Mirlene Santos

Hello, my name is Mirlene Santos and I am an Integrative Counsellor. I understand that reaching out for support, especially when it involves deeply personal concerns around intimacy, sexuality, or relationships—can feel overwhelming. That’s why I offer a warm, confidential, and non-judgmental space where you can explore what’s getting in the way you at your own pace. My aim is to help you feel heard, respected, and supported as we work together to better understand your experiences and find a way forward.

As an integrative counsellor specializing in psychosexual therapy, I tailor my approach to your unique needs. This means I draw on a range of therapeutic techniques to support you – for example, using person-centred listening to ensure you feel truly understood, or practical strategies from coaching and CBT to help you cope with stress and change. My approach is flexible and collaborative: we might gently explore past experiences that impact your present life, or focus on solutions for the here-and-now. Whatever the issue, we will work together to find a way forward that feels right for you.

You’ll find me compassionate, patient, and proactive in our sessions. I know that issues like low sexual desire, performance anxiety, or the aftermath of trauma can affect your self-esteem and relationships. I have a special interest and training in psychosexual therapy, so I can help with concerns such as sexual dysfunction, intimacy difficulties, or relationship conflicts. I also have experience supporting clients through more general challenges – from anxiety and depression to low confidence – especially where these overlap with or impact one’s sex life and relationships. My aim is to empower you to understand yourself better, improve communication with your partner (if relevant), and foster healthier intimacy and emotional well-being.

Qualifications and professional memberships
I hold a BSc (Hons) in Counselling and Coaching, which means I’m trained not only in therapeutic counselling but also in techniques to help you set goals and make positive changes in your life. I am a Registered Member of the BACP (MBACP), and I abide by the BACP Ethical Framework to ensure safe, professional practice. I am also currently working towards accreditation with the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT), reflecting my commitment to ongoing specialist training in psychosexual and relationship therapy. These credentials assure you that I meet high standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and ethics in my work.

Specialisms
To help you decide if I might be the right therapist for you, here are some key areas I focus on:

Psychosexual issues – e.g. difficulties with intimacy or sexual functioning, low libido, performance anxiety, sexual trauma
Relationship challenges – e.g. communication problems, rebuilding trust, intimacy issues between partners (I work with both individuals and couples)
Emotional wellbeing – e.g. anxiety, low self-esteem, stress, and how these may relate to or affect your personal relationships and sexual well-being
If you’re facing something that isn’t listed above, you’re still welcome – I work integratively with a wide range of issues. Every individual is unique, and I will adapt to your needs.

Getting started
Taking the first step toward therapy can be nerve-wracking, but it’s also an act of self-care. I offer an initial conversation (by phone) to discuss your needs and answer any questions you might have about counselling or my approach. This free introductory chat can help you get a sense of whether you feel comfortable with me. Should you decide to proceed, we can then arrange a first session. In our first session, we will talk about what you hope to achieve from therapy and begin to gently explore your story. We’ll also go over practical details like session frequency, confidentiality, and what you can expect going forward.

Throughout our work, you are in control of what you wish to share and the pace we go. My role is to support and guide you without pressure. Therapy is a collaborative journey – I’m here to walk alongside you as you move toward greater understanding, relief, and positive change.

 Areas of Support

•  Struggles with intimacy or desire – Feeling disconnected from your partner or experiencing a mismatch in sexual needs.
•  Sexual dysfunction – Navigating concerns like erectile difficulties, vaginismus, painful intercourse, or loss of arousal.
•  Relationship & communication challenges – Strengthening connection, trust, and emotional intimacy.
• Healing from sexual trauma & anxiety – Processing past experiences to feel safe and empowered in your sexuality.
• Compulsive sexual behaviours & porn addiction – Managing patterns that affect self-esteem, confidence, and relationships.

Each session lasts 50 minutes and is conducted online or in person.

Sessions are payable 48 hours in advance.

In-person sessions take place in Tooting.

Availability
I currently offer online sessions on the following days:
– Monday: 9:00am – 7:00pm
– Wednesday: 9:00am – 2:00pm
– Friday: 9:00am – 2:00pm

Face 2 Face sessions on Tuesdays.

I work using Integrative Counselling, which means I tailor my approach to meet each client’s unique needs by drawing from different therapeutic models. 

I incorporate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours that may be impacting their well-being and relationships. I also use Sensate Focus, a structured, evidence-based technique designed to rebuild intimacy, enhance physical connection, and reduce performance anxiety in relationships. Additionally, I integrate Psychodynamic Therapy, which explores how past experiences, including childhood and relational patterns, influence present behaviours and emotional responses. By understanding these unconscious patterns, clients can gain greater self-awareness and create meaningful, lasting change in their relationships and sexual well-being.