Eleni Gardikiotis

PROFESSIONAL INFO:

I began my career via working alongside children & adolescents in a residential home as a ‘THERAPEUTIC PARENT’, followed by a year in a primary school as a ‘LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANT’, assisting them overcome emotional & behavioural challenges.

I later found myself a role as an ‘NHS THERAPIST & CASE MANAGER’ for the 16-19 CAMHS TEAM. I remain extremely grateful for this opportunity, as it was this role that made me realise that mental health is indeed the career path I wish to follow.

I later began employment as a ‘TELEPHONE COUNSELLOR’, supporting adults of all ages seek & remain in employment.

Alongside this, I also worked as a part-time ‘CRISIS WORKER’ for the Staffordshire ‘SARC’ (Sexual Assault Referral Centre), supporting victims of attacks of a sexual nature.

Via the above, I had been working towards gaining the experience & confidence to create my very own counselling practice. I was fortunate enough to make this a reality in February 2019, & have been fully self-employed as of January 2020 (truly a dream come true!)

PERSONAL INFO:

I am a British-Greek bilingual, having spent the majority of my life in sunny Corfu!

I currently reside in Leighton, with my partner & two dogs (who I love dearly!).

Being a mental health professional & receiving a Crohn’s disease diagnosis in 2016, have made me very passionate about invisible illness awareness (‘not every disability is visible!’).

VIEWS ON THERAPY:

I have been part of hundreds of sessions over the years, as a counsellor & a client. There is no doubt in my mind that talking therapy WORKS!

There is something truly magical about taking the time to truly focus on you, trusting that there is someone there, just for you, to support in guiding you to a healthier place.

For this reason I take pride in being professional, respectful, but most importantly, genuine towards each and every client.

Prior to our initial session, I will be welcoming you to attend a 15-20 minute discussion (face to face or over the telephone) to allow us both the opportunity to ask any questions and for yourself to get a feel of how I work. The therapeutic contract will also be discussed at this point. 

Should we both agree that we would work well together, we would arrange our initial session, usually within the next few days if this is suitable.

If either of us is apprehensive about moving forward, I will signpost in a direction I feel would be most appropriate and of course allow you time to think thing through at your own pace.