This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Hello, I am Orla, a psychodynamic psychotherapist based in North London and online.
People seek out psychotherapy and counselling for many different reasons. Perhaps you are unhappy with some aspect of your life, experiencing a crisis, or seeking insight into your unhappiness or anxiety. You may be feeling ready to take a deeper look at past experiences and trauma. Or it could be you don’t know what you’re feeling, but you know things aren’t how you would hope them to be. It might be all, some, or none of these things, but if you feel that something isn’t quite right, then having someone to talk to can help. Together, we can make sense of things and help you to find a way forward.
Psychotherapy and counselling are about change. Together, we can explore difficult feelings and help you to understand where they might have come from. I work to support people in gaining an understanding of how their early childhood relationships and experiences influence who they are, and how at times this can get in the way of people being how they want to be.
I recognise that therapy can feel daunting, especially if you feel unclear about what you might need or aren’t sure what to expect. But in the confidentiality and non-judgmental space we can explore the best way forward for you.
If you’d like to explore how we might work together, please feel free to reach out for an initial consultation.
Training, qualifications & experience
Experience
As a psychotherapist, I have experience working with clients in both short-term and long-term therapy. I have supported individuals facing a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, internal conflicts, and a general sense of unhappiness. My work spans various settings, including charitable organizations and private practice, giving me a diverse perspective on the therapeutic process.
I have worked extensively with clients who have experienced trauma, loss, family dysfunction, separation, and workplace difficulties. Additionally, my background as a social worker has enriched my understanding of complex issues such as adoption, addiction, parental and family dynamics, and domestic violence. This breadth of experience allows me to provide a compassionate, informed, and holistic approach to therapy, tailored to the unique needs of each client.
My approach
My approach to therapy integrates various perspectives within the psychodynamic tradition, including psychoanalysis, attachment theory, relational dynamics, and object relations. My training emphasized the importance of understanding the sociocultural dimensions of each person’s experience, alongside the impact of trauma. This means that, in addition to exploring your inner world, we may also examine how external factors such as race, gender, sexuality, disability, class, and migration shape your sense of self. As with all aspects of my work, I am guided by your needs and preferences, addressing these areas only to the extent that feels meaningful and relevant to you.
Qualifications
Registered Member of the British Association for Psychotherapy and Counselling (MBACP), abiding by their Ethical Framework.
Master’s degree in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy (distinction) from Goldsmiths, University of London
Bachelor’s degree in Social work from Goldsmiths, University London
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
£90.00 per session
Free initial telephone session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
To help you understand what you are looking for from therapy, and whether I would be the right therapist for you, I provide a free no-obligation 15 to 20-minute telephone consultation.
If you choose to move forward, we would then meet for an initial 90-minute assessment session, the fee for which is £120.
Sessions typically take place weekly, on the same day and at the same time each week.
I also offer a limited number of spaces for those on low income or for students and for those seeking online therapy. Please contact me to enquire about availability.
When I work
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