Meet the Therapist: Dilnia Horton

Dilnia Horton is a counsellor in SW4 & SE16

What attracted you to become a therapist?

I experienced feeling alone and couldn't find the right people to make connections. Through studying counselling, I started to build self-confidence, and feeling better understood made me feel more myself. I wanted to work with people and make life easier for those in vulnerable situations.

Where did you train?

I trained in London and obtained my qualification in Counselling and Psychotherapy Academy Training.

Can you tell us about the type of therapy you practice?

I am an integrative counsellor. I use psychodynamic principles, incorporating this with person-centred and cognitive behavioural therapy and many other creative therapies in my work. I am more focused on childhood experiences and how these can lead to present issues. I've also done quite a few trauma CPD trainings, and can work with traumatic experience. I did another diploma on CBT and use my skills for anxiety and low self-confidence, and minor depression.

What sort of people do you usually see?

I have experience in counselling within health services and other primary care settings. I work with adults and couples on a 1:1 basis, offering short-term or longer, open-ended support. These are face-to-face sessions and occasionally Skype sessions.

What do you like about being a therapist?

I like providing a confidential, safe, non-judgmental space to explore what may be contributing to the client's current difficulties, providing him/her with an opportunity to gain another perspective and explore other options and ways of managing their issues.

What is less pleasant?

It is difficult when clients don't commit to their appointment, and don't respond to emails after having a first session and disappear without explaining their reason. Clients can sometimes forget to pay and suddenly not come back to their next session.

How long you've been with welldoing.org and what you think of us?

I've been with welldoing.org about a year.

Do you ever suggest books or apps to clients?

I sometimes suggest mindfulness apps like Headspace.

What you do for your own mental health?

Mindfulness meditation, exercise, getting together with my family.

You are a therapist in Clapham, SW4 & SE16. What can you share with us about seeing clients in those areas?

I see clients in two different locations, in SE16 and in Clapham. A lot of my clients have previously been through the NHS for free short-term counselling.

In Clapham, I mainly have evening clients who are available after work, and can afford private fee as well.

What's your consultation room like?

Both my therapy rooms are comfortably furnished with chairs, tables and lamps.

What do you wish people knew about therapy?

It is safe environment and non-judgmental place to seek support.

What did you learn about yourself in therapy?

I have learnt to understand my coping mechanisms, empower my self-confidence, and my relationships with close family have improved dramatically.