Counselling & Psychoterapy
If you are currently experiencing distress in your life and realise that these issues are impacting your emotional or physical wellbeing then perhaps this is the right moment to talk to someone.
For someone who have never had counselling/therapy before, knowing where and when to start can be difficult, as there are many types of counsellors, therapies, and psychologists, and numerous approaches to choose from.
I offer Person Centred Therapy, creating an environment of empathy and acceptance, based on a robust counselling relationship, where you will feel valued, understood and safe. We work alongside our clients, at their pace, without forcing or directing them.
The person-centred approach is grounded in the teachings of American psychotherapist Carl Rogers. We consider the whole of the person, advocating that it is the relationship between client and therapist that is the most significant factor promoting change and development.
We see the person as the primary source of knowledge about their difficulties and with responsibility for change, believing that everyone has a motivational force towards self-growth, that might have been constrained by unsupportive relations with significant others, and subject to a demanding balance with the cultural and social norms of their environment.
| Understanding my practice
What we do
Provide you unconditional empathy, acceptance and genuineness, whatever your experiences: these will be the relationship conditions that will encourage your growth process
Help you to understand your subjective experience
Help you feel safe, building self-respect, self-empathy and personal worth
In general, support the enhancement of your subjective and psychological wellbeing, moving towards self-direction/healing, and personal recovery
What we do not
Tell you what to do - we do not issue ‘expert recommendations’ about your life
Apply predefined, one-size-fits-all therapy plans, in content or duration
Assume that your specific psychological distress is an 'illness' that requires a ‘prescribed treatment’
Categorise your experiences according to ‘normal’ versus ‘abnormal’ behavioural classifications (that has the potential to create negative bias, stigma, and constraints your tendency to self-development)
Your decision to seek help might have come from experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, ongoing health issues, relationship challenges, or struggling at work. Sometimes, there might be also a referral from a health or social care professional.
And for most of of us, taking the first step to reach out for support can in itself be anxiety-inducing. Thus, let's bring clarity about my practice.
We work with adult people, from all backgrounds, and all sorts of mental/psychological difficulties, and we offer face-to-face and online therapy, meeting your individual preferences, with 50 min. one-to-one sessions.
There is no specific duration, for some six or ten sessions on a weekly or bi-weekly basis might serve the purpose, while for others it may last for a significant number of months.
We look to the individual in full, as most times, the psychological difficulties are not - or not only - inside the person (i.e. biological or intrapsychic in nature) but result from the person’s interaction with the environment.
'Feeling a bit lost on my journey, Sergio offered to have monthly one-to-one sessions [and] confidently guided me to clarify and set my direction with great care. His thoughtful feedback not only helped me better understand myself but also empowered me to leverage [my strengths] for meaningful growth ever since. ‘Invest in a greater you’, one of his motos, has stuck with me ever since.'
Sophia
'I'm incredibly fortunate that I had Sergio as my counsellor. He has been instrumental for setting clear short-term goals that pave the way for my long-term professional aspirations, helping me to create a roadmap to success, one step at a time.'
Peter
| Client Testimonials
(Names have been changed and some personal text omitted, to maintain confidentiality and anonymity)
'Had sessions with Sergio for several months. His useful support led to the creation of my ‘personal brand’ and to invest on my continued growth. Working with Sergio was a pleasure for me from both professional and private points of view.'
John
'Since the start of our ‘work’ together, you have been a true mentor to me, offering invaluable support at every step. Whenever I faced my challenges […], you were always there. I could see myself improving, thanks to your insightful feedback. Your dedication to helping me grow has been inspiring, and I am deeply grateful for all your support over these months.'
Mary
'As I take a moment to reflect […] I felt compelled to reach out and express my heartfelt gratitude for your support and encouragement […] they were invaluable to me. Your constructive feedback pushed me to improve and strive to do better, and I truly appreciate the time and effort you dedicated to me. Your belief in my abilities motivated me to push beyond my limits. I am grateful for what you made me achieve.'
Mohammad
| Ethics, confidentiality and privacy
As a chartered psychologist, I am bound by the British Psychological Society code of ethics and conduct, and practice guidelines, that establish the legal and professional obligations of psychologists.
These include values such as the Client’s right to privacy and confidentiality, respect, consent, and self-determination, among many others.
| Get in touch
Do you have any questions about my practice or how I might support you?
Do you want to book a session?
Please note that due to my professional schedule, currently I can only offer evening and weekend 1-1 sessions.
Please get in touch through this contact form.
Thank you, I look forward to hearing from you.
| Do you need immediate help?
If you or anyone you know is in crisis or danger, private therapy, this site and the above form are not an option.
Please get immediate help by calling:
UK
Emergency: 999
NHS: 111
Samaritans: 116123
EU Countries
Emergency: 112
