I'm Julia,
Life's path is filled with ups and downs, and sometimes, we all need a helping hand along the way. As an integrative counsellor, I'm here to support you in navigating life's challenges. With a diverse background in schools, colleges, non-profit organizations, community services (in partnership with NHS Trusts), and the private sector, I've had the privilege of helping individuals address a variety of emotional and mental health issues.
What is counselling
Counselling is a personalised process where individuals seek support for various reasons, such as navigating feelings of loss, coping with grief, managing anxiety, addressing depression, or processing past traumas. It involves creating a safe and confidential space where clients can openly explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Through empathetic listening, collaboration, and tailored therapeutic techniques, counselling facilitates a deeper understanding of oneself and promotes the development of coping strategies and tools. It aims to empower individuals, fostering resilience and facilitating positive changes in their emotional, psychological, and behavioural well-being.
How it works
I use an integrative approach to counselling, drawing from various theories including psychodynamic, humanistic, attachment, systemic, and CBT, among others. This method is customised to your unique needs, incorporating conversations, creative exercises, or play therapy when working with children. My style is warm, empathetic, and approachable, creating an environment where you can feel secure and supported.
“I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.
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I'm a fully qualified counsellor, a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional, and an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), committed to upholding their code of ethics. To ensure the safety and trust of my clients, I also hold an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Private Practice: Private Practice: In my private practice, I welcome individuals of all identities, backgrounds, and walks of life. I work with clients spanning various ages who are navigating through experiences of early trauma, confronting challenges related to anxiety, depression, or loneliness, or simply feeling stalled in their life journey. Additionally, I offer support to parents facing difficulties associated with separation or other family-related issues.
Place2Be Mental Health Practitioner: Managing all aspects of the Place2Be provision in partnership with the secondary school, ensuring that young people, staff and parents are provided with therapeutic and emotional support,
Primary & Secondary School and Sixth Form: Weekly counselling sessions using talking, creative work and play to support pupils who are struggling with anxiety, lack of focus, low self-esteem, mood swings, family problems and other issues.
Wandsworth Health Agency: My role was to bring support out of clinical settings to engage and provide emotional mental wellbeing to young people in partnership with NHS Trusts, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), local authorities and VCSE organisations.
Latin America Women’s Right Service: Working at LAWRS enabled me to offer individual counselling in Portuguese, my native language, to women aged 16 and above. This service offers a secure and confidential space to women who have experienced trauma, domestic violence, and isolation, plus an opportunity to reflect on their personal experience and circumstances and understand their emotions.
Childline Counsellor: My experience in counselling was significantly shaped by my role at Childline, where I dedicated several years as a volunteer. This experience deepened my understanding of the complexities young people face when dealing with emotional and mental health challenges.
Postgraduate Diploma - Counselling Children, Adolescents and Young People, UEL/Place2Be, level 7
Level 6 Certificate in Therapeutic Counselling Supervision, Place2Be
Certificate of completion: Trauma, neglect and building resilience- Tavistock Centre
Certificate of attendance: Working with core beliefs of 'never Good enough' - NICABM
Webinar with Stonewall: Supporting trans and gender questioning children and young people
Certificate of completion: Adult Safeguarding Training (Level 3) Place2Be Clinical Staff
Certificate of completion: Suicide and Self Harm: Working Safely and Ethically with Clients- BACP
Certificate of completion: Neurodiversity in Girls-Sunflower Network
Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional CCATP
Certificate of completion:
The Applications of Attachment Theory to Psychotherapy-CONFER
Certificate of completion: Online Therapy CPD Training: Telehealth for Mental Health-PESI
Essentials of Trauma -Treatment: CCTP (Certified Clinical Trauma Professional)-PESI
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills for Working with Children - Place2Be
Level 2 Award in Counselling Skills for Working with Children - Place2Be
Certificate of completion: A Day on Behaviour Change, University of London
Certificate of completion: Dealing with Suicide, Childline
Certificate of completion: Bereavement, Childline
Certificate of completion: Transgender and Sexuality, Childline
Certificate of completion: Hearing Voices, Childline
Each 50-minute counselling session takes place in a comfortable and informal setting, just 12 minute’s walk from Clapham South or 15 minutes from Balham. Parking is free except for 10:00 - 12:00 on weekdays.
The room is equipped for creative and play therapy.
I’m also trained to provide online counselling if preferable.
Where to start
I offer a free initial phone consultation so that we can discuss your needs and create a personalised plan together. Please feel free to send me any enquiries via email, and I will aim to respond within 48 hours.
For All Clients - The First Session
In our initial session, whether conducted online or in person, we'll engage in a conversation to gain insight into your current circumstances, both emotionally and physically. This discussion allows us to explore your concerns and goals in greater depth. The insights from this assessment will guide our collaborative efforts to address your unique needs. Together, we'll establish a therapeutic plan and a work alliance contract, covering essential aspects such as confidentiality, safety, data protection, and other important considerations.
For Parents - Initial Consultation
In the initial consultation with parents, I aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of your child's current situation, including their concerns and therapy goals. Subsequently, working collaboratively with both the child and their parents, we'll define specific objectives and create a tailored treatment plan. Utilising techniques such as play and creative therapy, your child will have the opportunity to explore and express their thoughts and feelings. They'll also develop coping strategies and enhance their understanding of emotions, relationships, and behaviors. This approach is designed to ensure that your child feels heard, understood, and empowered to navigate life's challenges with increased resilience and confidence.
How many sessions
The duration of counselling/therapy can vary depending on the outcome of the assessment and each client's individual needs. While some clients may benefit from a six-session plan, others may require a more open-ended approach. Together, we will discuss and decide on the most suitable plan of action for you.
“‘... thank you so much for all the work you’ve done with me over the last two years, and for staying with me through highs and lows. There is no question that my life has changed for the better!”
“Your work with the students has made a tangible difference in their lives, both at home and in school. Thank you for your impactful efforts, which have positively influenced their well-being and progress. Your dedication to their growth is greatly appreciated.”
“Julia became my weekly source of support during my toughest moments. Her understanding and guidance were pivotal in helping me navigate through difficult times.”
“Thank you so much for reminding me to be kinder to myself, to search for my own resources while leaving behind a past that did not help me to move forwards.”
Please feel free to get in touch by emailing: info@juliarizzolo.com
