Olivia Waud-Shaw
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Life can feel overwhelming, fast-paced, demanding, and sometimes just too much. Whether you’re feeling stuck, burnt out, or struggling with self-criticism, therapy can provide the space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. I’m Olivia, a therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion, clarity, and self-understanding. My approach is integrative and trauma-informed, meaning I tailor therapy to your unique needs, drawing from a range of techniques.
If you're ready to take that next step, I’m here to support you.
I help individuals struggling with self-criticism, shame, and emotional distress, which is often linked to trauma or difficult life experiences. Using mindfulness and self-compassion, I support clients in developing a kinder, more understanding relationship with themselves, promoting emotional resilience and healing.
Therapy with me is a safe space where you can explore your emotions, process past experiences, and develop tools for well-being. My focus is on helping you:
- Build self-compassion and reduce self-criticism
- Understand and heal from past trauma
- Develop healthier patterns and relationships
- Manage anxiety, stress, and overwhelming emotions
I provide a safe, inclusive, and affirming space where I welcome clients of all backgrounds, identities, life experiences, and mental health difficulties.
Training, qualifications & experience
- MSc Psychotherapeutic Counselling – University of Greenwich
- BSc Neuroscience – Queen Mary University of London
- Level 2 Counselling Skills – North Notts College
CPD Training:
- Trauma-Informed Practice
- Compassion-Focused Therapy Training
- The Psychology of Wellbeing
I have worked in various mental health roles across the NHS, Citizens Advice, and most recently, Westminster Council, where I spent three years supporting young adults through issues such as addiction, homelessness, and complex mental health needs.
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
£65.00 per session
Further information
I offer online therapy sessions across the UK, providing flexibility and accessibility from the comfort of your own space. I offer a free 20 minute introductory call.
In our first session, we'll explore what brought you to therapy and identify the most helpful ways to support your progress. As we get to know each other, we'll find a way of working that feels right for you, ensuring therapy aligns with your needs and personal journey.
Get in touch to check my current availability, book a session, or arrange an introductory call.
