About me
Hello! I’m Daphne - a Clinical and Counselling Psychologist and accredited CBT therapist with over 15 years of experience supporting adults with emotional and psychological difficulties, including trauma, anxiety, depression, work-related stress and burn-out, low self-esteem, chronic illness, relationship difficulties, and life transitions.
As an Italian living in the UK, I understand some of the challenges that can come with living abroad, from adapting to a new culture to finding a sense of belonging. I'm also mindful of how our early experiences and personal development can shape how we think, feel, and relate to ourselves and others in the present.
When life feels hard or unfulfilling, there is often a part of us that longs for change. While this can feel difficult to navigate alone, I believe it can also be a meaningful turning point.
I see psychological support as a privileged space to gain insight into your experiences, so you can develop your own strategies and meaningful, long-lasting changes that feel right for you.
I love working with individuals affected by complex trauma, and chronic invisible conditions such as endometriosis. Many of my clients appear outwardly capable and high-functioning, while internally experiencing emotional overwhelm, persistent self-doubt, and a deep sense of not being “enough.”
In complex trauma, this can include difficulties with self-worth, emotional regulation, hypervigilance, and patterns of over-adapting to others’ needs in order to maintain connection or safety.
In chronic invisible conditions such as endometriosis, individuals often carry not only the impact of ongoing physical symptoms, but also the emotional burden of having their experiences minimised, misunderstood, or not fully believed. Over time, this can significantly affect identity, trust in the body, and emotional wellbeing.
Drawing on my lived experience, I have developed a good understanding of some of the challenges associated with neurodivergence, and I support people experiencing difficulties such as procrastination, emotional regulation, and sensory overwhelm.
How I Work
At the heart of my work is the belief that healing happens through authentic human connection. I place great value on building a therapeutic relationship founded on trust, care, and collaboration. Together, we aim for meaningful insight, emotional clarity, and sustainable, long-term change.
My practice is rooted in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and enriched by a range of evidence-based models, including:
- Attachment-informed psychotherapy
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness-based approaches
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)
- Schema Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. I shape our work around what you bring, who you are, and what you hope to change. I offer open-ended therapy for adults, whether short-term or long-term. My clients often describe me as flexible, warm, and approachable.
Areas I Can Help With
- Trauma and adverse experiences
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Low mood and depression
- Burnout and work-related stress
- Low self-esteem and self-criticism
- Chronic illness and health-related stress
- Endometriosis and its psychological impact
- Relationship difficulties
- Body image and weight-related concerns
- Adjustment difficulties and challenges of living abroad
- Life transitions (e.g., breakups, relocations, career changes, becoming a parent, menopause, grief and loss, etc.).
I specialise in working with trauma and complex trauma, including the long-term psychological impact of adverse life experiences, abuse, and neglect.
I also have a strong understanding of endometriosis and the psychological impact of living with chronic health conditions, including the emotional challenges that can accompany persistent pain, medical trauma, and feeling unheard.
Important Information
Therapy is a reflective, collaborative, and longer-term process. It works best when you are in a position to focus your energy on gradual change and personal growth. I am unable to offer support in situations where there is immediate or high risk, as these require urgent or specialist intervention. Examples of such situations include:
- Recent or planned suicide attempts, or active suicidal thoughts with intent
- Recurrent self-harm, particularly if medical attention is required
- Severe or rapidly escalating eating difficulties, such as extreme restriction, rapid weight loss, or frequent binging and purging
- Uncontrolled anger or aggression that could harm yourself or others
- Severe substance misuse with risk of overdose
- Psychotic experiences (e.g., hallucinations or delusions) that compromise safety
- Inability to meet basic daily needs or maintain personal safety.
If you are currently experiencing any of these situations, it is important to seek immediate support from crisis or emergency services, who are equipped to provide urgent care.
Languages
- Italian
- English
Training, qualifications & experience
- HCPC-registered Clinical and Counselling Psychologist
- BABCP-accredited CBT therapist
I completed my studies in Italy, where I earned a five-year degree in Psychology, followed by a four-year specialist training in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy. This training included in-depth modules on DBT, Schema Therapy, ACT, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT).
I recently trained to deepen my knowledge of the assessment and treatment of ADHD.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The BABCP is the lead organisation for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in the UK. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in the practice, theory or development of CBT. BABCP also provides accreditation for CBT therapists. BABCP accredited members adhere to the Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics in the Practice of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies, and are willing to be scrutinised in this adherence as required.
The HCPC are an independent, UK-wide health regulator. They set standards of professional training, performance and conduct for 16 professions.
They keep a register of health professionals who meet their standards, and they take action if registered health professionals fall below those standards. They were created by a piece of legislation called the Health Professions Order 2001.
Registration means that a health professional meets national standards for their professional training, performance and conduct.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£80.00 - £100.00
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
Self-funding fees
- Online sessions: £90
- In-person sessions: £100
Health insurances
I also accept payment through Bupa, Axa, Aviva, Vitality, WPA. Depending on your provider, I may ask you to pay for sessions directly and reclaim the cost.
I offer a free 20-minute initial consultation by phone. This gives you the opportunity to share what you’re going through, ask any questions you may have, and get a sense of whether working together feels right. If you choose to continue, we can then schedule your first full session.
Sessions are usually held weekly, but we can discuss what level of flexibility or frequency best suits your needs.
If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, I kindly ask for at least 48 hours’ notice.
I look forward to working together.
When I work
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Further information
As a therapist, I hold a deep belief in the importance of secure attachment as a powerful protective factor throughout life. For this reason, I place great emphasis on building a therapeutic relationship that feels honest, collaborative, and grounded in mutual respect. I would like you to feel comfortable telling me if something doesn’t feel right, or if I’ve misunderstood you - because genuine, constructive interaction is essential for meaningful progress.
I am particularly passionate about supporting people struggling with low self-esteem, self-criticism, and the long-term effects of overwhelming life experiences, including emotional abuse and neglect.
