About me
Finding a sense of self that feels both stable and authentic is one of life’s most profound challenges. As a dual-trained Psychologist and Existential Psychotherapist with a background in Neuroscience, I offer a therapeutic space that honours the deep connection between all the parts that create your human experience.
My practice is dedicated to individuals who feel a dissonance between their inner world and their outer reality. You might be navigating a significant life transition, struggling with relationship patterns that no longer serve you, or searching for deeper meaning in a fragmented world. I work with those who are ready to look beneath the surface, not just to alleviate symptoms, but to understand the architecture of their own identity within an everchanging world.
If you are still hesitant to get in touch, please note that I value flexibility in my work and respect that many of us run busy lives. Therefore, I offer a free discovery call to ensure we are a good fit.
You don’t deserve to deny yourself that deeper understanding of what it means to be “You”. So, head to my website for more information or book a discovery call via the directory.
Training, qualifications & experience
- DCPsych in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy (pending award)
- Full Clinical Membership with the UK Council for Psychotherapy
- Member of the Division of Counselling Psychology (DCoP) with the BPS
- Member of the Society of Existential Analysis
- Trained in Neuropsychological assessment methods for suspected cognitive impairment
- Qualified CBT-E therapist for Eating Disorders
My Clinical Experience:
As an Existential Psychotherapist I have significant work experience within NHS, working with Stroke survivors and, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) patients on emotional resiliency and body dissatisfaction. I additionally worked with Eating Disorder patients within NELFT and my private practice, providing an integrative approach to Eating Disorders. Her approach involves techniques from CBT, mindfulness, breathwork and somatic practices within an Existential therapy framework.
As a Neuroscientist I conducted extensive work experience in competitive international environments and participated in pioneering research projects in UCL on epilepsy, mentalisation in body awareness, awareness of illness and interoception. Along with my studies I became a trained neuropsychological and cognitive assessment provider.
A central pillar of my clinical work is my doctoral research into the Psychology of Body Modification. I am deeply interested in how we use our bodies as a canvas for our identity.
In my specialisation with women navigating aesthetic and surgical transformations, I offer a space that is rare in the clinical world: one that is entirely non-judgmental and focused on agency. We explore the meaning behind the modification, ensuring that physical changes are not just surface-level adjustments, but acts of authentic self-expression. I work closely with surgeons and medical professionals to support the delicate psychological integration that must follow any physical change.
We can work together through:
- Physical issues, especially ones that don’t seem to have a cause
- Relationship issues and complex family relationships
- Feeling lost in your life or not living up to your potential
- Feeling hopeless or feeling trapped
- Loss and Grief
- Negotiating major life changes and connecting to your authentic self
- Issues related to Anxiety
- Issues related to Depression
- Issues related to Body Dissatisfaction or Body Dysmorphia or
Eating Disorders
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.
The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.
As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.
UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Embodiment & Psychology of Body Modification
My doctoral research and clinical passion lie at the intersection of psychology and the psychical body.
Our bodies are the vessels through which we experience the world, yet we often feel disconnected from them. I specialise in working with individuals who are navigating this complex relationship - whether through aesthetic procedures, body modification, or simply a desire to feel more "at home" in their skin. I offer:
- Somatic Integration: We move beyond words to explore how your experiences, traumas, and joys are held physically.
- Body modification Support: For those considering or recovering from cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, I provide a non-judgmental space to support the psychological process of inhabiting your post-surgery self.
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£120.00 - £200.00
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
Embodied Psychotherapy & Existential Inquiry
£150 per 50-minute session (in person)/ £120 per 50-minute session (online)
This service is for individuals navigating identity, relationship dynamics, or the search for meaning. It integrates psychological rigour with somatic awareness to help you inhabit your life more fully.
Body Modification Specialist Consultation
£200 per 50-minute session (minimum 3 sessions agreement)
A specialist service for those navigating the psychological journey of body modification or surgical transformation. This fee reflects my doctoral expertise in the field and includes pre-surgical clarity sessions or post-operative psychological integration.
Equitable Access & Reduced Rates
I believe that deep psychological work should be accessible to those who are truly ready for it, regardless of their immediate financial circumstances.
I reserve a limited number of spaces for reduced-fee work. If you feel we are a strong match, but my standard fees are currently out of reach, I invite you to send a brief "Application to work together" email to ilia@theshiftingself.com.
In your email, please share:
- What draws you specifically to my way of working (Existential/Somatic/Identity focus).
- What you hope to explore or transform through our sessions.
- Your current circumstances regarding the reduced-fee request.
When I work
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Further information
The current pandemic (COVID-19) situation has many layers of different emotions for everyone. Anxiety overlays every aspect of daily life. If you, or anyone you know, is struggling to cope, please get in touch to arrange an online appointment - I can conduct counselling sessions via a variety of apps and platforms as suits each client (Zoom, WhatsApp). I have completed training specifically devised (by BACP and the Open University) for operating online as a counsellor during these troubled times and understand the anxieties and sadness many are experiencing.
