Joanna Barbari

COUNSELLOR IN TRAINING

MSc COUNSELLING STUDIES
 

My background and how I work

Since I was a teenager, I have been fascinated by how the mind works and how it can dominate our day to day lives.

Trusting who you can open up to without being shamed or disregarded can be daunting, and can be even harder as a new parent. Being able to talk about the distressing or uncomfortable feelings that might come up is really important.

Although my Masters training gave me a particular interest in the psychodynamic approach, which focuses on childhood experiences, I am training to become a pluralistic counsellor, which means that sessions are tailored to your particular needs.

What drives me

I know what an enormous relief there can be in expressing exactly how you feel, without feeling shame or fear of judgement. Even if we have the best support systems in place, sometimes it is not enough, and that is where counselling comes in, to ensure you are listened to and supported.

I believe that babies need their parents to be in a good place, and that rather than focussing on the baby, sometimes the parent is the one who needs the support.

Some of my experience

During my BA I learned a lot about how social constructs impact individual mental health. Later down the years, I enrolled in an MSc Counselling Studies at Edinburgh University, and that is where I was offered a much fuller introduction into how counselling works, specifically in the Psychodynamic and Person Centred approaches.

Currently, I am working towards a Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling with Chrysalis.

My credentials

Along with my past and current qualifications, I am also a student member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society. I am also currently a member of the SSSC and hold a PVG.

I also speak English and Greek.

Where you can find me

If you would like to find out more about working with me, please do get in contact.

Sessions with me cost £40.