Isabella Staines

I am available Monday-Thursday 2pm-6pm for online sessions only. Unfortunately, I am not available at the weekend. 

Change happens when we feel safe enough to set down the weight of expectations and look honestly at the parts of our lives that no longer fit. I work with individuals who are navigating the heavy terrain of grief, the exhaustion of burnout, or the complex layers of trauma and identity. In our sessions, I offer a grounded, collaborative space where curiosity replaces criticism. Whether we are untangling relationship patterns or navigating a life transition, my focus is on helping you find a sense of internal clarity and steadiness. Through our work, we'll move towards deeper self-understanding and values-driven actions.

My counselling practice is shaped by a career history spanning South Africa, the UK, and the US. My previous career provided a practical understanding of high-pressure environments, interpersonal dynamics and cultural adaptation. I bring this lived perspective to our work, offering a grounded, intuitive space to find clarity in your life and relationships.

I believe every person is capable of change and worthy of care. Reach out if you’re ready to explore what’s been weighing on you. Tomorrow might not be better, but it can be different.

Sessions are client-led and collaborative and offer a balance of compassionate listening, complex reflection, and suggested interventions where appropriate. I offer in-session regulation exercises, grounding, guided visualisations and body scans to clients who are curious to approach therapy from this lens. I draw heavily on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Internal Family Systems in my practice, however I am trained across a number of approaches and consider my offering to be dynamic and flexible. 

I offer 50-minute online sessions and am available to meet weekly, biweekly or monthly depending on a clients needs. I use a secure Zoom link through an integrated online system to ensure our time together is confidential and secure.

I recommend clients commit to a minimum of 3 sessions to ensure that we are a good mutual fit. If it becomes apparent that the client would benefit more from another clinician, I will work with the client to ensure continuity of care. 

Prior to your first session, I offer a free 15-20 minute consultation call to answer any questions and see if we're a good mutual fit. I walk you through the paperwork and my scope of practice and we book our first 'intake' session. 

Intake sessions usually take the form of an 'intake interview'. This session tends to run between 60-80 minutes as there is a lot of ground to cover. I take a 'mile wide inch deep' approach here which allows me a chance to hear your about background, support systems, major events and important pieces of your identity, which is all important to consider in our work together.