Victoria Gale MBACP

I am a warm, compassionate and curious practitioner with a passion for self development and wellbeing, philosophy and psychology. I feel privileged to work with my amazing clients, who are all so different in so many ways, but show the same great courage when coming to me to face their fears, pain and distress. Before retraining as a counsellor in 2019, I was a primary school teacher for nearly 20 years. This experience built a strong foundation in my knowledge and understanding of childhood, parenting and family dynamics, as well as SEN and neurodiversity. I have lived and taught in many different schools and countries including Spain, Malaysia and Nigeria.  My professional counselling training and experience has been an integration of humanistic approaches (Person-Centred and Existential Counselling) with Psychodynamic approaches. I also have experience of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and can work with you in this way, if you so wish. I work integratively as I believe no single approach holds all the truth and suits every unique individual. I see the commonalities among the models and I draw upon and integrate their concepts and theories depending on the unique needs, circumstances and preferences of each client. In any case, it is now widely accepted that the relationship between counsellor and client (and not the model or approach) is the most important factor in the success of therapy. My priority is to establish a therapeutic relationship with you that is safe, trusting, collaborative and compassionate, yet challenging. There will be regular opportunities for us to discuss how the counselling is going and whether you are finding it helpful. I have worked in voluntary placements at EASE Wellbeing in Clapham and at ACT in Bromley (formerly Bromley Community Counselling Service). In private practice, I work both online and in person from my counselling room in SE22. I have worked with clients with a wide variety of presenting issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, low self-worth, grief and gender identity, to name a few. I am a registered member of The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) which demonstrates that I meet high standards of proficiency, professionalism and ethical practice. You can find me on the BACP register online by searching for ‘Victoria Gale’ or my registration number 408604. How can I help you? My clients struggle with fear, anxiety, stress, anger, sadness and/or a feeling of being 'stuck', alone or confused about who they are or what they want from life. This distress is often rooted in trauma, grief, work stress, relationship breakdown, poor health, a childhood of unmet needs, and/or identity crisis. Life is tough; we must navigate multiple relationships, search for meaning and purpose in our lives, balance responsibility with choice and freedom, and endure physical and emotional pain, loss and loneliness. My clients want to be heard, accepted and understood. They want to find inner peace and to heal from their pain. I will provide a compassionate and accepting relationship in which you can be yourself and tell your story. Together, we will untangle your feelings, thoughts and behaviours, at your own pace. I will accept and understand you, just as you are, and help you to accept and understand yourself. We can work towards change, healing and/or self-fulfilment. I have worked with many clients who have faced prejudice, discrimination and hatred, just because of who they are. I am committed to a proactive stance against social injustice by challenging the status quo and advocating for those without power or voice. I welcome difference from me in all its forms.