Diana Messinger
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This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.
This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.
About me
Welcome to a safe and supportive space for self-discovery and healing. I am Diana, a qualified therapist specialising in Gestalt therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Trauma- Informed Somatic Therapy. My integrative approach supports both mind and body, helping you explore your present experiences, gently challenge unhelpful patterns, and release the effects of trauma stored in the nervous system.
I offer a compassionate, tailored approach that recognises every person’s journey is unique. Whether you’re looking for practical tools, deeper emotional release, or a space to process life’s challenges, our sessions are designed to support you in building resilience, balance, and connection with your authentic self.
With a strong foundation in Gestalt therapy’s here-and-now philosophy, I work with every thought, emotion, and sensation as part of the healing process. Alongside this, I use the practical strategies of CBT to help you develop tools you can carry into daily life.
I also integrate Trauma-Focused Somatic therapy into my work, supporting the connection between mind and body to release trauma and tension held in the nervous system. When overwhelming experiences are not fully processed, the body can store this survival energy, which may show up as anxiety, stress, or physical discomfort. Through breathwork, gentle movement, and body awareness, this therapy helps restore balance, regulation, and a greater sense of safety.
I am able to offer therapy sessions via Zoom & or face-to-face.
•Depression
•Anxiety
•Phobia
• OCD
•Domestic abuse
•Sexual assault
•Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
•Complex PTSD
•Childhood sexual abuse /neglect
Join me, and let me transform your challenges into stepping stones towards a more vibrant, fulfilling life.
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualifications
- Trauma Informed Somatic Therapy
- BSc (Hons) in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy University of Portsmouth ( First Class Honours )
- Foundation Degree in Gestalt Therapy University of Portsmouth
- L4 in Humanistic Counselling University of Portsmouth
Membership in Professional Bodies
- BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy)
Experience
Drawing from a vast and multifaceted experience as a therapist, I have had the profound privilege of working within specialised units dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault, as well as engaging with teenagers facing their unique challenges. Each setting has deepened my understanding of the human spirit's resilience and honed my skills in providing tailored, compassionate care.
In my tenure with a unit focused on domestic abuse and sexual assault, I was immersed in the complexities of trauma and its far-reaching impacts. Working closely with survivors, I learned the importance of creating a therapeutic space prioritising safety, trust, and empowerment. Through individual therapy, I navigated the painful process of healing, employing a range of therapeutic approaches, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy, Somatic therapy, and mindfulness practices.
My work with teenagers has been equally enriching, offering a window into the dynamic world of adolescent development and the myriad challenges it presents. From navigating identity issues and peer pressure to addressing mental health struggles such as anxiety and depression, my approach has always been to meet these young individuals where they are, providing a supportive environment that encourages openness and self-exploration.
Collaborating with the Ministry of Justice on a project to integrate therapeutic services within the juvenile justice system offered another insight into the intersection of mental health and societal structures. This initiative aimed to address the root causes of offending behaviours, many of which stemmed from unaddressed trauma and lack of support. By providing therapy and counselling within this context, we could offer a pathway towards healing and rehabilitation, emphasising restorative justice over punitive measures.
I currently work as a CYP Sexual Trauma and Recovery Therapist and with survivors of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault.
Training
- TRE Training ( Tension & Trauma Release Exercises )
- Holosomatic Body Work
- Brigitte Trust Palliative Care Training
- Samaritan support
- Prison Support
- Adapting to Trauma
- Working with Bereavement
- NAPAC Introduction to abuse, trauma, and recovery
- Exploring suicidal risk with Clients
- Level 1,2 & 3 Safeguarding
- Working with survivors of domestic abuse and violence
- Trauma-related Guilt
- Childhood Sexual Abuse (The Body Keeps the Score)
- Military Veteran
- Empty Chair work, Fairy Tales Workshop,
- Dream Workshop, Anger and Complex Client
- Breaking the Cycle of Injustice and Trauma
- Planet Teen: Understanding and Working in Trauma Trauma-Informed Way
- 2 Chair Work with Stefan Charidge
- Trauma and Creativity
- A TRAUMA-INFORMED APPROACH TO
WORKING WITH MALE SURVIVORS OF
RAPE & CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE - Self harm - suicide prevention
- ongoing CPD
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 National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
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.
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
Photos & videos
Fees
£70.00 - £150.00
Additional information
£70per session (50 min) for Individual Client age 12+
Walk and talk Therapy ,IOW only, £80 per session ( 60min)
£ 100 for initial Non -Diagnostic insurance assessments
£ 100 for Court Attendance and Course Support
£ 70-150 Trauma Informed Somatic Therapy (currently fully booked , and I will begin accepting new bookings from July 2026)
One-to-one session: £150
Group session: £70 per person (max 6)
Further information
Walk and Talk Therapy on the Isle of Wight
At Walk and Talk Therapy on the Isle of Wight, I blend traditional counselling with the invigorating activity of walking along our picturesque beaches. This innovative approach moves us out of the typical therapy setting and into the soothing surroundings of the seaside. As we walk together, the gentle rhythm of the waves and the expansive views foster a sense of openness and calm. This setting not only promotes mental relaxation but also enhances physical health.
