Shona Gibbs

Hello there and a warm welcome to my profile. I understand it can be daunting taking that first step in contacting a therapist. You may feel that you want to make changes to your life, you might want to share some difficult stuff from your past, you may want clarity over a life event or experience either from the past or more recently, or simply feel things cannot continue the way they are. Whatever your situation I offer a safe and welcoming space. 

I am eager and willing to work with many issues but particular areas of professional interest include, but are not exclusive to, relationship issues, trauma, complex trauma, expatriation, grief, despair, loss, sexuality, 'third-culture kids', cross-cultural relationships, partners of those with addictions, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, spiritual/religious abuse, issues of/around twins, issues around sex work, partners (or family members) of those with addictions, the mother-daughter relationship and self-esteem/self-worth.

Whilst I practice in the English language I have worked with many clients for whom English is not their first language. In particular, I have a good understanding of the Italian culture.

I use what is known as a pluralist approach, meaning that whilst I draw on some of the more widely accepted psychological methodologies such as Person-centred, Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), as well as using creative techniques, I seek to create an equitable, collaborative relationship with each client and together we work at finding the best course of counselling, one that reflects your unique personality, needs, wants and life experiences and where you are at in your life’s journey.

I strive to treat each client with a non-judgemental attitude and with respect, acceptance, openness, honesty and integrity.

My hope for you is that we use the time we have together to explore the impact of whatever you have come to counselling with and you feel safe enough to express worries, concerns, pain, grief, anger etc. and eventually we can look at strategies to enable you to live a fuller life. 

I offer online and in-person 50-minute sessions. I also offer longer 75-minute sessions if preferred.

I invite you to take that first step. Choosing to come to counselling is an act of bravery, self-compassion and self-love. If not now...then when?

• The mother-daughter relationship
• Cross-cultural relationships
• Spiritual or religious abuse
• 'third-culture' kids
• Expatriation
• Issues of/around twins
• Issues deriving from working in the sex industry