Paola Petritoli
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
There are times in life when we feel the need to be in a safe, confidential space in order to explore issues, express concerns or look into our relationships with someone who is not directly part of our circle and who can listen with a compassionate yet impartial ear. This in time can help clarify how we feel, gain deeper insight and bring about the necessary changes.
You may be feeling low, anxious, stuck, abandoned or in emotional pain. Different reasons bring people to therapy.
For some of us, making initial contact, wanting to face one's situation, carries a sense of urgency and is a big leap into the unknown. It requires a great deal of courage. I treat every person who contacts me with respect and regard.
Psychotherapy is an investment in oneself and can help with issues such as: self-esteem, anxiety, depression, loneliness, lack of meaning, bereavement, relationship problems, co-dependency, addictions, sexuality, exploration and healing of childhood themes, trauma and abuse.
Approach
I offer individual sessions of 55 minutes online (Zoom) on a short, medium or long term basis. Upon initial assessment we will agree on the most suited type of contract for you.
I work in an integrative manner, utilizing a variety of tools and therapeutic techniques to suit your needs and inclinations (these include emphatic listening and dialogue, visualization, body awareness, dream analysis, creative mediums such as drawing, writing and sand-tray).
The foundation of the work is the relationship with you, the client, which I aim to build on a ground of respect, authenticity and trust.
Whilst I honor my role as a facilitator in the relationship, I do not hide behind it, and I remain accessible and responsive as a human being along your journey.
The exchange that happens in the therapy room can often be subtle but I aim to keep it real, grounded and connected to the tangible aspects of your life.
I am committed to understand the person that seeks my help in their integrity, without judgement and attuning my heart and intuition with their inner world, needs and goals.
Training, qualifications & experience
I completed a Post Graduate Diploma at the ‘Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy Education’ in London (member of the regulatory bodies UKCP and BACP).
I am part of a practicing group of psychotherapists, adhere to the UKCP code of ethics and confidentiality and practice under regular supervision. I hold full Professional Indemnity Insurance.
Over the past years I have practiced in a busy Student Counselling Service, in a Drop-in Centre, in a Counselling Centre in Notting Hill and in a Community Mental Health Team as well as my private practice in Little Venice and Swiss Cottage.
CPD
I am in on-going training and self-development. I have undergone a series of training seminars on 'Systemic Family Constellation' which I believe to be a powerful tool to uncover hidden family patterns and narratives in the context of wider social, cultural and collective forces. This is something that can be used alongside traditional psychotherapy.
Member organisations
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.
As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.
UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
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
£60.00 per session
Additional information
Online sessions (Zoom)
When I work
Week days and evenings.
Further information
An initial assessment is an opportunity to get to know each other, for me to gather background information and for you to ask any questions.
It is non binding and only if we both feel that we are happy to work together we will agree a mutually convenient place and time for regular sessions.