Sandra Ortiz Villarreal

I offer timings through the mornings and  afternoons for individual and relationship therapy and some evenings to work specifically with relationships. 

I believe therapy is an invitation to explore ourselves with curiosity, compassion and openness. A space where our experiences, relationships, struggles and inner resources can be understood more deeply, allowing new possibilities for healing and growth to emerge.

My approach is integrative, relational and holistic, drawing from psychotherapy, Sufi psychology, psychosexual therapy, systemic perspectives and somatic awareness. I understand the human experience as an interconnected relationship between mind, body, emotions, relationships and, for those who wish to explore it, spirituality.

Inspired by the Sufi understanding of the heart as a place of awareness, compassion and transformation, I bring an attitude of *heartfulness* into my therapeutic practice. This means meeting ourselves with presence and kindness, recognising that even our wounds, struggles and perceived limitations can become pathways towards deeper understanding and meaningful change.

At the heart of my work is the therapeutic relationship. I offer a warm, reflective and non-judgemental space where we can explore the patterns, experiences and relationships that shape your sense of self and how you relate to others.

I work with individuals and couples experiencing emotional difficulties, trauma, relationship challenges, intimacy and sexuality concerns, and life transitions.

My practice welcomes and affirms diversity in culture, ethnicity, religion, spiritual beliefs, gender identity and sexual orientation. You do not need to hold any particular faith or spiritual perspective to work with me. What matters is creating a therapeutic space where you feel respected, understood and free to explore your own experience.

Together, we can discover new ways of relating to yourself, others and life.

Through my years of therapeutic work, I have come to understand that one of the most transformative experiences we can have is to feel genuinely seen, heard and accepted. At the heart of my practice is compassionate presence: a way of relating that allows you to explore yourself without judgement or the expectation of becoming someone other than who you are.

I see the therapeutic relationship as a space of reflection and discovery. Like a mirror, it can help you recognise aspects of yourself, your experiences and relational patterns that may have remained unseen. Together, we explore these with curiosity, honesty and care, at a pace that feels right for you.

Therapy can sometimes bring us into contact with painful experiences or difficult truths. My role is not to direct your journey, but to accompany you with sensitivity, professional understanding and respect for your autonomy.

I have worked as a counsellor since 2016, supporting adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, domestic and sexual abuse, bereavement, abandonment, relationship difficulties, and concerns around intimacy, sexuality and compulsive sexual behaviours.

I work with individuals and couples, including same-sex couples and people navigating diverse relationship structures, such as consensual non-monogamy and polyamory.

Originally from Mexico and part of a multicultural family, I bring sensitivity to the ways culture, faith, family and social expectations shape our experiences. I welcome people of all backgrounds, gender identities and sexual orientations, including those navigating tensions between their religious or cultural beliefs and their sense of identity.

My practice is grounded in the belief that meaningful change begins not with rejecting parts of ourselves, but with learning to meet them with greater awareness, compassion and understanding.

I offer a free initial consultation via Zoom, giving us an opportunity to meet and explore what has brought you to therapy, what you may be hoping for, and how I might be able to support you.

This is also a space for you to ask questions, learn more about my therapeutic approach and get a sense of whether you would feel comfortable working with me. Finding the right therapist is an important part of the therapeutic journey, and I believe this first conversation should allow us both to consider whether working together feels appropriate.

If we decide to work together, we will arrange a regular day and time for our sessions, providing consistency and continuity in our therapeutic work.

Our first formal session is a one-hour clinical assessment, during which we explore your personal history, current circumstances, concerns and therapeutic goals in greater depth. This helps us begin developing a shared understanding of your needs and how we might approach our work together.

You are welcome to visit my website at www.elespiraltherapy.com to learn more about my practice, or contact me by email or text if you have any questions before arranging an initial consultation.