Welcome.

I have undergone something of a woman’s odyssey. In my forties I sold my belongings, gave up my apartment, moved to student halls of residence and undertook my Doctorate. It is never too late to learn, to change! I have faced adversity and what at times has felt like insurmountable challenges to reach a state of wellbeing. I have fulfilled many of my goals and dreams.

I do not claim that what I have learnt and practiced for myself can be applicable to everyone and that transformation is possible for all. Every human being is highly complex and their own enigma. You hold the key. However I hope that you might benefit from my journey’s (personal and professional as a clinician, yoga & meditation instructor and former dancer/actress) learnings, discoveries and the evidence-based modalities that I have trained in and practice.

I offer one-on-one personal therapy,  facilitation, coaching, longer workshops and an online self-study course.  I also publish self-care tips on my blog. I have facilitated tightly-knit gatherings and presented at much larger forums.

Working with me one on one

I have completed the taught part of my Doctorate in Counselling Psychology (PsychD) and currently await to present at my Viva. I am scheduled to qualify as a Doctor in Psychology by the end of 2023. I have worked as a trainee Counselling Psychologist in the National Health Service (NHS) as well as an Executive and occupational coach, facilitator and yoga & meditation instructor in a variety of settings. Today I work full-time (over 4 days) in the NHS as a specialist counselling psychologist (preceptorship) and the rest of time support clients in my small private practice.

My approach is multi-theoretical, eclectic and integrative combining all the evidence-based aspects of what I have seen work effectively and includes:

• Person-centred and existential psychotherapy
• Psychodynamic psychotherapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), DBT & Mentalisation
• Adapted personal therapy and coaching speciality for Neurodivergent clients (Autism & ADHD or both)
• Inner Bonding® (certified facilitator in June 2019), which is a form of inner child/inner reparenting modality
• Yoga, Meditation & Breath work (200 hours Teacher Training qualification obtained in India)
• Psychodrama & Art 
• Career-coaching (accredited level 2 Performance Consulting coach)
• Public-speaking: as an ex professional writer/actress/producer, I can incorporate drama, movement, film- interviewing techniques and elements of physical expression  if required.

Public Speaking and In person workshops

In addition to working individually one on one, I am also a public speaker and workshop facilitator in a variety of subjects having devised many training materials for a wide variety of organisations of various sizes in various industries. I  have taken various groups of clients through my online courses and webinars. Get in touch to find out more.

“Irena has worked with me on a personal basis by being a confidant as I am dealing with fatherhood for the first time alongside my career coming to a crossroads. She also pushed me to consider the qualities I have developed through my previous career and crucially, its relevance to the workplace. It has given me greater confidence to use that to help myself and others.”

A.M, Global Corporate firm, London

“I worked with Irena on student projects during her time in our Global Corporate firm. She made a huge impression on the students. She is very articulate, engaging and her approach to workplace wellness was very refreshing. She can not underestimate the impact she made on those she worked with or met during her time in our firm.”

Richard Moodey, Global Corporate firm, London

Working together and how sessions work

The key pre-requisites for us working together are 1) a readiness, willingness and openness to learning as well as 2) taking responsibility for the ways you might be thinking or behaving, which might be contributing to your difficulties. These are the key ingredients for any successful change to happen.

I work in two ways. I offer 1) ‘walk-in/single session‘ therapy/counselling or coaching and/or 2) longer term personal therapy/counselling. With walk-in/single sessions, I would require you to answer brief questions about what your goals might be. These single sessions might be about sign-posting you. There is no obligation for you to return. In longer term work, the first two 50 minute sessions include an initial assessment comprising of a very brief personal history, an understanding of the reason(s) for you seeking help and shaping the goals which will allow us to co-work together on this process.

For fees check the connect page

Please email us for more information on [email protected]

We aim to respond within 48 hours.