Casilda Bartholomew

I'm a London-based psychotherapist offering face-to-face sessions in Balham (SW17) on a Wednesday. On other days of the week I work with clients online.

My approach is integrative. Underpinning my work is a strong emphasis on person-centred theory and the ideas of Carl Rogers. I also draw on ideas from psychodynamic theory, in particular its insights on early life experiences and how they shape us. I am interested in Freud's notion that love and work are crucial to our psychological health, as well as Winnicott's belief that play and creativity are key to building confidence and self-esteem.

I am currently training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an action-oriented approach that's all about connecting with our values in order to lead a fuller and more meaningful life.

In my practice I strive to be warm and responsive. I value each and every client and know how hard it can be to seek help, particularly at times of sadness, loneliness or low self-worth. I offer an empathic, non-judgmental space that's designed to help you feel safe, supported and able to talk freely about whatever's troubling you. Together we can explore the difficulties you face, whether it's feeling unhappy in your relationship, stuck in life or low in self-confidence. Equally it could be feelings of grief and heartbreak after the death of a loved one, or a sense that undealt-with issues from your past are hampering your progress in life.

I believe that psychotherapy offers a unique space that isn't easily found in our everyday relationships. Over time the process of giving voice to your thoughts and feelings in weekly therapy can be very rewarding, empowering you to develop new insights and identify what matters most to you. Together we can help to set in motion the positive changes you wish to make.

I see clients face-to-face in Balham (SW17) on a Wednesday. On other days of the week I offer online sessions.

For new clients I offer a 30-minute initial consultation on Zoom that's free of charge. This would give you a chance to experience how a session feels.

All sessions, whether in-person or online, last for 50 minutes.

In our first session, whether in-person or online, we would talk about how I work, what your expectations of counselling are and any worries you might have. I would also ask a few questions about your general health. We would then decide if I'm the right person for you.

If we decided to go ahead we would agree on a time and day of the week for your sessions. Each session, whether online or in-person, would last for 50 minutes. We might typically plan six or 12 sessions, depending on your preference, with the option of continuing in an open-ended way if you felt there was more to explore.