Chula Goonewardene is an experienced Counsellor and Psychotherapist who worked as a professional musician before becoming a clinical consultant, trainer and psychotherapist with expertise in helping people overcome alcohol and substance misuse.
As a musician, Chula started as a classically trained pianist and violinist, becoming a self-taught guitarist and drummer, and then enjoyed a professional career in music during his 20’s. He later joined what evolved into North Westminster Drug & Alcohol Service, in the voluntary sector of the Substance Misuse field, in 2005; becoming a qualified Motivational Interviewing Practitioner and Advanced Group Facilitator, in addition to gaining an NVQ4 in Health & Social Care Management. He worked with over 600 clients in community-based treatment as a Drug & Alcohol Practitioner, before moving into Treatment Management, Training and Consultancy in 2010 and then qualified as a Counsellor & Psychotherapist in 2014.
Alongside his private psychotherapy practice, Chula is the Co-Founder and Clinical Director of Attune, providing mental health & well-being support packages to organisations and creatives in the Music Industry. He is also a Clinical Consultant for Music Support, The Pocressi Initiative and the Centre for Social Justice, writes and podcasts for various publications, lectures at LSBU, and still finds the time to play drums regularly for the Council of Neptune. Chula comes from a Buddhist family and uses this philosophy to enhance both his personal and professional life.