“The greatest gift you can give another person is the present of your full attention.” Irving Yalom
Life isn’t always easy to figure out, and you don’t have to do it alone. I’m a BACP‑accredited therapist offering counselling and supervision in Balham and Clapham, with sessions available in person and online across the UK.
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or low, carrying the impact of early experiences, or navigating a turning point in life, I offer a space to pause, reflect, and make sense of what’s happening so you can move towards a life that feels more manageable and meaningful.
I work with children, teens, and adults, including neurodivergent people, and have particular experience supporting parents through the emotional demands of family life.
Read more about my background and experience.
How I work
-
People often ask about the difference between counselling and psychotherapy. Broadly speaking, counselling tends to focus on current issues, such as stress, a recent loss, or a specific challenge, and is often shorter-term. Psychotherapy usually goes deeper, exploring long-standing patterns or past experiences that might be influencing how you feel today. But in reality, the two often overlap, and how we work together will depend on what you need.
My approach is integrative, which means I draw from different therapeutic models, including psychodynamic, humanistic, CBT, attachment, and systemic approaches, to tailor our sessions to you. This might involve talking things through, using creative tools, or incorporating play when working with children.
I speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish, and I welcome people from all backgrounds. My aim is to create a warm, supportive space where you can feel heard and understood.
-
I offer in person and online supervision for therapists at all stages, from trainees to experienced practitioners. My integrative approach is collaborative and shaped around your way of working, whether with adults, children, teenagers or through creative and play-based methods.
In supervision we can look at complex cases, techniques, boundaries, self-reflection, burnout prevention and your professional growth.
I also consult with schools, charities and organisations wanting to set up or strengthen in-house counselling or wellbeing services, including service design, policies and safeguarding, recruitment and ongoing staff supervision.
For therapists building or growing a private practice, I offer practical advice on systems, client outreach and creating a sustainable, values-led business.
Please get in touch if you’d like to know more.
Frequently asked questions
-
For adults - clients over 18
The first session will focus on understanding your current emotional, physical, and mental state. We'll use this conversation to get a clear picture of what's going on, helping us plan the work ahead. We’ll define your goals for therapy, discuss important details like confidentiality and safety, and establish how we’ll move forward, ensuring that you feel fully supported and informed throughout the process.
For children under 18
In our first session, I’ll invite parents to join first, without the child, where we’ll work together to understand your child’s needs, discuss your concerns, and set goals for therapy. We’ll create a plan tailored to your family, using play and creative techniques to help your child express themselves, develop coping strategies, and understand their emotions and relationships.
If your child is under 16, we’ll regularly check in to assess progress. For those over 16, confidentiality applies unless safety concerns arise, in which case I will always speak to the child first before involving parents.
Support in parenthood
Parenthood comes with its own set of challenges, and sometimes it can help to talk things through and get some guidance. In our first session, we’ll explore your concerns, discuss the current dynamics within your family, and set goals to support your parenting journey. Together, we’ll look at practical solutions and strategies to help you feel more confident and equipped to manage day-to-day difficulties. Whether it’s family transitions or understanding your child’s needs better, I’m here to offer guidance and support. description
-
Yes, I offer a free 15-minute chat over the phone or Zoom. This gives us a chance to discuss your needs and see if we’re a good fit to work together.
-
The duration of therapy depends on your unique situation and the goals we set together. Some clients find that a short-term plan of about six sessions works best, while others may benefit from a more open-ended approach. We’ll discuss what feels right for you and create a plan that suits your needs, making adjustments as we go.
For children, the number of sessions will vary based on their individual needs and progress. Some may benefit from a brief series, while others might need more ongoing support. We’ll regularly review their progress to ensure we’re meeting their goals and adjust the pace accordingly, always focusing on your child’s well-being.
-
Yes, I currently accept Aviva, Allianz, AXA and WPA. Please check with your provider to confirm if your policy covers my services. If you need any assistance or specific details for reimbursement claims, feel free to contact me.
-
No, I don’t work with couples. However, I do work with parents to provide support and guidance for family dynamics and challenges.
-
Yes, I’m happy to work either face-to-face or online. When online, I prefer Zoom.
-
I am an integrative therapist, meaning I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches to suit your individual needs. These include:
Humanistic Therapy: Focusing on creating a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts and feelings.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helping you identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours, including third wave of CBT : Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT).
Psychodynamic Therapy: Exploring how past experiences may be influencing your present emotions and behaviours.
Play and Creative Therapy (for children): Using play and creative techniques to help children express emotions, process experiences, and develop coping skills in a way that feels natural to them.
-
Professional Membership
I am an Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework
Qualifications and Training
Postgraduate Diploma (Level 7) Psychotherapeutic Counselling
for Children and Young People UEL / Place2BeCertificate in Therapeutic Counselling Supervision (Level 6) Place2Be / CPCAB accredited
Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP)
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) – Essentials of Trauma Treatment
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills for Working with Children – Place2Be
Level 2 Award in Counselling Skills for Working with Children – Place2Be
Transactional Analysis 101 – Connexus Institute
ACT Essentials Level 2 (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) – Association for Psychological Therapies
Applications of Attachment Theory to Psychotherapy – CONFER
Trauma, Neglect and Building Resilience – Tavistock Centre
Working with Core Beliefs of “Never Good Enough” – NICABM
Neurodiversity in Girls – Sunflower Network
A Day on Behaviour Change – University of London
Hearing Voices – Childline
Adult Safeguarding Training (Level 3) – Place2Be Clinical Staff
Suicide and Self‑Harm: Working Safely and Ethically with Clients – BACP
Dealing with Suicide – Childline
Bereavement – Childline
Supporting Trans and Gender‑Questioning Children and Young People – Stonewall
Transgender and Sexuality – Childline
Online Therapy CPD: Telehealth for Mental Health
-
A typical 50-minute session is charged from £80. If you're interested in booking or have any specific questions about pricing, feel free to reach out.
-
I typically hold sessions Monday to Thursday, between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
-
Face-to-face therapy sessions take place in a quiet, welcoming space in South London, just a 12-minute walk from Clapham South or 15 minutes from Balham. The setting is calm and informal, designed to help you feel at ease. Parking is free except between 10:00 and 12:00 on weekdays.
If you have any other questions, please
you are safe here
About me and my experience
-
I’m originally from São Paulo, Brazil, and have called London home for over 30 years (though I’m still not a fan of the winter months!). Before becoming a therapist, I worked in the creative industries in both Brazil and the UK, from fashion to film, and loved working with people from all backgrounds. My path into therapy began when I volunteered with Childline, supporting teenagers. That experience stayed with me and opened the door to the work I do now.
As a mum of two grown daughters, I’ve lived the joys and the messiness of family life, and I bring that understanding into my work. I’m committed to offering a safe, welcoming space where people feel truly heard and accepted.
I love nature, long walks and deep conversations. Travelling and connecting with different cultures have shaped how I see the world and deepened my respect for the stories we all carry. Fairness and inclusion are deeply important to me, and I try to show up with honesty and care in all my relationships.
-
Private Practice
In my private practice, I work with people from all walks of life, including neurodivergent clients who may be finding daily life or social interactions especially hard. I support individuals navigating anxiety, low mood, trauma, or major life changes. I also work with parents who are facing challenges in family life, whether that’s difficulties with children, navigating separation, or managing relationship tensions.
Latin American Women’s Rights Service (LAWRS)
Counselling in Portuguese was delivered on a one‑to‑one basis for women aged 18 and over. The service created a safe, confidential space for women who had experienced trauma, domestic violence, or isolation, supporting them in understanding their emotions, reflecting on their experiences, and finding ways forward through difficult circumstances.
Catch 22
Community‑based mental health support was offered to young people, extending care beyond clinical environments. Working collaboratively with NHS Trusts, CAMHS, local authorities, and VCSE organisations ensured a coordinated approach that prioritised engagement, accessibility, and emotional wellbeing.
Primary, Secondary School, and Sixth Form Students
Weekly counselling sessions were delivered using a blend of talking therapy, creative approaches, and play-based work. This supported pupils experiencing anxiety, low self‑esteem, mood changes, family difficulties, and other personal challenges. The role involved working independently to provide a safe, confidential space where students could explore their emotions and develop effective coping strategies.
Place2Be
As a mental health practitioner with Place2Be, I managed the delivery of therapeutic services in partnership with a secondary school, providing emotional support to young people, staff, and parents. My role involved assessing needs, offering one-to-one counselling, facilitating group therapy, and delivering training to staff on mental health awareness. Place2Be is a leading provider of mental health services for children and young people, offering early intervention to support emotional wellbeing and prevent mental health issues from escalating.
Childline
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.
-
Please get in touch if you’d like to know more.
What clients and supervisees say
“Julia’s guidance around depression and grief really helped me to process some incredibly challenging circumstances. I’m now a stronger, happier person… life changing!”
Adult client
“I’m so glad to have found a supervisor who is not only flexible and reliable, but also genuinely attuned to my needs as a practitioner. Our sessions feel safe, supportive, and thought-provoking..”
Counsellor, supervisee
“Julia became my weekly source of support during my toughest moments. Her understanding and guidance were pivotal in helping me navigate through difficult times.”
Adult client
“Your reminder to be kinder to myself, to search for my own resources while leaving behind a past that did not help me to move forwards, has been truly valuable.”
Adult client
“Julia helped me better understand my daughter’s struggles and supported us through some big challenges. Our parent sessions were invaluable and helped me manage my own anxiety as a parent..”
Parent
Get in touch
I’d love to hear from you. Please drop some details into the form below, or email me: info@juliarizzolo.com.
I’ll do my best to get back to you in 24 hours.
Your information is kept secure, used only to respond to enquiries, and never shared without consent.
I work with clients and supervisees across South West London, including Balham, Clapham, Tooting, Streatham and Wandsworth, as well as online.
