck by the dedication of both staff and volunteers.

Georgina has championed collaborative approaches, introducing three-way meetings between parents, social workers, and therapists to ensure clarity and alignment in care. She also co-led parenting talks with social worker Jennifer, offering valuable insights into the challenges families face. At WLAC, the child remains at the heart of every intervention—a principal Georgina passionately upholds.

A Wimbledon resident for over 30 years, Georgina is a proud mother of three grown-up daughters. She’s an avid runner (completing a 10k challenge annually), a regular swimmer, and a keen theatre and cinema enthusiast. Her love of travel has taken her to Iceland and Japan, among other destinations. She also supports WLAC’s fundraising efforts, with favourites including the London Marathon and the Annual Quiz Night.

Since the pandemic, Georgina has observed a strengthening of relationships with referrers, allowing for more tailored and effective interventions. WLAC now works more closely with partner agencies, offering a unique bridge between adult and child mental health services. The charity’s holistic approach supports not just children, but parents too - especially those facing their own mental health challenges. Many families who come to WLAC have experienced trauma, neglect, or abuse, and Georgina emphasises the complexity of their needs.

When asked about her colleagues, Georgina beams: “It’s a lovely, dedicated team - fun, supportive, super keen, and hardworking.”