About me
You might be feeling anxious, struggling with relationships or low self esteem. Perhaps you are tired of overthinking scenarios and of feeling stuck in the same unhelpful patterns, wanting to feel more at ease in your every day life.
Life can feel overwhelming at times and it is not always easy to navigate on your own. Whatever you may be going through, I welcome you to get in touch with me.
In addition to my private practice, I have spent several years working as a counsellor for actors and creatives at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA).
I have worked within an NHS service, the charity sector (including a nationwide charity for older people) and have provided therapy to medical professionals.
Issues I specialise in
I have extensive experience working with anxiety, burnout, depression, low self esteem and relationship issues. I have completed specialist training in bereavement and the impact of childhood bullying on the present.
I work with adults of all ages (over 18) and at all stages of life.
Whatever you are experiencing, I am here to help support you.
I work with professionals working in high pressure, fast paced environments as well as young adults navigating the challenges that often accompany university life, careers and relocation. I also support those experiencing significant life changes, including relationship breakdowns, becoming a parent and menopause.
I have particular experience supporting creatives and those within the performing arts and have a strong understanding of the unique demands of this field.
I work extensively with individuals who feel shaped by more than one culture. My own diverse heritage naturally informs and enriches my work and I aim to offer a space where exploring issues around cultural identity, belonging and difference can be understood with care, sensitivity and support.
My approach
I will meet you with warmth and a steady presence. I see therapy as a conversation between us both. At the heart of our therapy will be developing awareness and I will help guide you to develop a deeper understanding of yourself and to strengthen your own inner resources. Together, we will gently bring into focus patterns and beliefs that may be shaping your life but that may no longer be serving you.
I encourage a collaborative approach between us and we will work at a pace that feels right for you.
While we may explore aspects of the past to better understand current patterns and beliefs, our primary focus remains on how you are currently experiencing the present. This will help support us in exploring possible changes that you may wish to make, gently addressing issues that may be getting in the way of living a more balanced, fulfilling life and of connecting with others.
I understand that starting therapy may feel like a big step and I will hold the space with warmth, care and compassion, supporting you through whatever arises.
Know that I am by your side, to help you figure things out.
I offer both in person or online sessions (or a flexible hybrid of both) either short or long term. My practice is within close walking distance of both Sloane Square and Victoria tube stations and on multiple bus routes.
I work weekdays including early mornings and evenings to accommodate busy work schedules.
Training, qualifications & experience
- I a fully qualified psychotherapist and counsellor, accredited by the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) as a full clinical psychotherapist and I am also a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). This means I have completed rigorous, recognised training and work to high professional and ethical standards set by these professional bodies.
- I have completed a five year postgraduate academic and clinical psychotherapy training at Regent's School of Psychotherapy and Psychology London, holding both a Masters degree (with Distinction) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Integrative Psychotherapy.
- I have completed specialist training in areas including:
- exploring the impact of traumatic experiences from school, including boarding school.
- helping support individuals through grief and bereavement (I completed intensive training with a leading bereavement charity).
- I am a trauma informed mindfulness practitioner.
- I am passionate about supporting my clients' wellbeing and personal growth. Alongside my clinical work, I have designed and facilitated workshops for university students, offering practical tools to navigate academic and personal challenges, including managing anxiety and adapting to change.
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 UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.
As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.
UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
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
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.
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
- Low self esteem and a sense of loneliness, even when surrounded by others.
- Loss of a parent or caregiver (including loss in childhood and anticipatory grief)
- Academic pressure (including navigating university challenges and taking time out from studies)
- Supporting those who wish to explore how their school experiences, including boarding school, may continue to affect them.
- Relationship issues (including family estrangement, divorce, affairs).
- Exploring issues of culture, identity, race and belonging.
- Emotional impact of health related challenges including coming to terms with a medical diagnosis
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
I offer a limited number of sliding scale sessions to help make therapy more accessible for people on different income levels. Please feel free to enquire.
Further information
I am used to guiding people through the initial steps of therapy and I welcome you to contact me by email for an initial enquiry:
christie.vanessa@outlook.com
Communications are confidential and I will aim to respond to you within 24 hours. PLEASE NOTE - *There may be instances where my email reply travels into your junk folder. Please be sure to check this if you do not receive a response from me within 24 hours following an enquiry.*
I currently offer a 10–15 minute introductory telephone call before starting therapy. If you would like to arrange this, please feel free to contact me and I will aim to send you available times within 24 hours.
For further information on how I work, please feel free to visit my website:
www.vchristietherapy.com
