My Approach

What I offer:

I seek to create a comfortable, safe and accepting environment where a sense of trust can be built between us. Together, we can create a way of working that is unique to you in order to find ways to think about, process and make sense of your experiences. For some people, emotions and experiences can be hard to talk about. During these times, we may use the arts, regulation techniques, bodywork or play to support self-expression so I can best understand your struggles.

As a therapist, I strongly believe in the healing power of a trusted relationship and the potential that all people have to thrive given the opportunity, understanding and suitable support.

I have significant experience in working with people who have experienced complex trauma, bereavement, loss, parental separation, domestic abuse, attachment/relationship difficulties, health conditions, anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. I work inclusively with differences around race, culture, religion, gender, sexual identity and neurodivergence.

In addition to individual psychotherapy, I also offer therapeutic parenting support. Parent sessions may be required prior to the child/young person attending therapy, or as the sole support in finding ways to understand and help your child.

What to expect:

Free initial phone/online consultation

We can arrange a free 20 minute initial conversation (with parent/carer depending on age) to discuss your concerns. This will give me an opportunity to understand why you've sought therapy (for yourself or your child). You will be able to ask initial questions and we can decide whether we arrange further meetings.

Therapeutic introduction

The introduction process is an opportunity for you to see whether you feel that we can work well together. The introduction usually includes a mutually agreed 3/4 sessions.

If you are referring your child, I will meet with parents/carers to understand the support your child may need. We will explore the current concerns and discuss your child's development, family history and background. Depending on the young person’s age, we may be able to meet without parental involvement. During this meeting, we will discuss a counselling contract outlining the work, practicalities and confidentiality. We can decide whether you would like to meet face-to-face or online. The introduction when referring a child usually includes a mutually agreed combination of 1 or 2 parent/carer meetings, followed by 3-4 child/young person sessions.

Therapy plan

After the introductory 3-4 sessions, we can have a review conversation in which we discuss how you/your child is finding the therapy and if you wish to continue. We will discuss an estimated time-frame for the therapy and whether short or long-term would be the best fit based on the needs and concerns.

Reviews

We will agree on the frequency of reviews to discuss progress. Reviews are an opportunity for us to amend the therapy plan if required.

Where I work:

Online and in-person in Muswell Hill, North London N10.

About Me

Hi, I’m Elena.

I am a Masters level trained Integrative Psychotherapist (University of East London/IATE). I work with individuals, bereaved groups, children, young people as well as parents/carers. I have a Masters degree in Integrative Child Psychotherapy, a Diploma in the therapeutic application of the arts (IATE) and a Postgraduate certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapy (Regents University). I have over 15 years of experience working with children and families in a range of settings. My counselling/therapy style is relational, empathic and I prioritise creating a unique experience for each individual. I am MA trained to use an integrative approach - offering a range of therapeutic interventions based on the needs of the individual, including treatment of trauma responses where appropriate.

I work with

• Families
• Individuals

Special Interests

Like all UKCP registered psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors I can work with a wide range of issues, but here are some areas in which I have a special interest or additional experience.

Types of Therapies Offered

• Integrative Child Psychotherapist

What I can help with

• Abuse
• ADHD
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Autism
• Bereavement
• Bullying
• Cancer
• Depression
• Domestic Violence
• Family
• Gender
• Identity Problems
• Mental Health Issues
• Online Counselling
• Parents
• Post-Traumatic Stress
• Suicide
• Trauma