Domenica Stilwell

I currently have availability for online supervision sessions.

I am a trauma-informed clinical supervisor, lecturer, and BACP-accredited psychotherapist, committed to supporting therapists in developing their clinical thinking, confidence, and professional identity. I aim to offer a reflective, collaborative space where you can explore your work openly, think deeply about your clients, and also attend to the impact that this work has on you.

My core training is in psychodynamic psychotherapy, and I hold a Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy and a Master’s degree in Psychotherapy Studies. I have also completed a Diploma in Clinical Supervision, alongside a range of additional training and certificates in trauma-informed approaches to therapy. This combination of training informs the way I hold supervision, with attention not only to theory and technique, but also to the relational and emotional aspects of the work.

As a trauma-informed supervisor, I am particularly mindful of the ways in which trauma can present in the therapy room, and how it can impact both clients and therapists. I aim to support you in working safely, ethically, and thoughtfully, while also helping you to recognise and respond to processes such as vicarious trauma, burnout, and emotional overwhelm.

Alongside my supervisory work, I teach and support trainee therapists, which keeps me closely connected to current thinking, ongoing learning, and the realities of developing clinical practice. I have experience working across both private practice and the charity sector, offering short- and long-term therapy to a diverse client group.

I see supervision as a space not only for case discussion, but for growth, reflection, and integration. My aim is to support you in feeling more resourced, more confident in your clinical decisions, and more connected to your way of working.

The first supervision session is an important starting point, and I aim to make it feel both supportive and professionally grounding. I work as a trauma-informed supervisor first and foremost, which means that I hold in mind not only your clinical work, but also the impact that this work can have on you as a practitioner.

Like the initial therapy session, our first supervision meeting lasts 90 minutes, while ongoing sessions are typically 50 minutes. This extended time allows us to begin building a reflective, collaborative space without feeling rushed.

This first session is an opportunity for me to get to know you as a practitioner. We will explore your current clinical work, your experience to date, and the context in which you are practising. We can also think about what you are hoping to gain from supervision—whether that is developing your clinical thinking, feeling more supported with complex work, deepening your confidence, or having a space to reflect more openly.

As a trauma-informed supervisor, I am particularly attentive to how the work may be impacting you, including areas such as emotional load, vicarious trauma, and the relational dynamics that can emerge in the therapeutic space. Supervision is not only about the client work itself, but also about supporting you to sustain yourself within it.

At the same time, the first session is an opportunity for you to get a sense of me and how I practise as a supervisor. You may wish to ask questions, explore how I work, and reflect on whether the space feels supportive, containing, and aligned with your needs.

There is no expectation to cover everything in one session, and no pressure to present your work in any particular way. This is a space where you can think, reflect, and bring both your uncertainties and your strengths.

By the end of the session, we can consider together whether it feels like a good fit and discuss how we might work going forward.

I am currently available for online sessions. 

I am a BACP-accredited psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, and lecturer, and I feel genuinely privileged to do this work. At the heart of what I offer is a space where you can slow down, be yourself, and begin to make sense of whatever you are going through, without judgment.

Before becoming a therapist, I was a client myself. Therapy had a profound impact on my life and, at times, felt life-saving. Because of that, I have a deep respect for how difficult it can be to reach out for support, and how much courage it takes to sit with another person and begin to talk about what really matters. I don’t take that trust lightly.

People often come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure why things feel the way they do. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you start. We can think about it together. My aim is to offer a space where you feel heard, understood, and able to explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace.

I work in a way that is authentic and human. I won’t sit back in silence or hide behind professional distance. Instead, I aim to be present, engaged, and responsive, while also giving you the space to reflect and find your own understanding. The relationship we build is an important part of the work, and I believe that feeling safe enough to be real is where meaningful change begins.

Alongside my clinical work, I teach and supervise other therapists, which keeps me connected to ongoing learning and reflection. I am passionate about supporting people to better understand themselves, ease their struggles, and move towards a life that feels more manageable, meaningful, and true to who they are.

I am a trauma-informed psychotherapist working in an integrative way, drawing on a range of approaches to support each client as an individual. While my core training is in psychodynamic psychotherapy, my practice is also informed by contemporary developments in the field, including approaches such as Internal Family Systems (IFS). This allows me to work flexibly and thoughtfully, adapting the therapy to your unique needs, pace, and life experience.

I recognise that no two people are the same, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Some people come wanting to understand long-standing emotional patterns, while others are navigating more immediate challenges. My aim is to meet you where you are and work in a way that feels manageable, relevant, and attuned to you.

A central focus of my work is exploring how early experiences, particularly those rooted in childhood, can shape the way we relate to ourselves and others. Experiences of adversity, even when subtle, can leave lasting emotional imprints. Together, we can begin to make sense of these patterns with curiosity and compassion, rather than judgment.

Alongside this, I bring in existential perspectives, supporting clients in reflecting on questions of meaning, identity, and authenticity. This can be particularly valuable when life feels uncertain, overwhelming, or disconnected.

I offer a warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental space where you can feel safe to explore whatever you may be facing. I see therapy as a shared process, where the relationship itself becomes a place for understanding, growth, and change.

I have experience working with a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, eating disorders, ADHD, C-PTSD and the impact of developmental trauma. Alongside my private practice, 

I am deeply committed to supporting you in making sense of your experiences and moving towards a calmer, more connected, and more fulfilling way of being.

The first session is an important starting point, and I aim to make it feel as comfortable and unpressured as possible. Unlike ongoing sessions, which are typically 50 minutes, our initial meeting lasts 90 minutes and is offered at the same cost. This extended time allows us to slow things down and begin the process in a thoughtful and meaningful way.

The first session is an opportunity for me to get to know you. We will gently explore what has brought you to therapy, your current challenges, and any areas of your life you would like to understand or improve. At the same time, we will also look at what is going well. Therapy is not only about difficulties—it is also about recognising your strengths, resources, and what already supports you.

We may touch on aspects of your personal history, relationships, and life experiences, but there is no pressure to share everything at once. You are free to go at your own pace. This is not an assessment you need to “get right,” but a conversation that begins to build a picture of you and your world.

Equally, the first session is an opportunity for you to get a sense of me and how I work. Starting therapy is a significant step, and it is important that you feel comfortable with the person you are working with. You may want to ask questions, get a feel for the space, and notice how it feels to talk with me.

By the end of the session, we can reflect together on whether it feels like a good fit and discuss next steps if you decide you would like to continue.

There is no obligation to commit beyond this first meeting. It is simply a space to begin, to explore, and to see whether working together feels right for you.