About me
I offer counselling online and by phone.
About me
I’m Malla, an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist who helps people find calm, confidence and a clearer sense of themselves. Many of the people I work with are under constant pressure to perform or hold things together. They’re capable and driven, yet often feel anxious, disconnected or unsure how to slow down. Therapy offers space to step back, make sense of what’s happening and find a steadier way to move through life.
You might feel anxious, overwhelmed or caught in patterns of self-criticism and overthinking. Perhaps you care deeply for others but find it harder to show the same kindness to yourself. Or maybe you feel tense and alert even when there’s no obvious reason. Therapy can be a place to slow down, listen inwardly and begin to understand what your mind and body are trying to tell you.
How I work
My core approach is person-centred, which means that I start where you are. Together we explore what’s been happening in a way that feels steady, respectful and unhurried.
Alongside talking, I draw on ideas from Polyvagal Theory, which helps us understand how the nervous system shapes how we feel and connect. You might notice how anxiety shows up as tightness in the chest, or how you shut down when life feels too much. By learning to work with these body responses instead of fighting them, you can begin to feel safer, more present and more in control of your emotions.
People describe me as calm, warm and perceptive. My focus is on creating a space where you feel genuinely understood rather than analysed or fixed. Over time, therapy can help you reconnect with yourself, improve your relationships and move through life with greater ease and confidence.
Who I work with
I often work with professionals, students and creatives who appear capable on the outside but feel anxious or uncertain inside. Many describe themselves as overthinkers or people-pleasers who want to find a kinder, more balanced way to live. I also support clients dealing with loss, identity questions and the challenges of cross-cultural life.
Practicalities
I offer both short- and longer-term therapy. Short-term work can help you focus on a particular issue. Longer-term therapy allows more space for deeper understanding and lasting change. We’ll talk together about what feels right for you, including session length, frequency and fees.
Training, qualifications & experience
I hold a Master’s degree with distinction in Clinical Counselling from the University of Chester. My training is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). My practice is informed by humanistic, psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioural ideas, as well as mindfulness and neuroscience. I work with an awareness of trauma and the ways our nervous system responds to stress.
I also hold a Level 1 Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling (ACTO-approved), ensuring that I work safely and ethically with clients online.
Counsellor Training:
MA Clinical Counselling, University of Chester
PG Diploma in Clinical Counselling, University of Chester
Certificate in Clinical Counselling, University of Chester
Counselling Concepts and Skills Development, University of Chester
Professional background:
I have worked within the NHS and for bereavement services, supporting people living with depression, anxiety, grief and low self-esteem. Alongside my private practice, I’ve worked with clients from a wide range of cultural, professional and personal backgrounds. Before training as a psychotherapist, I spent many years working in creative industries, which has given me a deep appreciation for the pressures and rewards of creative work and for those navigating demanding professional environments. Having lived in several countries myself, I bring a sensitive awareness of difference and belonging to the work we do together.
Additional Training:
As a core part of my continuing development as a therapist, I undertake regular training and supervision. In addition to my professional qualifications, I have engaged in training in the following topics:
Working with Relational Trauma: Dealing with Disorganised Attachment
Working with Suicidal Clients
Trauma and the Body: Dissociation and Somatisation
Self-harm and Self-injury
Clinical Applications of Polyvagal Theory in Trauma Treatment
Psychosexual Issues in Therapy
Breathwork for Anxiety and Trauma Recovery
Working with Shame
Understanding Autism, Asperger's and ADHD
Working with Neurodivergent Clients
Existential Therapy
Goals in Therapy
Pluralistic Approach to Therapy
Various trainings on Loss and Bereavement
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
Photos & videos
Fees
£60.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
I have a limited number of lower cost spaces to enable people on low income or in education to access counselling. Please contact me for further details and availability.
When I work
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Further information
I currently work online via Zoom and over the telephone.
I understand how distressing it is to be put on a waiting list when you need support. I aim to offer you a first meeting within a week, whenever possible. I respond to your enquiry from Monday to Thursday (excluding annual holidays).
Please check your spam/junk mail folder if you are waiting for a response to your enquiry.
