About me
Hi, I'm Valentina
My name is Valentina (she/her), and I am a qualified integrative counsellor offering one-to-one therapy in London, available either on a short-term basis or open-ended. I provide sessions (in italian or english) online or in person at my therapy room in East London.
As you can see from the picture, I am a white woman. My pronouns are she/her.
I am originally from Genoa, Italy, but I have lived in London for more than 20 years.
My professional background has evolved over the years, from working as a bookseller to being a translator and, finally, to becoming a counsellor. My passion for counselling was ignited by my own experience of being in therapy. After volunteering for several years, I made the decision to train as a therapist.
With a deep appreciation for the richness of human diversity, I maintain an open and inquisitive attitude towards understanding people’s varied experiences. I firmly believe that embracing our differences fosters unity and promotes deeper self-awareness.
I provide an LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapeutic space and, by extension, am a QTIPOC ally.
Currently, I work primarily online as I believe it provides a valuable opportunity to connect without the limitations of geography, mobility, health concerns, or demanding work and family schedules. Research strongly supports the effectiveness of this approach, showing that virtual sessions can be just as beneficial as in-person meetings.
My qualifications
BSc in Integrative Counselling from the University of East London accredited by the BACP.
Diploma of Higher Education in Counselling from Birkbeck, University of London
I am a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and abide by their Code of Ethics
Emotional Well-being & Mental Health
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or just stuck in life, you’re not alone. I’m here to offer a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and past experiences. Together, we’ll work toward healing, self-acceptance, and building the emotional resilience you deserve.
Relationships & Identity
Navigating relationships, power dynamics, or questions of identity, gender, and sexuality can be challenging. I offer support in understanding yourself and your connections with others, fostering healthier relationships and greater self-awareness.
Life Transitions & Challenges
Motherhood, aging, loss, illness, and cultural shifts can stir up so many emotions. If you’re feeling unsteady, you’re not alone. I’m here to walk with you through these changes, helping you find your footing and regain your confidence along the way.
Self-Worth & Empowerment
Low self-esteem, past abuse, or societal pressures can affect how you see yourself. Through compassionate therapy, I support you in reclaiming your strength, self-worth, and personal agency.
Experience
Previously, I have worked as a counsellor within a short-term framework with Islington Bereavement Services, a charity in East London, and with St Joseph’s Hospice Bereavement Service, supporting clients as they worked through and around their loss. Additionally, I have worked with Red Kite Support, helping clients who have experienced sexual and domestic abuse. My experience also includes long-term counselling at The Centre for Better Health, where I supported clients presenting with a wide variety of issues.
How I work
As an Integrative Therapist, my approach is specifically tailored to you, drawing from a wide range of therapeutic techniques within my extensive toolbox.
I believe in the importance of collaborative work. Throughout our sessions, I will regularly check in with you to explore how you feel about the counselling process, whether your goals have shifted or evolved, and whether any adjustments to our approach might be helpful.
I hold the belief that you are the foremost expert on yourself, even if it may not always feel that way. My role is to accompany you on your therapeutic journey, offering support and guidance along the way. My aim is to foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive counselling environment where you feel genuinely understood and heard.
I approach our work with sensitivity to your individual context. I recognise that each of us exists within a unique cultural framework, shaped by factors such as ethnicity, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status, and external influences such as politics or the environment. I adapt my approach to honour and meet your needs within this wider context.
How I Can Help
You may have specific goals in mind, be facing difficult emotions, thoughts, or behaviors in the present, or notice how past experiences still affect you today. Perhaps you simply feel that something isn’t quite right. Through my practice, I offer support for a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, abuse (including sexual abuse), relationship issues, identity, motherhood, sexuality and gender, illness, ageing, bereavement, loneliness, feeling stuck, work-related concerns, power dynamics in relationships, workplaces or society, women’s health and menopause, and the complexities of living or working in a different culture.
My Approach
In practice, I work from a Humanistic perspective, which involves exploring your current experiences while remaining mindful of your past and future trajectories. This approach allows us to focus on your present reality and the context that has shaped and continues to influence your journey.
I approach our work with a holistic view, meeting you as a fellow human being in a relationship defined by respect, non-judgement, compassion, and curiosity. I see you as a complex individual, far beyond labels like “problems,” “symptoms,” or “diagnoses.”
In our sessions, I remain attuned to universal existential challenges as well as your unique, personal struggles. Together, we will work towards equipping you with tools to navigate difficult thoughts, emotions, and situations. This process may include simple yet impactful practices, such as mindfulness exercises, which can help create a sense of grounding and presence.
As a counsellor, I work relationally with my clients by creating a safe, supportive, and empathetic space where they feel heard and understood. Building a strong therapeutic relationship is at the heart of my approach, as I believe that healing and growth happen within connection. By exploring patterns in relationships, past experiences, and emotional responses, I help clients gain insight into their challenges and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. Through this collaborative process, I intend to empower my clients to navigate life’s difficulties, build resilience, and move toward meaningful change.
Where appropriate, we can integrate practical techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) tailored to your preferences, needs, and goals.
Regardless of the methods we employ, our sessions will always move at a pace and in a direction that honours your comfort and needs.
Feminist Therapy
My approach is also informed by Feminist Therapy, a framework that fosters empowerment, equality, and understanding in the therapeutic relationship for individuals of all genders.
Feminist therapy empowers clients to challenge oppressive structures and advocate for themselves, fostering confidence and enabling informed decision-making. By addressing gender dynamics and the broader social context, it creates egalitarian therapeutic relationships where every voice is valued equally.
This approach also recognises the importance of intersectionality, offering a nuanced understanding of how your intersecting identities shape your experiences. This insight enriches therapeutic interventions and deepens our understanding of your unique challenges. Feminist therapy validates and affirms marginalised perspectives, fostering self-worth and self-acceptance. It encourages a focus on both personal and systemic change, motivating clients to explore how personal challenges intersect with larger social structures. This dual lens can inspire advocacy, social justice, and meaningful change in both your inner and external worlds.
Finally, this approach emphasises cultural sensitivity, equipping therapists to address the diverse needs of their clients effectively. Feminist therapy offers a transformative framework for personal growth, healing, and positive social change—one that benefits individuals of all genders. My approach integrates feminist therapy principles with a transgender-affirmative lens, recognising the impact of societal norms and discrimination on mental health. Grounded in my research, I create a supportive space for clients to explore their identities without judgment.
I work collaboratively to challenge barriers, foster resilience, and promote self-acceptance. Advocacy, inclusivity, and intersectionality are central to my practice, ensuring clients feel seen, heard, and respected. My goal is to empower transgender individuals towards growth, self-compassion, and agency in their lives.
Help center
Questions and Answers
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about my services.
Where do we start?
We begin with a complimentary 20-minute introductory call or video meeting. This allows us to discuss your motivations for seeking therapy, explore potential approaches, and determine whether short-term or long-term support would be most beneficial for you.
How much does a session cost?
My session fee is £70, payable the day before our session. I also offer a limited number of discounted slots for students or those facing financial constraints, which we can discuss during our initial call.
How often do sessions take place?
If we decide to proceed, we will commit to weekly 50-minute sessions. Regular sessions help maintain continuity and progress in therapy.
Where do the sessions take place?
I offer online sessions via Zoom or MS Teams and in-person sessions from a private office in East London. Online therapy provides flexibility, making it accessible regardless of location, mobility, or scheduling constraints.
What do I need for online therapy?
For online sessions, you’ll need:
- A phone, tablet, laptop, or PC
- A stable internet connection
- Headphones (for privacy and clearer audio)
A private, secure space where you feel comfortable and won’t be interrupted is essential for effective remote sessions. If we decide to proceed, we will commit to weekly 50-minute sessions. Regular sessions help maintain continuity and progress in therapy.
What happens if I need to cancel a session?
Life happens, and I understand that plans may change. However, cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice will incur the full session fee. If I need to cancel, I will make every effort to reschedule at a convenient time.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Yes, research shows that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions. It offers the same level of support while reducing barriers like travel time, accessibility, or health concerns.
What if I don’t have a private space for online sessions?
If privacy is a challenge due to family circumstances or young children, we can explore solutions together to optimise your sessions, such as scheduling at a quieter time or using headphones for added privacy.
What if I need to talk to someone immediately
This service is not intended for emergencies. If you require immediate assistance, please contact your GP, visit your nearest A&E, or reach out to The Samaritans by calling 116 123 for support and a listening service.
