Virginia Messina
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Welcome to this page, I am Virginia, an experienced Rogerian trauma-informed psychotherapist. If you are here and have a burning desire to start feeling better, be fully accountable of your healing journey, then I would love to hear from you, because we not only can work together, but we would work in a way that is truly empowering and liberating, I promise you.
Who can I help?
I have completed my training as a volunteer for a domestic violence refuge, so I have a profound passion for working with clients who have experienced domestic abuse (romantic or parental) or who need support within their romantic relationships. Whether you have low self-esteem, anxiety about establishing new relationships, difficulty trusting a new one, struggle with depression as a result of a break up or blaming yourself for allowing the abuse, I can help. In addition, if you are an eclectic individual who struggles to express your feelings using words and could benefit from utilizing your own art, such as drawing, writing poems, music, ext, I would love to support you too. I have a huge passion for other ways of self-expression. After all, the therapeutic space is yours, so you can bring in whatever you wish.
How does it look like someone with low self-esteem or relationship issues?
- Constant self-doubt and negative self-talk( I am stupid, I am useless, I am never enough)
- Difficulty trusting others
- Fear of rejection or abandonment
- Feeling unworthy of love or affection
- Avoidance of social situations or intimate relationships
- Overly dependent on others for validation
- Overly independent and keeping others at a distance
- Tendency to prioritize others' needs over their own
- Difficulty setting boundaries in relationships
- Poor or no relationship with the self (I.e. Not spending time with the self as it feels boring, sad or lonely)
These are some examples, however they are non exhaustive. If you feel you can benefit from working together, I would love to hear from you.
What now?
During our discovery call, I will ask you to condense in few words why you feel you need therapy and what exacty you wish to work on/achieve. It is impossible for me to fully explain all the beautiful things and the enriching work that can be done, because that will uniquely depend on your willingness and wish to work on areas that YOU think you might benefit from. I will of course investigate it further and together, identify and assess exactly what you need and the best steps to move forward. Lastly, I will briefly talk about the services I offer and if we feel suitable for one another, our journey will start.
Why working with me?
- I have had firsthand experience of the profound impact that abuse can have on you. As such, I am absolutely judgement-free and any small change that will occur, will be celebrated.
- I value the DEEP work: whilst building strategies to feel better in the moment is fundamental, it might not last longer if not accompanied by an in-depth exploration of what role you are playing within the dynamic you are in, what are the hidden benefits, and in so empowering you to act differently because you genuinely want to. As such, I will never be just a passive listener: I will not shy back from challenging you so that you can gain insight, develop awareness and strategies to reach your desired goal. I am absolutely serious and committed to my work and to facilitate your journey. I am direct and straightforward, I do not edulcurate reality and I promise I do not bite, but know that If you are looking for a softer approach, I might not be the right person for you. Does it mean I am not compassionate? Hell no, this is just my style but it is important that you know that beforehand.
My theoretical approach
My approach is Rogerian, also known as person-centred, and it is trauma-informed. This means that I regard you as your own expert. I understand the impact of Trauma on mental, emotional, and physical well-being, so in our work, physical and emotional safety are of utmost importance.Lastly, I can incorporate approaches and techniques that address both the psychological and somatic aspects of trauma.
My services
I offer single session therapy, a focused, condensed, and structured approach recommended for individuals who feel stuck despite being aware of their situation. This session typically last between 1 to 2 hours and involve thorough preparation. During the session, we'll discuss your current challenges, identify obstacles, and collaboratively find practical solutions to help you become unstuck. Together, we'll create an action plan and implement it, ensuring it works for you. If you're experiencing financial strains, seek ad-hoc support or feel you do only require one session as already highly aware of what you need and what is going on, then single session therapy offers an affordable and accessible option for addressing your needs effectively.
I also offer both long-term and short-term therapy options tailored to meet your specific needs and goals. Whether you're seeking ongoing support for deeper exploration and growth or a focused approach to address immediate challenges, I provide flexible and personalized therapy sessions to help you navigate your journey towards healing and self-discovery.
Training, qualifications & experience
I have been in training for over 5 years, my qualifications are:
- Foundation degree in counselling and psychotherapy with Distinction- University of Central Lancashire (Level 5)
- ABC Level 3 in Counselling Skills – Bolton College
- ABC Level 2 Counselling Concepts – Bolton College
- BACP Online/Telephone Counselling
- Level 1 Certificate in Safeguarding
- Suicide Awareness Training
- Enhanced Risk Management Training
- Mindfulness training (ongoing)
Additional CPD
- Treating Trauma with Internal Family Systems
- Putting Polyvagal Theory into practice with Deb Dana (PESI,UK)
- Mindfulness certification (ongoing)
- Treating Trauma with IFS: step by step procedures for healing Trauma, anxiety, Depression and more (PESI UK)
- Healing trauma with Janine Fisher: essentials strategies for Shame, Self-Loathing and working with the Body (PESI UK)
I completed my qualification working for a domestic abuse charity, thus I have gained extensive experience in working with domestic abuse survivors and individuals who have endured psychological, emotional, sexual and physical abuse. After qualifying, I ventured into self-employment and currently enjoy working privately.
I am dedicated to continuously enhancing my counseling practice and broadening my knowledge through ongoing CPD activities.
Member organisations
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.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Love addiction (Co-dependency)
Complex -PTSD
Therapies offered
Fees
£45.00 - £55.00
Additional information
Therapy session (50 mins) standard rate – £45
Single therapy session( between 1 to 2hrs) - £55
Block of 10x Sessions with a discount available
I ask for payment to be made 24 hours before each session, via bank transfer.
If you have any questions or require more information, feel free to book for a FREE 15 mins discovery call. Alternatively, if you want to start straightaway, do not hesitate to drop me an email. Please note I would still need to hear from you and together identify if we can be suitable,as that is the most important requirement for therapeutic success.
With gratitude,
Virginia
When I work
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Working hours : from 10am until 7pm
I might be able to offer more flexibility so feel free to reach out should you not find a suitable time slot.
Further information
I am fully qualified, currently a Registered member of the BACP, fully insured and registered with ICO.
In addition, I can speak Italian too, so if you are an expat and are looking for someone to have therapy with, with whom you can express yourself effortlessly, do not hesitate to get in touch. A presto!
