Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on current problems and difficulties, rather than past events. It can be used to help us understand how our way of thinking and behavioural patterns contribute to maintaining low mood and anxiety. Past events and interactions are also considered which helps to create a better understanding of how problems have developed. The therapist and the client work together collaboratively to create the best treatment plan which helps to make positive changes and learn effective coping strategies. The sessions are structured and CBT supports clients to become 'their own therapists'. Through exercises in the session as well as 'homework exercises' outside of the sessions clients are encouraged to practice coping skills and learn to change their way of thinking.

Success story: I came into Therapy as a last resort with little belief on the concept. With Grazyna's help, I was able to use her advice, knowledge and techniques to tackle my anxieties and fears head on. With this, I now have more control over the negative habits I developed through my condition and the progress I was able to achieve is unimaginable, I will be forever grateful for the patience and care Grazyna took to help me. (W. 30 y)

Counselling

Integrative Counselling draws on a variety of approaches to offer therapy that is tailored to an individual's needs. It offers the client an opportunity to explore their problems in a non-judgemental and empathic environment. The therapist uses attentive listening and inquisitive questioning to help the client gain an in-depth understanding of their issues. Developing a trusting and safe therapeutic relationship forms an important part of therapy. Understanding how the client relates to the therapist helps to increase their awareness of how they interact with others and relate to themselves. Integrative Counselling can be long-term or short-term as it follows clients needs and offers them space to voice their thoughts and explore their feelings.

Success story: Therapy with Grazyna has helped me to have a deeper look at myself and learn how to treat myself better and with more compassion. I am very grateful for our sessions and can definitely recommend having her as a therapist. (B. 27 y)

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a specific therapeutic approach that helps people to heal and recover from emotional distress that is a result of disturbing life experiences. Evidence shows that with EMDR treatment people can experience positive changes and overcome their traumatic symptoms much faster than with traditional therapy. There is an assumption that severe and prolonged emotional pain requires a long time to heal. However, EMDR therapy shows that the mind is geared towards self-healing and can recover from psychological trauma as the body recovers from physical trauma. If we cut a finger our body works to close the wound. However, if there is a foreign object or repeated injury irritating the wound, it festers and causes pain. Once the obstacle is removed, the healing resumes. EMDR therapy shows that a similar sequence of events happens with healing emotional pain and mental blocks. Following the premise that the brain is naturally geared towards recovery EMDR therapy has developed a specific protocol which helps to establish an optimal state of mind for the brain to activate its natural healing processes and create positive changes that can happen rapidly.

Success story: I am so grateful to have met Grazyna. She listened so intently on my initial phone call. Just meeting Grazyna made me feel that someone understood, and her natural manner and sense of calm made me feel there could be hope and that the life I knew could return. I could not believe that the EMDR would work but I trusted her experience and her measured, non-sales approach. The sessions were straightforward and helpful. I saw results and started to feel improvement from the outset. I now have my sense of control and balance back and I am driving as I was previously. I would highly recommend G and encourage you to receive from her skills and experience in your challenging time through life’s journey. (C. 58 y)

Couples Counselling

Couples counseling is a therapeutic approach designed to help partners improve their relationship by addressing communication issues, resolving conflicts, and enhancing emotional intimacy. The therapist facilitates discussions between partners, guiding them to understand each other’s needs, build healthier patterns of interaction, and work through challenges such as trust issues, infidelity, or differing life goals. The goal of couples counseling is to strengthen the relationship, improve mutual understanding, and help couples develop the skills needed to manage future conflicts effectively.

Mediation

I offer mediation to organisations and private parties. The process usually takes one day and is focused on achieving an agreement satisfactory for both parties involved. The mediation day is structured and typically follows seven stages as presented below:

  • Stage 1 - Initial contact with Party 1 (9:00 am)
  • Stage 2 - Initial contact with Party 2 (10:30 am)
  • Stage 3 - Preparing to work on the dispute (12:00 pm)
  • Stage 4 - Joined session with Party 1 and Party 2 (2:00 pm)
  • Stage 5 - Exploring and working on the issues (2:45 pm)
  • Stage 6 - Building agreements (3:30 pm)
  • Stage 7 - Closure and follow up (4:00 pm)

Walk & Talk Therapy

Walk & Talk therapy is a therapeutic approach where the client and therapist engage in conversation while walking outdoors, typically in a natural setting. This method combines traditional talk therapy with the physical benefits of walking, which can help reduce stress and increase relaxation. The movement promotes a more open, less formal atmosphere, often leading to more comfortable and productive discussions. Walk & Talk therapy is particularly beneficial for those who find it hard to sit still or feel confined by a traditional therapy setting, offering both mental and physical well-being benefits.

Success story: Grazyna is a brilliant therapist and I am forever grateful for the time and patience she gave me. Having therapy has been a life changing experience! Highly recommended! (L. 55 y)

Supervision

I am BABCP Accredited Supervisor. I have been supervising trainees and qualified clinicians for a number of years whilst working in the NHS for IAPT services and in a private setting.

I see therapy supervision as a collaborative process of providing space for reflection on the clinical practice with guidance, support, and constructive feedback. It helps to ensure that the supervisee's therapeutic practices are ethical, effective, and aligned with professional standards. Supervision helps therapists develop their clinical skills, manage challenging cases, reflect on their own emotional responses, and prevent burnout. It also provides a space for discussing ethical dilemmas and improving overall competence.

I am happy to offer supervision to Counsellors, CBT therapists and Therapists in training.