Leyla Shirley

I am a person-centred therapist trained in humanistic therapy, drawing from Gestalt and Transactional Analysis, with a deep interest in existential psychotherapy. At the heart of my work is a simple belief: when we feel genuinely heard and accepted, growth becomes possible.

What this means for you is a therapeutic space rooted in empathy, warmth, and careful attunement. A space without jargon, without pressure, and without judgement. You don’t need to arrive with your thoughts neatly organised. You can come exactly as you are.

In our sessions, I listen with curiosity and openness, supporting you to explore what feels most important – whether that’s coping with anxiety, navigating a life transition, working through trauma, understanding patterns in relationships, or searching for a deeper sense of direction and meaning. Rather than telling you what to do, I walk alongside you, helping you reconnect with your own inner resources and capacity for growth.

I have particular experience working with young people (18–25), and I understand how complex and overwhelming this stage of life can feel. Questions of identity, belonging, career, relationships, and purpose often arise here. I also have experience supporting neurodivergent clients, including those who identify as autistic or ADHD. I work in a way that is collaborative and flexible, adapting our sessions to suit how you process, communicate, and experience the world. For clients who have experienced trauma, I prioritise safety, pacing, and choice, ensuring that therapy moves at a speed that feels manageable and empowering.

If this resonates, I’d love to hear from you.

What to expect from a first session

The first session is a gentle beginning. It’s an opportunity for us to get to know each other and for you to share as much or as little as feels comfortable. We might explore what has brought you to therapy, what you’re hoping for, and any previous experiences of support. I may ask some light questions to understand your background and current circumstances, but there is no interrogation — just conversation.

Most importantly, the first session is about seeing how it feels to sit together. Therapy works best when there is a sense of safety and connection, so we’ll pay attention to that too.

I offer a free, brief phone or online consultation before we begin. This gives you the chance to ask questions, get a feel for how I work, and decide whether this feels like the right space for you. There’s no obligation — just an open conversation to see if we can work well together.

If financial concerns are holding you back, please feel free to ask about concessions. I want therapy to feel accessible wherever possible.

Imagine having a calm, steady space where your feelings — however messy, confusing, or overwhelming — are welcomed and taken seriously. A place where you don’t have to perform or have the “right” words. Just space to be, and to explore what matters most to you.

I am a person-centred therapist trained in humanistic therapy, drawing from Gestalt and Transactional Analysis, with a deep interest in existential psychotherapy. At the heart of my work is a simple belief: when we feel genuinely heard and accepted, growth becomes possible.

What this means for you is a therapeutic space rooted in empathy, warmth, and careful attunement. A space without jargon, without pressure, and without judgement. You don’t need to arrive with your thoughts neatly organised. You can come exactly as you are.

In our sessions, I listen with curiosity and openness, supporting you to explore what feels most important – whether that’s coping with anxiety, navigating a life transition, working through trauma, understanding patterns in relationships, or searching for a deeper sense of direction and meaning. Rather than telling you what to do, I walk alongside you, helping you reconnect with your own inner resources and capacity for growth.

I have particular experience working with young people (18–25), and I understand how complex and overwhelming this stage of life can feel. Questions of identity, belonging, career, relationships, and purpose often arise here. I also have experience supporting neurodivergent clients, including those who identify as autistic or ADHD. I work in a way that is collaborative and flexible, adapting our sessions to suit how you process, communicate, and experience the world. For clients who have experienced trauma, I prioritise safety, pacing, and choice, ensuring that therapy moves at a speed that feels manageable and empowering.

If this resonates, I'd love to hear from you.

What to expect from a first session

The first session is a gentle beginning. It’s an opportunity for us to get to know each other and for you to share as much or as little as feels comfortable. We might explore what has brought you to therapy, what you’re hoping for, and any previous experiences of support. I may ask some light questions to understand your background and current circumstances, but there is no interrogation — just conversation.

Most importantly, the first session is about seeing how it feels to sit together. Therapy works best when there is a sense of safety and connection, so we’ll pay attention to that too.

I offer a free, brief phone or online consultation before we begin. This gives you the chance to ask questions, get a feel for how I work, and decide whether this feels like the right space for you. There’s no obligation — just an open conversation to see if we can work well together.

If financial concerns are holding you back, please feel free to ask about concessions. I want therapy to feel accessible wherever possible.

Imagine having a calm, steady space where your feelings — however messy, confusing, or overwhelming — are welcomed and taken seriously. A place where you don’t have to perform or have the “right” words. Just space to be, and to explore what matters most to you.