Rafaella Karydi
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This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.
This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.
About me
I'm a trauma-focused integrative therapist. Supporting people has always been my calling. Originally from South Africa but now rooted in the UK, I bring a rich, culturally sensitive perspective to therapy, informed by my mixed heritage and lived experience as an expat.
Trauma sits at the heart of my practice, and I'm trained in EMDR, DBT, and TF-CBT to support that work. I'm also comfortable and experienced working with neurodivergence —sometimes trauma and neurodivergence intersect, and sometimes neurodivergence is simply part of who you are and how you move through the world, with no trauma focus needed at all. I believe we carry stories—some we've written ourselves and others shaped by relationships, experiences, and environments. My role is to help you make sense of these narratives, whether we're exploring how the past echoes into your present, understanding the emotions of today, or envisioning and working toward the future you desire.
My approach is unstructured and responsive rather than manualised. I draw on EMDR, DBT, and TF-CBT as and when they're genuinely useful, and I adapt how I work to suit neurodivergent ways of thinking, communicating, and processing. Together, we might reprocess memories that still feel raw, build skills for managing overwhelming emotions, or simply explore what's going on for you in a way that feels comfortable and makes sense to your brain. My practice is holistic, focusing not just on your thoughts but also on your emotions, body, and relationships.
Reading this profile shows that you're ready to focus on yourself—and that matters. Whether you're feeling uncertain about starting therapy or have questions about how I work, I'd be happy to talk through what working together might involve. Reach out, even if to start a conversation.
You deserve the time and space to heal, grow, and rediscover yourself. I look forward to hearing from you.
Training, qualifications & experience
I hold a Level 5 Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling Practice and have accumulated over 100 hours of clinical experience in both private practice and as part of the domestic violence mental health charity, Clean Slate.
I recently completed a Level 2 qualification in DBT skills through the Association for Psychological Therapies (APT).
I have also completed EMDR training through the EMDR Centre London whose trainings are acknowledged by the NCPS.
I have also trained in Couple Counselling using the Human Givens approach, which is solution focused and tailored to your specific goals as a couple.
In addition to my therapeutic work, I bring hands-on experience from the public sector, supporting individuals through housing and homelessness services and social care. This diverse background enriches my practice, allowing me to approach therapy with a deeper understanding of complex social challenges and the resilience required to navigate them.
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 National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. 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 - £75.00
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Sessions are priced as follows:
Sessions are priced at:
- Integrative Psychotherapy £60/50mins
- DBT and EMDR £65/50mins
- Couples counselling £75 per hour - online only
Cancellation fee applies for less than 24 hour notice.
I am happy to reschedule sessions in the same week if possible.
When I work
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Further information
Please do not hesitate to contact me, even if to just ask additional questions.
