Sigal Shalev

Human beings are complex. Sometimes we know something needs to change, yet find ourselves reacting in the same ways, struggling with the same emotions or becoming caught in familiar relationship patterns. Therapy offers an opportunity to explore those patterns with curiosity rather than judgement, making lasting change feel possible rather than overwhelming.

Many people come to me because they feel overwhelmed by anxiety, struggle to manage anger or other intense emotions, find themselves repeating unhelpful relationship patterns, or simply want to understand themselves better. Others are coping with bereavement, relationship difficulties, work-related stress or life transitions. Whatever has brought you to therapy, my aim is to provide a calm, thoughtful and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly, at your own pace.

I work as an integrative, relational and trauma-informed counsellor and psychotherapist. Rather than relying on a single therapeutic model, I draw from a range of psychological approaches, tailoring therapy to each individual. I believe no one theory can fully explain a person's experience. Together we'll explore not only what is happening now, but also how earlier relationships, experiences and ways of coping continue to influence your thoughts, emotions and relationships today.

A particular area of my work is helping people understand anger and emotional regulation. Anger itself is a healthy emotion, but it can become difficult when it feels overwhelming, comes out in ways we later regret, or turns inward as self-criticism and shame. Rather than simply trying to control emotions, I help clients understand where these reactions come from, the purpose they once served, and how new ways of responding can be developed.

Clients often tell me that one of the most helpful parts of therapy is understanding why they respond as they do. As understanding grows, shame often begins to lessen, self-compassion develops and lasting change becomes more achievable.

I have particular experience working with:

• Anger management and emotional regulation

• Anxiety and chronic stress

• Childhood trauma and its lasting impact

• Low self-esteem and self-criticism

• Relationship and attachment difficulties

• Bereavement and loss

• Life transitions and personal development

Alongside thoughts and emotions, I also consider the wider context of your life, including your relationships, nervous system, physical health, culture, race, identity, spirituality, age and any other aspects that may be important to understanding your experience. My aim is always to tailor therapy to you rather than expecting you to fit a particular model.

I trained as an Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist at the Minster Centre in London and offer counselling, psychotherapy and clinical supervision both online and from my practice in Kingston upon Thames, in south west London. My practice is easily accessible from central and south London, with regular trains from Waterloo to Kingston and Norbiton, as well as excellent bus links.

Sessions last 50 minutes and daytime and evening appointments are available.

If you have any questions, or would like to arrange an initial appointment, please feel free to contact me by telephone or email.

Starting therapy can feel like a significant step, and it's completely normal to feel a little uncertain or nervous about your first session. Many people worry that they won't know what to say, become emotional, or wonder whether therapy is the right choice for them. There is no expectation that you arrive with everything worked out. Finding where to begin is something we do together.

Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and to begin exploring what has brought you to therapy. You may have one specific issue you'd like support with, or you may simply have a sense that something isn't quite right. Whatever your reason for coming, you'll be met with curiosity, compassion and without judgement.

I'll invite you to tell me a little about yourself, your current situation and what you hope might be different as a result of therapy. I may also ask about relevant aspects of your background, relationships or previous experiences, as these often help us understand the patterns that have developed over time. However, there is never any pressure to discuss anything before you feel ready.

The first session is also your opportunity to decide whether I feel like the right therapist for you. You're very welcome to ask questions about how I work, the therapeutic process or anything else that's important to you.

Some people come to therapy with a specific goal and attend for a relatively short period, while others choose longer-term therapy to explore more deeply rooted patterns or experiences. We can think together about what feels most appropriate for your individual needs, and there is no obligation to commit beyond the first session.

My hope is that you'll leave feeling heard, understood and with a clearer sense of yourself, as well as whether we'd be a good fit to continue working together.

I provide clinical supervision for both trainee and qualified counsellors and psychotherapists. My aim is to offer a reflective, collaborative space where you feel able to think openly about your client work, celebrate what's going well and explore the areas that feel more uncertain.

My work is guided by the BACP Ethical Framework. I offer both short- and long-term supervision for individuals and groups, either online or in person, with sessions taking place at a mutually agreed frequency.

I believe that good supervision is about far more than monitoring ethical practice. It is an opportunity to develop professionally, deepen your understanding of clients and yourself, and build confidence in your own therapeutic voice.

My supervision is integrative, relational and trauma-informed. Rather than expecting supervisees to work within one theoretical model, I encourage curiosity about each client as an individual and support you in thinking flexibly about what may be happening in the therapeutic relationship. I place particular emphasis on understanding emotional regulation, attachment, relational dynamics, shame and the wider context of clients' lives.

My style is warm, thoughtful and collaborative and appropriately challenging. I aim to create a supervision relationship where you feel able to bring uncertainty, mistakes, countertransference, ethical dilemmas and those moments when you feel stuck, without fear of judgement. I believe these conversations often lead to the richest learning.

I hold an MA in Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling, am an accredited member of the BACP, a registered member of the UKCP, and have been teaching counselling in Higher Education for over 10 years on BACP- and CPCAB-accredited programmes. Alongside my private practice, I provide clinical supervision and enjoy supporting both trainee and qualified therapists as they develop confidence, integrate theory with practice and discover an authentic way of working that feels true to themselves.

Although I draw on a range of supervisory approaches, my practice is informed by developmental thinking, relational supervision and the Seven-Eyed Model. I adapt my approach to each supervisee's level of experience, recognising that trainees and experienced practitioners often need different kinds of support.

Supervision is available online and in person from my practice in Kingston upon Thames, South West London. I welcome enquiries from trainee and qualified practitioners and am happy to discuss whether we would be a good fit before arranging ongoing supervision.