Diana Messinger
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Welcome to a space where creativity and psychotherapy converge, offering a transformative journey through the power of your story. I am Diana, a creative and qualified therapist specialising in Gestalt and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). With a foundation in the present-focused philosophy of Gestalt therapy and a passion for creative exploration, I offer a unique counselling experience. My approach considers every thought, emotion, and experience as part of a canvas for healing and self-discovery.
With a foundation deeply rooted in Gestalt therapy's here-and-now philosophy and a passion for creative expression, I provide a dynamic and empathetic space for you to engage fully with your present experiences. This approach respects your individuality and harnesses the power of creativity to navigate life's challenges.
Our sessions are tailored to empower you to connect with your authentic self and the environment around you. Here, every moment is an opportunity for growth, every emotion a step towards understanding, and every creative expression a leap towards healing.
Join me, and let me transform your challenges into stepping stones towards a more vibrant, fulfilling life.
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualifications
- Current Trainee / Student in CBT Ba(Hons) University of Portsmouth
- 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, emphasizing restorative justice over punitive measures.
I currently work as a secondary school Counsellor with adolescents aged 12+ and with survivors of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault.
Training
- Conflict management
- 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
Member organisations
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.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£55.00 per session
Free initial in-person, telephone or online session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
£60 per session for Individual Client age 12+
Student Counsellor's, please contact the therapist
Airline & Aviation Staff, please contact the therapist
