Kristýna Hallam

Are you looking to change self-destructive habits? Be kinder to yourself? Do you want to understand why certain thoughts are bothering you? I specialise in working with young adults or teenagers and their families who need help navigating a challenging period of their lives. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, self-harm, borderline personality disorder and I also support neurodivergent clients.

I believe that everyone is doing the best they can at any given moment and is capable of change. We’ll work together to build sustainable habits, move toward your goals, and develop a kinder, more compassionate relationship with yourself and your boundaries. I’m here to support you in putting the pieces together.

My core psychotherapy training is in Integrative Systemic Family Therapy, and I have additional training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Crisis Intervention, and Motivational Interviewing. I also have a Master's degree in a Healthcare specialisation in addiction prevention and treatment.

I have almost a decade of experience working in mental health services in different settings. 

If you want to discuss whether I could be the right therapist for you, I offer free 15-minute consultations.  

Starting therapy can feel like a big step—especially if you don’t know what to expect. 

Whether you’re neurodivergent, feeling anxious, or just curious, you deserve to know exactly what will happen in your first session so you can feel more prepared and in control.

I usually have a consultation call before the first session, so I will know a little bit about your situation. Our first session will therefore be the full length.

Here’s a rough outline of what the first session usually looks like:

Check-in and introductions (5–10 minutes)

I’ll say hello and make sure you’re comfortable. I will introduce myself. We’ll review practical information (confidentiality, cancellations, session structure), and I’ll address any questions you may have about the therapy contract or how things will work.

Getting to know you (10 - 15 minutes)

”How did it happen that you started looking for a therapist?” This doesn’t need to be perfect or polished—just whatever feels okay to share. If you’re not sure where to start, I can ask gentle questions to help.

Exploring goals (10–15 minutes)

We’ll talk about what you might want from therapy—this could be a clear goal or just a general feeling (e.g. “I don’t want to feel this way anymore” is a perfectly valid start).

Explaining the approach and next steps (5–10 minutes)

I’ll briefly explain how I work and how we might approach things together, based on what you’ve shared so far.

Winding down (5 minutes)

I’ll ask how the session felt for you, and check if you’d like to book a follow-up or take some time to think. There’s never any pressure to decide right away. 

What You Don’t Have to Do

• You don’t have to tell your whole story in the first session.
• You don’t have to use eye contact
• You don’t need to know exactly what you want from therapy—figuring that out can be part of the work we do together.
• You don’t have to be “ready” in any particular way. Just showing up is enough.