About me

My name is Gabija (Ga-bee-a). My pronouns are she/her. I am qualified psychotherapeutic counsellor. I see myself as a curious researcher of the human experiences. I am also a woman, professional, friend, partner, daughter, emigrant... I am someone who knows how to pause, yet I can be goal-orientated and pursue challenge.

Experience: I have worked in various settings including schools, charity organisations and mental health services. At the moment, alongside my private practice, I also provide therapy and conduct assessments for a charity organization called Spiral Holistic Therapy Centre. For the last three years, I have also provided coaching sessions for NHS mental health services. I am experienced at working with a wide range of concerns such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship problems, addiction, sexual abuse, grief, complex trauma, identity confusion and lack of direction and purpose.

Qualifications: I hold MSc in Counselling Studies from the University of Edinburgh and Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling using Transactional Analysis, with a Social Responsibility Lens from The TA East Institute - the pioneers of counselling and psychotherapy though intersectional lens. Currently, I am also in advanced clinical training to become Certified Transactional Analyst. 

Memberships and professional development: I am a accredited  member of National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). I also follow the ethical standards of UK Association for Transactional Analysis (UKATA) and European Association for Transactional Analysis (EATA). I hold a DBS clearance. I am in clinical supervision, personal therapy and attend regular training. I know all the methods I am working with also from the receiving end.

Here's a brief overview of who I am, to help you decide if you'd like to get in touch

Why therapy?

You might want to discuss with me:

• Inner chaos and discomfort

• Feeling stuck and unable to enjoy the present moment

• Desire to feel alive and in touch with your own needs and emotions

• Anxiety and despair

• Belonging and diversity

• Self-esteem and imposter syndrome

• Identity and connection to self

• Demands and pressures of life

• Burnout

• Relationship concerns and quality of relationships

• Loneliness and thoughts of separation

Some of the themes I commonly see in my practice, while others come from my own lived experiences. However, I am equally eager to hear about your needs and unique challenges.

How therapy works?

Therapy develops awareness, allowing us to become spontaneous and autonomous individuals. When we understand ourselves and our situation better, we become kinder with our open wounds and open up an opportunity to discover new ways of being in the world and with others.

How I work?

My approach is relational transactional analysis with an intersectional lens. These are some principles I apply in my practice:

• The importance of relationships. I place relationships at the very heart of what it means to be human. In our sessions, we might focus on how you relate with yourself or your experiences, how you interact with others or, perhaps, what emerges within your relationships. Paying close attention to relational patterns can help to uncover the roots of your challenges.

• The importance of experience. I believe that the most profound change happens through here-and-now experience, which can sometimes enrich us in a way that is different from rational or cognitive understanding.

• The importance of curiosity. During our sessions, we search for meaning. Gentle enquiry becomes an important part of the therapy process.

• The importance of social responsibility & anti-oppressive practice. I continually deconstruct the social, political, and cultural landscapes we live in.

• The importance of diversity. I believe that no human being is the same. I am keen to know what’s it like to be you.

Other interests that somehow influence who I am as a therapist are music, visual art, social activism, meditation, and movement.