Are you struggling with personal challenges, relationship issues, or sexual difficulties affecting your wellbeing and quality of life?
Hello,
I'm Irina (she/her)
I'm a qualified and experienced integrative counsellor and psychosexual and relationship therapist. I am registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT).
I believe people from any cultural, social, or ethnic background can benefit from therapy, and I welcome individuals and couples of all cultures, sexualities, and genders.
I am a bilingual therapist, working in both English and Russian. I am committed to creating a culturally sensitive and inclusive environment where all clients feel welcomed and supported.
Few of us sail through life without problems. As we go along, we learn our ways of copying. However, sometimes challenges can leave us overwhelmed, stuck or disconnected. Therapy is a safe and confidential space where you can reflect on what is going on in your life, explore the life you would like to live and make choices that are beneficial to you. Our work is to develop your resilience to face challenges and help you to connect with yourself and others.
I am passionate about supporting my clients on their journey towards self-discovery, healing and transformation
Qualifications & Experience
I have a BA (Hons) Degree in Integrative-Relational Psychotherapeutic Counselling from Middlesex University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy from LDPRT. I completed additional training in different areas, including treating complex trauma, Internal Family Systems therapy, mindfulness, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Polyvagal Theory.
Since 2017, I have been working in the charity sector, within the NHS, and in private practice and have accumulated rich experience dealing with a wide range of psychological, psychosexual and relationship problems.
My clients come from a variety of backgrounds and age groups, but they all have one thing in common: they are seeking support through a difficult time in their lives. Some of them struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief and loss, attachment or childhood trauma.
Others come to me seeking help with the issues related to relationships, communication breakdowns, trust, separation, infidelity, sexual abuse and trauma, painful sex, lack/mismatch of sexual desire, difficulties with arousal, erection or orgasm, sexual identity and LGBTQIA+.
As a registered member of BACP and COSRT, I adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions and COSRT Code of Ethics and Practice.
I hold Professional Liability and Indemnity Insurance and I am registered with the ICO - UK’s independent body upholding information and personal data rights.
I attend regular supervision and engage in Continuous Professional Development required by my professional memberships.
My approach
As an integrative therapist, I believe that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. I will work with you to find the most effective therapeutic approach to address your unique needs and goals. I draw on various therapy modalities and techniques, including psychodynamic therapy, gestalt, person-centered therapy, CBT, mindfulness, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and practical exercises, to help you in a holistic way to make lasting changes in your life.
As a relational therapist, I view the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative experience that lies at the heart of the healing process. Informed by attachment and developmental theories, I pay specific attention to how past experiences may have influenced your current thoughts, feelings, and relationships. I will assist you in identifying and breaking free from repetitive and unhelpful patterns, while also fostering your capacity to form secure attachments in your relationships.
As a trauma-informed therapist, I acknowledge the potential impact of trauma on the human brain and nervous system, and I strive to create a therapeutic environment that promotes safety, trust, and acceptance. My goal is to help you cultivate a sense of security and stability, facilitate the healing process of your trauma, and empower you to regain control over your life.
I have a passionate interest in the theme of cultural transition and adaptation. I offer support to individuals who live in a culture different from their family's native one, as well as to multi-ethnic couples, helping them navigate their differences surrounding culture, relationships, and sexuality. Personally, I relocated from my home country to London, which provided me with firsthand insights into the challenges and stress that come with adapting to a new culture.