Susmita Basunia

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she/her
Integrative Counsellor MBACP

About me

Taking the first step into counselling may feel daunting but I offer a safe, nurturing space for you to explore and express difficult thoughts, emotions and experiences. Whether you're facing relationship challenges; professional stress; or navigating loss or bereavement, life can sometimes feel overwhelming - leaving you feeling anxious, low, or struggling with low self-confidence.

Counselling with me means you will be talking with an empathetic, non-judgmental professional who can help you gain clarity and perspective. I provide a calm, supportive space to better understand yourself and your needs, and to help you discover how you'd like to move forward.  

My approach is integrative, which means I draw on different therapeutic models depending on what is most helpful for you. This can involve exploring past experiences as well as focusing on the present, and understanding how the two shape each other. My priority is to create a warm, confidential environment where you can safely explore difficult emotions, and develop ways to manage them. I understand everyone is different so I work at your pace, always respecting your autonomy. My aim is to help you feel seen, heard, and understood, and to support you in discovering your own resilience and strength. 

I have a passion for working with issues related to cross-cultural identity. My own experiences in life have helped me understand that identity and culture play a significant role in shaping our experiences and perspectives. I understand the complexities of navigating multiple cultural identities and the challenges that this can bring.  I work with you to explore how these factors impact your life, and support you in finding ways to authentically express yourself.  My own journey has taught me the value of compassion, empathy, and self-awareness and I have learnt that growth and healing are possible, and I am committed to supporting you on your own path.

My experience has included working with many clients who face the difficulties of intersectional identities whether it relates to religion, ethnicity or sexuality. I am committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and respected. 

If you are interested in working together please send me an email or book an introductory call. The introductory call lasts 15-20  minutes and allows me to understand what your needs are in more depth. It also gives you the chance to get a feel for how I work and decide whether it may be a good fit for you. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Training, qualifications & experience

I am a professionally qualified Integrative Counsellor trained to use a range of therapeutic approaches tailored to meet the needs of each individual client. My clinical experience includes working across several reputable organisations including the NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT) service, cancer support charities and women's centres, where I have supported clients through a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges. 

At NHS Talking Therapies, I supported individuals struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties and depression, helping them to build their emotional resilience, strengthen personal boundaries and identify unhelpful behavioural patterns. I also have specialist experience working with women affected by domestic abuse, including those in relationships involving coercive control.  I understand the deep impact of trauma and offer sensitive, trauma-informed support in these areas. 

My work at a cancer support charity involves providing counselling to people living with cancer, as well as their carers and loved ones who are supporting them through the complexities of illness, grief, uncertainty and loss. 

I have been trained to work in a Neuro-Affirmative way which allows me to offer a supportive approach for clients who may identify as Neuro-diverse (e.g. ADHD, OCD amongst others).

My expertise extends to working with clients from diverse demographics and backgrounds. I understand each client has unique needs and goals so I work collaboratively to understand what might be best for you to navigate these challenges.

Qualifications:

CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills

Clinical Experience:

Counsellor, NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT)

Counsellor, South East Cancer Help Centre,  https://www.sechc.org.uk/

Counsellor, Care to Listen, https://www.caretolisten.co.uk/ (Croydon based service supporting diverse local communities)

Counsellor, Sutton Women's Centre, https://suttonwomenscentre.co.uk/ (specialising in domestic abuse and coercive relationships)

Telephone Counsellor, Muslim Youth Helpline, https://myh.org.uk/

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

Therapies offered

Fees

£55.00 - £60.00

Concessions offered for

  • OAPs
  • Students
  • Trainee counsellors
  • Unemployed
  • Refugees

Additional information

Counselling sessions last 50 minutes at a fee of £60 per session.

I also offer walk and talk therapy which takes us out of a therapy room and allows us to experience the benefits the outdoor environment can have on our wellbeing.   

I offer several concessionary slots to OAPs and trainee counsellors.

I provide sessions weekly or fortnightly depending on your needs.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

Further information

I am passionate about issues relating to cross-cultural identities. My experience has included working with many clients who face the difficulties of multi-cultural identities whether it relates to religion, ethnicity or sexuality. I am committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and respected.

London, Greater London, SE17

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

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

Key details

DBS check

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

Bengali

I speak Shudho-Bangla and can offer sessions in Bengali if required.

Online platforms

Zoom
Microsoft Teams