Iva Dragostinova
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
I support individuals navigating life changes, who may be feeling anxious, lost, overwhelmed or alone.
Life can feel unpredictable, or lacking direction, leaving you feeling disconnected, uncertain and stuck.
Perhaps you are facing different stages of family-related challenges, navigating relocation or redefining your life after a career shift or retirement.
- Are you struggling to start a family and feel like no one understands what you are going through?
- Perhaps parenthood isn't what you expected, and you're left feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to turn.
- Maybe you have moved recently and feel you don't belong or can't quite settle in.
- Or a career shift/ retirement has left you feeling lost or empty?
- You may be feeling lost without a clear cause, like a stranger in your own life, wondering who you are now or where you belong.
If this resonates, reach out - I'm here to help you move forward.
I can help you to:
- Untangle your thoughts and feelings, so that you can gain clarity to understand the changes you are facing and feel less overwhelmed.
- Reconnect with what matters to you, as you navigate a new life chapter so that you can feel more grounded again.
- Find a clear path through the challenges you are experiencing, so that you can foster resilience.
- Navigate feelings of isolation, loneliness, and loss, so you can feel more understood and connected in your relationships.
Working with me
I am passionate about creating a space where you feel truly understood and supported.
My personal and professional experiences allow me to connect deeply with your struggles and offer tailored support.
Working alongside you, I will help you make sense of your experience, empowering you to find a new perspective. Together we'll develop resilience and find clarity to create meaningful change.
Central to this process is our therapeutic relationship, where we work together to support you in your specific challenges. I tailor our work to your needs, drawing on humanistic and relational approaches to navigate what is happening for you.
My background/ lived experience
Growing up in three different countries, I understand the challenges of feeling like an outsider and navigating cultural identity.
I advocate for inclusion and diversity and appreciate the variety of human experiences.
Having been through a challenging fertility journey has also instilled in me deep compassion and a unique understanding of identity, confidence, and self-belief struggles.
This means I help you reconnect with who you are, empowering you to embrace your journey and live in alignment with what matters most to you.
If you're feeling lost after a big change or searching for help to cope, let's talk!
Training, qualifications & experience
- CPCAB Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
- CPCAB Level 3 in Counselling Studies
- CPCAB Level 2 in Counselling Skills
- BA Anthropology and Gender Studies
CPD I have undertaken includes:
- Trauma Informed Practice
- Gender, Sexual, Erotic and Relational Diversity
- Privilege and Otherness in Counselling and Psychotherapy
- Integrating Creative Methods in Counselling and Psychotherapy
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.
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
£50.00 per session
Additional information
I offer a free 15-minute call or a reduced-rate introductory session for £40 (in-person or online) so you can have the opportunity to see if it feels right for you.
Block bookings of 6 sessions are offered at a discounted rate of £40 per session (£240).
I'd love to hear from you. Reach out for an initial chat.
When I work
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Get in touch to inquire about my availability.
Further information
As a fully insured counsellor with over 15 years of experience in social care and education, I also bring valuable insights from working in trauma-informed roles, including supporting survivors of domestic abuse
