Indira Chima

Hello, I'm Indira

I'm a BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and Executive Coach and have been working with people for more than a decade.

I work with adults who may look as though they're coping perfectly well on the outside but are struggling with something underneath.

Perhaps you're feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed or burned out. Maybe work has become difficult, you've lost confidence or direction or are going through a significant life change.

Or perhaps you can't quite put your finger on what's wrong; you just know that something needs to change.

My approach is rooted in psychotherapy but my coaching experience brings another dimension to how I work. I understand the pressures of working life, leadership and responsibility and am comfortable talking about both how you feel and what you want to do next.

You might be here because…

• You're feeling anxious, depressed or stressed 
• You’re experiencing burnout or exhaustion
• Work or your career has become difficult
• You've lost confidence or direction
• You're navigating a major life or career change 
• You're returning to work after illness or absence
• You're usually the person who copes but finding that harder now
• You're experiencing difficulties in your relationship and want to work on things as a couple

Who I work with

I work with adults and couples including professionals, leaders, entrepreneurs and people who are used to taking responsibility and getting things done.

Sometimes life looks fine on the outside but privately you feel anxious, exhausted, stuck or unsure what comes next. You don't need a diagnosis or all the answers before you begin. You may simply recognise that your usual ways of coping aren't working as well as they used to.

How I work

Therapy with me doesn't involve lying on a couch staring at ink blots or answering awkward questions about your sex life!

For me, therapy is a conversation in a confidential space where you can talk honestly about what's going on without having all the answers.

My style is warm, down-to-earth and straightforward. I'll listen, ask questions and help you make sense of what's happening. Sometimes we'll explore where a difficulty or pattern comes from and at other times, we'll focus on what's happening right now and what you might want to change.

I'm not there to tell you how to live your life. I'm there to help you understand yourself better and work out what feels right for you.

Therapy and coaching

Although I lead with psychotherapy, coaching is an important part of how I work. My earlier career in business and marketing means I understand the pressures and expectations of professional life as well as the personal impact they can have.

For some people, knowing that I work as both a therapist and a coach makes taking that first step feel more comfortable.

Therapy doesn't have to mean being stuck in the past. Coaching doesn't have to mean simply setting goals. Sometimes you need both.

Things I can help with

• Anxiety and depression
• Burnout and exhaustion
• Confidence and self-esteem
• Work and workplace difficulties
• Career change and uncertainty
• Life transitions
• Relationship difficulties and couple counselling
• Grief and loss
• Return to work after illness or absence
• Personal development and lifestyle change

A bit about me

I've been working in private practice since 2013. Alongside my psychotherapy practice, I'm an Executive Coach, bringing together clinical experience, coaching skills and an understanding of the business world.

I'm comfortable working with people where mental health, emotional wellbeing and working life overlap.

I'm also a registered provider for private medical insurers including AXA Health, WPA, Aviva and Vitality.

Where we can work together

I offer sessions in person from my private studio in Markyate, Hertfordshire close to St Albans, Harpenden, Luton and Dunstable as well as online.

You don't need to have everything worked out before you get in touch.

If something has been bothering you for a while, let's start with a conversation.

Video Counselling 

Video counselling allows you to see your therapist in the comfort of your own home. It's convenient for clients with busy lives or working from home as well as parents of young children. 

I use secure end-to-end encrypted video-conferencing via Zoom and work flexibly around your diary.

Video counselling is as effective as in person with some clients experiencing faster, deeper results. We can meet online, in person or use a hybrid of both to suit you.

Payment is simple. I send an invoice after our session, which you settle via bank card using a secure payment link.

• £85 Individual Counselling - 50 minutes
• £125 Individual Counselling - 75 minutes
• £510 Block of 7 Individual Counselling (50 min) sessions - pre-paid
• £95 Couple Counselling - 1 hour
• £570 Block of 7 Couple Counselling (1 hour) sessions - pre-paid

I use modern banking methods eg. Apple Pay, Card, Contactless. 

I am recognised by AVIVA, AXA, VITALITY + WPA. Check counselling is covered in your policy and obtain an authorisation number. Due to data protection, I will need basic policy details and contact info so I can verify details with your insurer. 

• Daytime sessions available.
• Wednesday and Thursday day + evening.
• Friday and Saturday mornings. 

• My comfortable studio with green views is tucked away on the outskirts of the village of Markyate (postcode AL3 8Q) close to the M1 (2 miles from junctions 9/10) + A5183 and within easy reach of Harpenden, St Albans, Luton, Dunstable, Watford and North West London. (Full address will be sent when appointment is confirmed.)
• Your sessions will take place in a modern and stylish environment which reflects my way of working ie. straightforward, contemporary and relaxed. My location and private off-street parking offer you privacy and convenience.
• My studio is spacious and ventilated allowing for a healthy environment. Surfaces continue to be sanitised and hand-sanitiser is available. 
• For more information about the way I work and what to expect, visit my website: www.thecounsellinglivingroom.co.uk