Julija Silina

I currently have online availability on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and in-person availability on Thursdays and Fridays. 

Life is full of ups and downs, and sometimes we all need a helping hand to navigate the challenges that come our way. If you're feeling overwhelmed by difficult emotions, exploring your thoughts and feelings in a safe, non-judgmental space can be a valuable way to manage and process them. As a therapist, I offer exactly that kind of space.

My approach to counselling is rooted in a dialogue between person-centred and psychodynamic theoretical perspectives, both of which prioritize the importance of the therapeutic relationship and the client's inner experience. I believe that every person has the innate capacity for personal growth and self-understanding, and my role as a therapist is to create a supportive environment that fosters these qualities.

To achieve this, I focus on each client's unique subjective experience, encouraging them to explore their thoughts and feelings in a way that feels safe and supportive. I strive to be empathetic, non-judgmental, and accepting, seeking to understand my clients' perspectives without imposing my own views or agendas.

Using a psychodynamic approach, I explore the unconscious processes that drive behaviour and look at how unresolved conflicts from the past may be impacting current life experiences. Our unconscious thoughts, feelings, and behaviours play a significant role in shaping our world and how we relate to others. By exploring these hidden aspects of ourselves, we can gain a deeper understanding of our inner experience and make positive changes in our lives.

It's also important to me to work in a culturally inclusive way, and I welcome the exploration of my clients' socio-political backgrounds. This opens up an important conversation about how our cultural backgrounds can shape our life experiences and impact our thoughts and feelings. By exploring these themes together, we can gain a greater understanding of our unique perspectives and work towards personal growth and development.

In my practice, I integrate principles from both psychodynamic and person-centred theories to offer a holistic approach to therapy. With the psychodynamic theory, we explore how our past experiences shape who we are today and how unresolved issues may continue to affect us. On the other hand, person-centred theory emphasizes the importance of a safe and authentic therapeutic relationship in facilitating personal growth and reaching your full potential.

My goal is to create a warm and supportive environment where you can feel comfortable exploring your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. Together, we will work collaboratively to identify and address the underlying issues that may be impacting your emotional well-being.

As we progress in our therapeutic journey, I will continually adapt my approach to suit your unique needs and goals. My ultimate aim is to empower you with the tools and insights you need to lead a more fulfilling and satisfying life.

My first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and to begin building a therapeutic relationship. During this session, we will discuss your reasons for seeking counselling and explore how we might work together.

We will use this time to assess whether counselling is the right choice for you and to determine whether we are a good fit to work together. 

During our first session, we will also discuss the counselling process and how it works. I will explain my theoretical approach and give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. We will also discuss the practical aspects of counselling, such as scheduling, fees, and confidentiality.

Above all, my goal for the first session is to create a safe, supportive space in which you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings. I understand that the prospect of counselling can be daunting, and I will do everything I can to make the experience as comfortable and welcoming as possible.