Ekaterina Ermakova

I am available at various times on Monday, Thursday and Friday.

I am an integrative counsellor with a career background as a solicitor. I am based in Balham and offer in-person or online counselling sessions for a range of mental health difficulties including depression, anxiety, stress and trauma.

As a multicultural counsellor, I welcome clients from diverse backgrounds and identities. I abide by the BACP’s code of ethics and have a clear enhanced DBS certificate.

Qualifications

I hold a Diploma in Integrative Counselling from the Minster Centre. Currently I am in the final stages of completing an Advanced Diploma and MA in Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling at the Minster Centre, with a view to gaining a further qualification as a psychotherapist.

Experience

In addition to working in private practice, I volunteer as a counsellor at One in Four – a specialist charity that supports adult survivors of child sexual abuse and trauma. Previously I worked for three years at a generalist counselling service in south west London, and volunteered for four years at a residential respite centre for people who are at risk of suicide.

Prior to my career in mental health, I worked for 10 years in the corporate sector as a solicitor, specialising in dispute resolution and corporate social responsibility. I also hold a master’s degree in law.

My approach

My training and approach is integrative, meaning that that I draw upon several core therapeutic modalities. In particular, I am influenced by psychodynamic, person-centred and phenomenological approaches to therapy.

People come to counselling for a variety of reasons, so I will be guided by your individual circumstances and needs. I aim to create a calm, reliable and non-judgemental environment where we can talk in depth about the difficulties that brought you to counselling. I use a non-directive style to facilitate your self-exploration, with the aim of helping you get in touch with thoughts and feelings that might ordinarily be outside of your conscious awareness. I might offer an insight, an interpretation or an alternative point of view, to help you make links or see things from a different perspective.

Practicalities, location and fees

A counselling session is 50 minutes long and takes place on a set day and time every week, apart from agreed holiday breaks. I offer once-weekly or twice-weekly counselling.

I offer counselling either in person or online, depending on your preference. In-person sessions take place in a consulting room at South London Therapy Centre, 239A Balham High Road, London SW17 7BE. The room is located on the first floor, accessible by stairs only. The building has a gender-neutral toilet and a small waiting area. Online counselling sessions take place via Zoom.

My fee is £80 per session. The initial online consultation session is free.

I offer a free online initial consultation session. The initial consultation session is 50 minutes long and conducted via Zoom. It is an opportunity for you to get a sense of what counselling with me might feel like and you are welcome to bring any questions or concerns. It is also an opportunity for me to find out more about you and whether I can be of help to you.