Rafaela Efstratiou
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Hi, I’m Rafaela, an HCPC-registered and BAAT-accredited Art Therapist, offering compassionate in-person and online art therapy for adults, young people, children, and fellow therapists. I work with individuals from all walks of life, supporting those navigating anxiety, grief, chronic illness, and life’s transitions. My practice is inclusive and affirming of clients who identify as LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and BIPOC+. My work has fueled my passion for supporting clients impacted by complex and developmental trauma, helping them navigate their unique challenges and facilitating their emotional recovery in a compassionate and trauma-informed way.
My priority is creating a safe and supportive space where you can explore your emotions, process challenges, and reconnect with your sense of well-being. My approach is rooted in helping clients uncover the influence of unconscious patterns, recognize their emotions, and understand how early relationships and attachment experiences shape the way they relate to themselves and others.
Through my work, I have gained diverse experience working in various settings, including a plethora of schools, academic settings, psychiatric wards, third-sector charities, and as a self-employed art therapist. I have had the privilege of working with children and families who are survivors of domestic abuse, providing them with the support they need to make sense of their experiences.
In a modern world shaped by capitalism, the fast pace of life, and global crises such as wars, financial instability, and environmental destruction, I am committed to challenging the traditional bio-medical model of mental health support. Instead, I focus on creating a therapeutic space rooted in care, solidarity, and mutual support—values that move us away from over-pathologizing symptoms, and towards nurturing emotional well-being. Together, we will explore how these societal pressures influence your emotional well-being and help you navigate these complex feelings with care and understanding.
I am happy to conduct sessions in either Greek or English, depending on your preference.
Why art therapy?
Psychodynamic art therapy is a unique form of psychotherapy that uses art and other creative media to help you explore and express your thoughts and emotions—especially when words just aren’t enough or even not accessible. Unlike many traditional therapies, art therapy is a three-way process between you, your art therapist, and the art itself. Through creative expression, you can safely explore emotions that might otherwise feel too hard to express.
The act of creating—whether it’s painting, drawing, or simply doodling—can help you make sense of your emotions and even feel more grounded. No art skills? No problem! This isn’t about creating museum-worthy pieces; it’s about expressing yourself, exploring your emotions, and finding new ways to communicate, process experiences, and connect with yourself and the world around you.
What I Offer:
- Personalized art therapy sessions tailored to your needs with regular reviews to make sure that the pace is right for you
- A safe, brave, collaborative, and judgment-free space
- Tools and techniques to help you navigate your emotions and needs
Being client-led means committing to work at a pace that feels right for you. Together we’ll delve into how past and present experiences shape your emotions, sense of self, and relationships. Together, we’ll use art to explore your inner world, work through challenges, and help you build new ways of relating to yourself and others. Some sessions might involve lots of art-making, while others may focus on conversation. Together, we’ll find the right balance for you.
If that sounds like something you would like to try, contact me by email to schedule an initial 15-minute online consultation, free of charge. I’d love to hear from you and help you take that first step toward healing.
Training, qualifications & experience
I hold:
- Master of Science - (International MSc), Art Psychotherapy
- Bachelor of Science - (BSc), Philosophy, Education, and Psychology
I have worked across diverse settings, including schools, academic institutions, the third sector, and various organizations both as an employed and self-employed therapist. My experience also includes working within the NHS, and I am now working in private practice. I am committed to adhering to guidelines and actively engaging in continuous professional development to foster on-going personal and professional growth. I adhere to the BAAT (British Association of Art Therapists) Code of Ethics and HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) Standards of Practice, ensuring my work remains safe, ethical, and supportive. To ensure I provide the best possible support, I actively engage in clinical supervision.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
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 HCPC are an independent, UK-wide health regulator. They set standards of professional training, performance and conduct for 16 professions.
They keep a register of health professionals who meet their standards, and they take action if registered health professionals fall below those standards. They were created by a piece of legislation called the Health Professions Order 2001.
Registration means that a health professional meets national standards for their professional training, performance and conduct.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£50.00 - £60.00
Concessions offered for
When I work
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