I'm Paulina, Individual and couples Therapist and I'm here to be your guide on your journey to emotional well-being. I believe that every person's story is unique, and I'm here to help you navigate the ups and downs of life.
 
Whether you're facing overwhelming stress, relationship challenges, or simply seeking personal growth, I offer a safe and judgment-free space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings. Together, we'll work towards understanding your inner world, developing coping strategies, and achieving the positive changes you seek.
 
With a compassionate and holistic approach to therapy, I draw from various therapeutic modalities to tailor our sessions to your specific needs. My goal is to empower you to discover your inner strengths and build resilience, fostering lasting happiness and fulfilment.
 
Let's embark on this transformative journey together, one step at a time. I'm excited to get to know you and support you on the path to a happier and healthier life.
 

Couples and Relationship Psychotherapy and Counselling 
 
I have a passion for helping couples build stronger, healthier relationships. My approach to couples psychotherapy is founded on empathy, trust, and a commitment to helping you and your partner navigate the challenges you face together. 

My Approach:
 
I believe that every couple is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to relationship issues. My approach is highly personalized, drawing from various therapeutic modalities, including:
 
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): I help you identify and express your emotions in a safe and supportive environment, fostering a deeper connection between you and your partner.
 
Communication Skills: Effective communication is at the heart of any successful relationship. I will provide tools and techniques to improve how you and your partner communicate and resolve conflicts.
 
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: I will incorporate mindfulness practices to help you stay present in your relationship and manage stress effectively.
 
Attachment Theory: Understanding attachment styles can be transformative for couples. I will guide you in exploring your attachment patterns and how they impact your relationship dynamics.
Problem-Solving Strategies: I will work with you to develop practical problem-solving skills, so you can tackle issues as a team.

Issues I can help with:

Ineffective Communication 

At the core of a flourishing relationship is healthy communication. I will provide practical tools and strategies to polish your communication skills, resolve conflicts, and understand each other better.

Intimacy issues

Juggling career, parenting, and everyday tasks can take a toll on your relationship. You may feel exhausted, lonely, and detached, struggling to connect and enjoy intimacy with each other.  I will help you gain an understanding of the ways in which your parenting influences your relationship. Together, we will develop strategies to strike a better work-life balance, manage parenting responsibilities, and reconnect emotionally and physically. 

Affairs and Betrayals

Our relationships are built on trust. When someone we trust the most betrays us, it can sever our feeling of security and self-worth. I can help you understand the fundamental causes of adultery, reestablish trust, and heal whether you decide to stay together or split after infidelity. Whether you decide to stay together or go separate ways after infidelity, I can help you understand the root causes of infidelity, restore trust, and heal. 

Trust issues

Couples counselling provides a safe setting where you can address problems related to broken trust after betrayal, infidelity, or insecure attachment. I will guide you toward rebuilding trust and healthy relationships with yourself and others.

Reigniting the spark after becoming parents

Nurturing connection and passion in marriage while raising little children can be challenging. Relationship counselling can provide a safe space to communicate openly and address any emotional or intimacy challenges that you have been experiencing. I can also help you develop strategies to reconnect, balance parenting with a healthy relationship, and prioritize your partnership.

Life transitions

I help couples adjust to major life changes such as relocation, welcoming a new baby, job loss, separation or divorce, becoming a caregiver to an elderly parent, or illness.

Ongoing conflicts, Relationship Crises and Distress

Conflicts are unavoidable in our relationships and should not be avoided. What counts is how we reach out and repair after a disagreement. I will work with you to improve your communication and conflict resolution skills. We will work together to unpack any underlying issues and find better methods to navigate arguments and stressors in your relationship.

Mental health challenges

The state of our mental health significantly impacts our relationships with others. I will assist you in managing the impact of mental health issues on the relationship and coping with your symptoms.

Developing problem-solving strategies

I will work with you to develop practical problem-solving skills so that you can face challenges as a united front, turning them into opportunities for growth and bonding.

Relationship Psychotherapy

As humans, we have an innate need to connect with others. However, navigating relationships can be challenging at times.

As an integrative psychotherapist, I believe every relationship is unique and deserves a tailored approach. My psychotherapy methods, developed through years of training and experience, are grounded in inclusivity, empathy, and a deep understanding of diverse relationship dynamics. I am passionate about assisting people in discovering their authentic selves and finding authenticity in their relationships. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of parent-child dynamics, in-law challenges, toxic work relationships, difficulties of open relationships, or unique challenges in LGBTQ relationships, I am here to guide and support you.

Working with Parents and Parents-to-be

As a parent myself I am particularly interested in working with parents and parents-to -be. I recognise that, while becoming a parent can be a joyful experience, it can also be a huge challenge, especially for people who grew up in dysfunctional families.

 Childhood and developmental trauma affects the way we operate in the world, on many different levels, and this can be thrown into the spotlight when we have children of our own. The strategies we have developed to help us cope may hamper us from creating the life we want and can impact our relationships with our children.

 In my work as a psychotherapist, I help clients to understand the impact that such early trauma has on our brains and our bodies. I help them to see how certain responses can become normalised and how this affects their ability to parent. Most importantly, I show them how they can adapt these responses so their experience of parenthood is more positive and rewarding.

Being a parent is a tough job and there can be many different reasons why people seek extra support from a therapist. It might be because family dynamics have become very strained and difficult. Or because of challenges your children or teenagers are facing. Or you might seek support because of difficulties around adoption or fostering, or something else altogether.

 I work one-to-one with parents or with whole families. In family therapy, my approach is to ensure that everyone within the family feels heard and understood. Individuals have an opportunity to express what is going on for them. And we agree a plan to try and tackle the issues and agree a more positive way forward.

 Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy
 
 I am passionate about helping children navigate the challenges of growing up. With over a decade of experience, I specialize in providing a safe and nurturing space for kids and adolescence to express themselves.
 
Approach:
 
My approach combines evidence-based therapies with creativity, using play, art, and storytelling to connect with young minds. Together, we'll help your child build resilience, cope with challenges, and nurture their inner strengths. I'm committed to supporting families through the ups and downs of childhood, fostering growth and happiness.

Trauma and PTSD: Working with children who have experienced traumatic events or suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Anxiety and Depression: Providing therapy for children struggling with anxiety disorders or depression.

Behavioral Disorders: Addressing behavioral issues, such as ADHD, conduct disorders, or oppositional defiant disorder.

Autism Spectrum Disorders: Supporting children with autism and their families in developing social and emotional skills.

Attachment and Relationship Issues: Helping children build healthy attachments and navigate relationship difficulties.

Family Therapy: Working with families to improve communication and resolve conflicts that impact children's well-being.
Grief and Loss: Assisting children coping with the loss of a loved one or other significant life changes.

School-Related Challenges: Addressing academic and social difficulties that affect a child's well-being and development.

Developmental Disorders: Providing intervention and support for children with developmental delays or disorders. 

What to Expect:
 
When you bring your child to my practice, you can expect a warm and non-judgmental atmosphere. I engage with children through age-appropriate activities and communication, making therapy sessions enjoyable and beneficial. I also work closely with parents and guardians to foster understanding and support at home.
 
 
Adult Psychotherapy
 
I am a dedicated therapist with a passion for helping adults thrive. I provide a warm and non-judgmental space for you to explore your unique journey. My approach combines evidence-based therapies with a focus on your strengths. Together, we'll tackle issues like anxiety, depression, life transitions, and more. I'm here to guide you towards personal growth, resilience, and a happier life. Let's work together to empower you to overcome obstacles and live your best life. I providing holistic and individualized care to support you mental and emotional well-being. My approach integrates various therapeutic modalities to create a customized treatment plan that addresses each client's unique needs.
 
Approach:
 
I  believes that every individual is unique and deserves a personalized approach to therapy. I draws from a diverse range of evidence-based modalities, tailoring my approach to each client's specific goals and challenges.
 
Areas of Specialisation:

• Couples navigating relationship and communication challenges
• Couples struggling to reconnect after having children. 
• Affairs and Betrayals 
• Reigniting the spark after becoming parents
• Adolescents experiencing emotional and behavioural difficulties
• Anxiety and Stress Management
• Depression and Mood Disorders
• ADHD/Autism
• Self-esteem and Self-confidence
• Life Transitions and Adjustments
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Contact me today to build a future where your partnership thrives, and join me in this journey towards a healthier, more fulfilling relationship.