Sophie Rizzo

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Psychotherapeutic counsellor MBACP & MNCPS (Acc)

About me

I have lived and worked in London since 1991, having moved from Arles in the south of France. My own experiences with life’s challenges inspired me to pursue a rewarding career in counselling.

With over 25 years of experience across mental health, learning disabilities and neurodiversity, and specialist training as an integrative counsellor, I offer a therapeutic approach tailored to your individual needs, with a particular focus on depression, anxiety, complex family issues, ADHD and autism.

I work with both neurotypical and neurodiverse clients, including those with learning disabilities, who may also experience emotional regulation difficulties or challenges with executive functioning. Whether you are diagnosed or simply navigating a different way of thinking and feeling, I adapt my approach to suit your needs and provide therapy that works for you.

Specialist Support for Depression, Anxiety, ADHD and Autism

Living with depression, anxiety, ADHD or autism can feel overwhelming, frustrating or isolating. Whether you're dealing with low mood, panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, difficulties with focus or sensory sensitivities, I provide a safe, compassionate space to explore what you’re experiencing.

I also work with individuals who are navigating the overlap between ADHD, autism and mood-related conditions. I understand how these can interact in complex ways and aim to support you in making sense of your experiences with clarity and care.

Trauma Informed Therapy for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Abuse, Sexual Assault and Rape

I specialise in supporting individuals of all genders who have experienced domestic violence, abuse, rape, or sexual assault. I understand how these traumatic experiences can feel isolating and overwhelming. My priority is to provide a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions at your own pace.

For Women: Healing from violence or sexual trauma can be a complex and personal journey. Together, we will work on rebuilding resilience, reclaiming your sense of identity, and developing strategies to navigate the trauma and its impact.

For Men: Societal norms often discourage men from seeking help or expressing vulnerability. I offer a compassionate, judgement-free environment where you are supported in processing your experiences and moving toward healing in a way that feels right for you.

For LGBTQIA+ and Gender Diverse Individuals: I recognise that experiences of domestic violence and sexual trauma may intersect with challenges related to identity, discrimination, and stigma. As an LGBTQIA+ ally, I offer an inclusive environment where individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities feel seen and supported. I am committed to creating a safe, affirming space that respects your identity and empowers your healing.

My Approach

As an integrative counsellor, I draw on a range of therapeutic techniques tailored to your unique needs, including:

  • Person-centred therapy
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
  • Trauma-informed approaches
  • Psychodynamic therapy
  • Transactional analysis
  • Mindfulness and meditation

This flexible approach allows us to work collaboratively, exploring methods that best support your growth and healing. I honour your identity, background, culture, sexual orientation, and abilities, ensuring that sessions progress at a pace that feels right for you.

What You Can Expect

Whether you are looking for short-term support or long-term therapy, I offer supportive therapeutic partnership tailored to your needs. Sessions are conducted online via Teams or Zoom, by telephone, or in person, depending on your preference.

Together, we will work towards gaining clarity, building inner strength, and fostering personal growth.

What I can help you with

  •  Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Complex family dynamics
  • Relationship issues
  • Bereavement
  • Eating disorders
  • Domestic violence and abuse
  • Self harm & suicidal thoughts
  • Sexual assault/rape
  • Anger management

Types of therapy offered

  • Creative
  • Integrative
  • Gestalt
  • Person Centred/Humanistic
  • CBT
  • Psychodynamic
  • Transactional analysis
  • Mindfulness/meditation

Languages

English and French
Basic British Sign Language and Makaton
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to assist individuals with limited communication
 

Training, qualifications & experience

MBACP Registered

MNCPS (Acc)

CPCAB Level 4 & 5
Dip.Couns
(CPCAB) Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body

Level 2 Certificate in self-harm and suicide prevention

NVQ Level 3 Promoting independence

NVQ Level 2 Working with people who have learning disabilities

Over 25 years experience working with adults with learning disabilities and mental health challenges, and neurodiverse clients

Experience working with domestic violence and abuse, rape and sexual abuse survivors .

Member organisations

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

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

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
Accredited Register Scheme

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.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Areas of counselling I deal with

Other areas of counselling I deal with

Experience working with female genital mutilation (FGM) clients

Fees

£70.00 per session

Concessions offered for

  • check_circle Students
  • check_circle Trainee counsellors
  • check_circle Unemployed

Additional information

Sessions available
Tuesday: 6pm – 8pm
Wednesday: Between 10am - 2pm and in the evening between 7pm and 8pm

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

From March 2025, I will see clients on Wednesdays from 9.45 am - 2.45 pm.

London, Greater London, E17

London, Greater London, N1C

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Organisations

Key details

DBS check info

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Additional languages

French

Basic BSL,

Online platforms

FaceTime
Google Meet
Microsoft Teams
Skype
Whatsapp
Zoom