Luz (Maria) Villarrubia
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
About Me
I’m an integrative therapist and clinical supervisor with over 12 years of experience. In addition to my private practice, I work as a Senior Counsellor at Terrence Higgins Trust in Brighton, where I have led the counselling service for over a decade. My approach is warm, professional, and down-to-earth, offering a safe and supportive space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and challenges.
I trained at the Gestalt Centre in London and hold a degree in cultural anthropology from Goldsmiths, University of London. This background gives me a strong understanding of how cultural identity—whether related to gender, sexuality, ethnicity, or background—shapes the way we experience the world.
Specialist Areas
I have extensive experience working with:
- Anxiety and low mood
- Relationship challenges
- Life transitions
- Trauma, shame, and stigma
- Neurodivergence, including ADHD and autism
- LGBTQ+ experiences
- Identity, belonging, and cultural challenges
LGBTQ+ and Neurodivergent-Affirmative Therapy
I work from an LGBTIQA+ affirmative perspective, supporting clients navigating identity, relationships, stigma, and life challenges.
As a neurodivergent therapist, I particularly welcome clients exploring ADHD, autism, or recent diagnoses. I understand the complexities that come with neurodivergence and offer a supportive space to explore, make sense of it all, and develop strategies that work for you.
How I Work
I specialise in Gestalt therapy, which focuses on the “here and now”—helping you become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in the present moment. This approach helps uncover patterns, reconnect with yourself, and move towards meaningful change. I also integrate tools from other approaches where helpful, always tailoring therapy to fit your needs.
Languages & Sessions
I offer online therapy in English and Spanish, making sessions accessible to clients in the UK and beyond.
If you’re looking for an experienced therapist who understands neurodivergence, has extensive expertise supporting the LGBTQ+ community, and offers a warm and supportive space to explore what matters to you, I’d love to hear from you.
Training, qualifications & experience
EXPERIENCE:
Before training as a counsellor, I worked in international research management, gaining valuable insight into human behaviour, cultural identity, and systemic challenges. For the past 12+ years, I have dedicated myself to counselling and clinical supervision, working both in organisations and private practice.
I currently work as a Senior Counsellor at Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) in Brighton, where I have led the counselling service for over a decade. My work has included supportingindividuals living with HIV and other long-term health conditions, as well as clients navigating challenges related to identity, trauma, relationships, and mental health. I understand how ongoing health concerns can affect emotional well-being and relationships, and I offer a space to explore these experiences with care and sensitivity.
Alongside my role at THT, I have run a successful private practice for over 10 years, where I work with clients on a range of issues, including anxiety, life transitions, neurodivergence, and relationship challenges.
I have also worked with:
- City and Hackney Alcohol Services (CHAS), London – Supporting individuals through addiction and recovery.
- Step Forward, London – Providing individual and group therapy for young LGBTIQA+ clients.
This breadth of experience allows me to work sensitively with people facing complex issues, whether they relate to stigma, long-term conditions, or broader mental health concerns.
TRAINING:
- Diploma in Clinical Supervision at The Awareness Centre, London
- Diploma in Gestalt Counselling (BACP Acc) at The Gestalt Centre, London
- Certificate in Humanistic Counselling at The Gestalt Centre, London.
- Single Hons (BSc) in Cultural Anthropology at Goldsmiths College, University of London.
Additional Training:
- Motivational Interviewing
- Trans Awareness
- BDSM & Kink
- Alcohol/substance misuse Counselling
- Working with men who use drugs to have sex (chem-sex)
- Digital Shifts in MSM sexual Cultures and HIV Prevention
- Working with Young people
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
12 Step Recovery Model
Living with HIV
LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy
Cultural integration, adapting to a new culture.
Life transitions.
Counselling in Spanish also available - Multilingual counsellor.
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£75.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Some spaces available for concessions, please ask.
When I work
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Monday to Friday Daytime and Evening and Saturday morning sessions depending on availability, please contact me to check if the time and date you are interested in are available.
Further information
Counselling y Supervisión clínica en Castellano.
