About Me
My qualification, theoretical orientation, and work experience.
I'm a fully qualified and registered counsellor with the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP). This means I adhere to the highest ethical standards and am committed to ongoing professional development to serve my clients best.
My approach is integrative, which means I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all model for therapy. Instead, I draw from a variety of therapeutic tools and approaches to create a personalized experience that fits your unique needs and goals. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship and strive to create a safe, supportive space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly.
My foundation is relational therapy, recognizing that a strong connection between therapist and client is essential for growth. I also incorporate elements of humanistic (person-centred and existential), psychodynamic, and cognitive behavioural (CBT) therapy, as well as attachment and developmental theories. I often integrate mindfulness and creative practices to enhance the therapeutic process.
My formal qualifications include:
Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling from the Inter-Psyche Training Institute
Advanced Specialist Training Certificate in Counselling Children and Young People from LRS training
Currently pursuing an MA in Advanced Clinical Practice in Psychotherapy and Counselling at the Minster Centre
My passion for psychotherapy extends beyond my formal training. I'm committed to staying informed about the latest research and developments in the field to provide the most effective and relevant support.
Before becoming a counsellor, I had a successful career in the events sector, organizing international training programs for healthcare and higher education professionals. I also spent several years providing legal advice to the community. These diverse experiences, along with my personal journey as an immigrant, have equipped me with a unique understanding of the challenges individuals face – from cultural adjustment to personal transitions – and a deep appreciation for the importance of personal growth and resilience.
The qualities I bring to the therapeutic process.
Compassion
My own experiences have taught me that life is a tapestry woven with threads of joy, sorrow, and profound growth. Like everyone, I've faced challenges that have tested my resilience and shaped me into the person I am today. These experiences have ignited a deep compassion within me, a compassion that extends to both my clients and myself. I recognize that we all navigate life's complexities with our unique strengths and vulnerabilities, and this understanding fosters a safe and supportive space for my clients to explore their own paths to healing and wholeness.
Openness
Working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and my personal experience as an immigrant from Russia to the UK have taught me the importance of recognizing and understanding cultural differences. This openness and sensitivity to diverse perspectives help me to forge deeper connections with clients and foster collaborative relationships that pave the way for positive change.
Creativity
I believe creativity is an inherent part of the therapeutic process, nurturing new ideas, perspectives, and knowledge. Therapy is a space for embracing the non-obvious and exploring uncharted territories. It is a co-creative endeavour where the therapist and client work together to uncover new insights and possibilities. My own experience in therapy served as a catalyst for my creativity, teaching me how to tap into my imagination, express myself authentically, and utilize my newfound self-awareness for personal growth.