My Approach

I am a systemic psychotherapist and EMDR therapist who specialises in working with relationships and trauma.

As a Systemic psychotherapist, I approach therapy in a systemic and holistic way; this is to say that I understand that we are all part of, and become who we are, within contexts; also, that we are always in relationship, whether this is within ourselves, others, nature, culture, ...
I understand that we are all unique because of our individuality, circumstances, and experiences. Neurodiversity, ability, gender, sexual orientation, spirituality, age, social class, .... are all parts of who we are and how we relate and show up in the world. A systemic and relational approach is key to making sense of how all these characteristics intertwine and show up in our relationships, identity and sense of belonging.

As a trauma informed, body-oriented and EMDR therapist, working holistically – integrating mind, body, emotions and spirituality in a mindful and compassionate way, is at the core of my clinical practice and how I approach life.

As a human being, I believe in life, human nature and the power of connection and relationships. I deeply believe that when we find ways to understand and be kind and compassionate with ourselves and others when we repair our relationships, we are making a better world for ourselves, for those we love and care about, and for the generations to come.

I believe that therapy, as a safe space, offers the potential to generate a wealth of opportunities for repairing and fostering positive change by increasing our sense of safety, curiosity, flexibility and awareness. This ultimately supports healing and growth.
I feel honoured and humbled to have the privilege of doing this work and accompanying others in their journeys.

About Me

I’m Elena, an integrative psychotherapist. I provide a welcoming, safe space to explore personal and relational difficulties, break old habits and navigate life’s transitions.
I am a certified Systemic Family Psychotherapist and EMDR therapist with a background in bodywork. I originally trained in therapeutic massage and Craniosacral therapy in the 90s. Later, I trained in Nursing, Coaching and Person-Centred Counselling. I have worked within the therapy field for over 20 years in statutory, private and voluntary settings. Alongside my private practice, I continue to work for the NHS as a systemic and family psychotherapist, and for the third sector providing animal assisted psychotherapy. I also offer reflective practices.
I have a special interest in relationships – especially with the self, couples and parent- adult children’s relationships, and in trauma: PTSD, complex trauma and moral injury.

I am particularly interested in the effects of trauma and stress and their potential for growth. I integrate the latest research on polyvagal theory, brain plasticity, body-oriented psychotherapy, and mindful and compassionate presence. I integrate arts and creative and playful ways of working with more directive and solution-focused interventions, depending on my clients’ needs, circumstances and preferences.
My MSc research and lifelong interest lie within trauma and intergenerational and transgenerational trauma, particularly in the contexts of war, oppression and abuse.

What my clients say:
Some clients have described me as “playful. warm, compassionate and straight ‘to the point’, in a challenging and caring way”.

Qualifications
• MSc Systemic Family Psychotherapy
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and reprocessing)
• Post- graduate certificate Person Centred Counselling
• RGN (Registered General Nurse)
• Diploma in Craniosacral therapy
• Master in Coaching
• Family Constellations

I have some additional training and experience in working with trauma, shame, resentment, grief, polyvagal theory, solution-focus, parenting skills, neurodiversity, the incredible early years training, motivational interview, acceptance and commitment therapy, family therapy for eating disorders, functional family therapy, autism in couples, working with genograms, meditation and mindfulness, transparent communication, deep listening, presence and dance, bodywork and movement, ...
I am committed to safe and professionally accountable practice. I adhere to the ethics and standards of my professional body.
I am a full clinical member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), the Association of Family Therapy (AFT)and the NMC. I am also a member of EMDR UK, and the International Craniosacral Association. I speak both English and Spanish fluently.

I work with individuals, couples, families and groups, offering long and short–term therapy: Face to Face/Walk and Talk - Nature Therapy and Online psychotherapy. I frequently work with animals and nature as a co-therapists. I offer reflecting team practices and training to organizations and run workshops regularly.

I work with

• Companies
• Couples
• Families
• Groups
• 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

• Family and Systemic Psychotherapist
• Family Therapist
• Systemic Family and Couple Psychotherapist
• Systemic Psychotherapist

What I can help with

• Abuse
• Addiction
• ADHD
• Adoption
• Age-related Issues
• Anger Management
• Anorexia
• Bereavement
• Bulimia
• Bullying
• Chronic Illness
• Couple Issues
• Cultural Issues
• Depression
• Divorce
• Domestic Violence
• Eating Disorders
• EMDR
• Employment Difficulties
• Family
• Health-related Issues
• Identity Problems
• Infertility
• Mental Health Issues
• Obsessions
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Online Counselling
• Parents
• Physical Abuse
• Post-Traumatic Stress
• Private Practice Issues
• Separation
• Sexuality
• Spirituality
• Stress
• Training
• Trauma
• Workplace Counselling