Paul Kellett Van Leer
Teaching & Supervising Transactional Analyst & Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist
Over nearly a quarter-century of practice, training, and teaching, I’ve developed a broad depth of experience that allows me to accompany clients on the kind of therapeutic detour that makes possible an ongoing journey freer from the past.
My past, like all of us, has been quite a journey. I grew up in Manchester in the North of England, moving to London as student at the Royal Academy of Music when I was 22 having graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music.
After finishing my studies with the then Piatigorsky Chair, Lyn Harrell, at USC as a Fulbright Scholar, I enjoyed (and perhaps endured) a whirlwind career that afforded me an engagement with several differing cultures across Europe, the US, and a spell with Icelandic Symphony, Chamber and Opera Orchestras, experiences that have been (in)formative of my multi-cultural approach to the diverse nature of individuality and the various ways in which we walk our paths.
Here is a performance I gave with Bernadette Peters at the South Bank Royal Festival Hall back in the late 90s.
My own analysis during these hectic years inspired me to begin to train in, and eventually teach Transactional Analysis, something into which my passion transferred over the course of the following decade. Another decade later, after taking my Pass at the Site for Contemporary Psychoanalysis in London, I moved to Washington DC in the mid-2010s … and here I remain, for the time being.
Washington, DC (2016 – Present) | London, UK (2003 – 2016)
- Providing in-depth psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and groups.
- Specializing in psychoanalytic and transactional analysis approaches, supporting clients in exploring patterns, relationships, and personal development.
- Cultivating long-term therapeutic engagement, helping clients navigate challenges and discover new ways of being.
WeightMatters (2016 – Present) | London, UK (2012 – 2016)
- Providing supervision for counselors working at this leading London clinic for body dysmorphia and eating disorders.
- Designing and delivering training programs for leadership and counselors to develop technique and efficiency.
The Foundation for Contemporary Mental Health, Washington, DC (2018 – 2021)
- Designing and implementing the Harm-Reduction Program at PIDARC, integrating innovative interventions with the best practices of community care.
- Working closely with multidisciplinary teams to provide accessible mental health services.
- Supporting clients through potent interventions designed to articulate that which lies behind the push to use.
Metanoia Institute, London, UK (2006 – 2015)
- Teaching and mentoring across two decades.
- Primary Tutor (2009 – 2011, 2014 – 2015): Designing and delivering formal course training and leading students through complex psychotherapy concepts.
- Visiting Tutor (2012 – 2014): Developing and teaching specialized modules, giving students individualized pathways of study.
- Assistant Tutor (2006 – 2009): Collaborating with senior tutors, refining curriculum design and enhancing delivery of psychotherapy training.
- Guiding future generations of psychotherapists with a balance of academic rigor and clinical application.
The Awareness Centre, London, UK (2006 – 2008)
- Providing expert consultation to leadership on clinical services, staff training, and program development.
- Strengthening organizational capacity through staff mentorship and service innovation.
- Advising on integration of best practices into broader service delivery.
Off the Record, London, UK (2004 – 2006)
- Spearheading new program development by researching community needs and launching innovative services.
- Coordinated a diverse team of clinicians: qualified counselors, clinical supervisors, and up to 20 volunteer practitioners.
- Conducting client assessments and providing evidence-based research to ensure quality of care.
- Designing and facilitating ongoing training to support volunteer counselors’ professional growth.
- Balancing leadership and clinical responsibilities while maintaining an active client caseload.
Epping Forest College, London, UK (2004 – 2005)
- Teaching and assessing students in the Counseling Diploma program.
- Developing and refining curriculum materials, ensuring alignment with professional standards.
- Fostering an engaging learning environment that blended academic theory with practical application.
London, UK 2011 - 2015
- Psychoanalytic Training
London, UK 2001 - 2004
- Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy Diploma and affiliated MSc Degree
Oxford, UK 2000 - 2001
- Transactional Analysis Foundation Training
UK 1998 - 2002
- Masters Degree in Psychology
- Bachelors degree in Psychology
- European Certificate of Psychotherapy
- Certified Transactional Analyst (Psychotherapy) (link to certificate)
- Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst (Psychotherapy) (link to certificate)
- Clinical Diploma (Transactional Analytic Psychotherapy) Metanoia Institute
- MSc (TA Psych) Middlesex (distinction) (link to certificate)
- BSc (Psych) Open (first class/honors)
- MSc (Psych) Open (distinction) (link to certificate)
- DC Licensed Professional Counselor (link to certificate)
- DC Licensed Certified Advanced Addictions Counselor (link to certificate)
- European Association of Psychotherapy (link to certificate)
- Colorado Forum of the Lacanian Field
