Buddhika Godakande Arachchige

Currently I have availability. We can discuss and I will attempt to accommodate you at your convenience.  

 With 39 years of experience as a Counsellor and Psychotherapist, I offer a compassionate, seasoned approach to mental health. My journey began with specialized training in Client-Centred Therapy for substance misuse—a path defined by a lifelong commitment to service.

A Global Recognition of Service

In 1992, my dedication was recognized on an international stage. Representing a youth counselling service in Sri Lanka as Senior Counsellor, I was invited by UNESCO to a conference in Paris. The Director General awarded our group gold medals for exceptional services contributing to world peace—a foundational experience that informs the empathy and tranquillity I bring to my practice today.

I hold a Master’s Degree (MA) in Counselling, a Postgraduate Certificate in Psychological Counselling (Grade A), and a Professional Practitioner Diploma in Hypnotherapy (Honours). My background also includes a Diploma in Psychology and an Advanced Counselling Certificate (both with Distinction).

I am a dedicated member of the BACP. My affiliations include:

National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society.

World Federation of Hypnotherapists (MWFH)

Society of Hypno-analysts (MSHA)

Association of Neuro-Linguistic Programming UK

I use an eclectic and integrative approach, tailoring sessions to your unique needs. I often incorporate Clinical Hypnosis and NLP for conditions such as anxiety, phobias, IBS, and smoking cessation. Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool; we will decide together—following an assessment—if it is the right path for you.

Areas of Specialism:

Dependencies; Substance and food-related issues.

Mood & Anxiety: Depression, Bipolar disorder, OCD, and trauma.

Mind-Body Wellness: Pain management and psychosomatic issues.

Bereavement: Specialist support for children and adults.

As a trained Mindfulness teacher for all ages, I integrate Mindfulness and CBT to help you find balance. Together, we will create a treatment plan that respects your wishes and honours your goals.

Choosing to enter therapy is a significant step, and I believe it is important that you know what to expect from our time together. My practice is rooted in Client-Centred Therapy, which means our primary focus is creating a safe, dignified space where you feel heard, valued, and truly understood.

The Therapeutic Journey:

Therapy is often a gradual process. While it is natural to want immediate solutions to pressing issues, lasting change frequently requires time to explore underlying dynamics. I believe in a collaborative approach:

The Foundation: We begin by building a relationship of trust and mutual respect.

The Approach: If your situation allows, we may move into specific techniques (such as CBT, NLP, or Hypnotherapy) relatively quickly.

The Balance: I am committed to honesty and professional integrity. If you prefer a technique-driven approach, but I believe it may not be beneficial or appropriate for your specific needs at that time, I will discuss this with you openly so we can find the most effective path forward together.

Ethics and Confidentiality:

Your safety and privacy are my highest priorities. My practice operates in strict compliance with the law and the ethical guidelines of the professional organizations to which I belong (including the BACP).

All information shared during our sessions is treated with the strictest confidentiality. There are, however, specific legal and ethical exceptions where I am required to breach confidentiality:

If there are significant safeguarding concerns.

If there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others.

If disclosure is required in the public interest or by law.

I will always strive to discuss these boundaries with you clearly during our initial assessment.

Accessibility:

I understand that attending a clinic is not always possible for everyone. To ensure support is accessible, I am happy to offer home visits where necessary and appropriate.

Starting therapy can feel like a daunting step, so I aim to make our initial contact as transparent and comfortable as possible. My goal is to ensure that from our very first interaction, you feel supported and informed.

Initial Phone Consultation

I offer a brief, free-of-charge telephone assessment before we meet. This is an informal opportunity for us to touch base, briefly discuss what is bringing you to therapy, and determine if my expertise aligns with your needs. It also allows you to ask any immediate questions you may have about how I work.

The First In-Depth Session

Following our phone call, our first formal session is dedicated to a more comprehensive, clinical assessment. However, I conduct this within a Client-Centred therapeutic framework. This means it will not feel like a cold interview; rather, it is an exploratory conversation where your story takes centre stage.

During this session, we will:

Explore Your History: Gently discuss the background of your concerns and how they are currently affecting your life.

Identify Goals: Talk about what you hope to achieve through our work together.

Experience the Dynamic: Give you a sense of my therapeutic style to ensure you feel we are a "good fit."

The Therapeutic Value of Being Heard

I believe that the assessment process itself is inherently therapeutic. By the end of this first session, my priority is that you leave feeling genuinely heard, valued, and understood. For many, simply having the space to externalize their thoughts to a seasoned professional provides an immediate sense of relief and clarity.

Planning Your Care

At the conclusion of this meeting, we will discuss potential ways forward. Whether we decide to utilize traditional talk therapy or integrate specialized techniques like Hypnotherapy or NLP, the plan will be a collaborative one, tailored specifically to your pace and well-being.