Olga Chernyavska is an online counsellor


What attracted you to become a therapist?

I wanted to provide professional psychotherapeutic support to those who do not feel understood and supported.


Where did you train?

I trained at CCPD Counselling School in London as a humanistic integrative counsellor.

I am now training as an anthroposophic psychotherapist.


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

I have chosen this approach for two reasons:

  • The importance of the individual’s abilities and strengths to reach their full potential. This is something humanistic approaches emphasise.
  • To understand a variety of therapeutic orientations and their benefits in order to select best techniques for each client. I practiced and learnt how to integrate person-centred, transactional analysis, gestalt, transpersonal and psychodynamic theories.


As part of my continuous professional development, I completed an NLP course. NLP explores the way we communicate with ourselves and others and the impact it has on our behaviour and outcomes.

I completed training as kundalini yoga teacher. Yoga brings a unified effect on the body, mind and spirit.

I am currently undertaking a course in anthroposophic psychotherapy, which specialises in trauma.


How does integrative therapy help?

As an integrative therapist, I use my knowledge from my previous and current education in psychology, social work, counselling, psychotherapy and NLP to benefit my clients.

I consider their individual characteristics, preferences, strengths, needs and beliefs. My clients take an active role in their therapy sessions to find the best approach to self-understanding and healing.

I have a recognised qualification in equality and diversity. I completed formal work-related health and safety training. These have given me insight into people's experiences in relation to work problems and stress. 

I help my clients to cope with anxiety, stress, overwhelm as well as ability to create and maintain boundaries.


What sort of people do you usually see?

I work with clients who are over 18. I am experienced in helping clients to manage and overcome common psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression.


Have you noticed any recent mental health trends or wider changes in attitude?

During the pandemic mental health concerns became more recognised and widespread in the UK. British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy released their Mindometer report in 2021. It was based on a survey of nearly 5,000 therapists, who have noticed since the start of the pandemic an increase in anxiety (87%), stress and/or feeling overwhelmed (82%) and loneliness or social isolation (72%).


What do you like about being a therapist?

I like to see that my good will and many years of studying make a positive difference to the people in need. This motivates me to continue learning and improving my practice.


What is less pleasant?

As a private practitioner I have to make sure that I am up to date with all the necessary paperwork, which needs to be completed correctly to enable me to continue working.


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

I started to use Welldoing last year. I like that therapists can publish their articles, which might be useful to the general public.


Do you ever suggest books or apps to clients?

I encourage my clients to read relevant materials, put into practice new skills and reflect between sessions to support their journey in therapy.


What you do for your own mental health?

I like reading, exercising and spending time with my family.


You are an online therapist. What can you share with us about seeing clients online?

I work online only. The benefits of it to the clients include enjoying the privacy of their own home, ability control their environment (having cushion, blanket, temperature, hot drink, lighting) and enjoying more convenience (greater accessibility for some disabilities, save time and money on travel)

During therapeutic sessions with me, my clients see neutral wall and picture. They also see houseplants to help them feel at ease.

I ask my clients to make sure that they are in a quiet and confidential space during a therapeutic process.


What do you wish people knew about therapy?

Therapy is an interesting and positive journey of self-exploration, if you have a good match with your therapist.


What did you learn about yourself in therapy?

I learnt that therapy is not about finding a fault and/or perfecting myself but it is about understanding myself and using this enhanced awareness to my advantage.


Contact Olga here

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