Being from a different ethnic background to the one that I have been bought up in developed my interest in the beauty of difference and diversity. I hope to be able to provide the safe space where you feel comfortable to face the issues and emotions you may be experiencing. The relationship we build aims to enable you to feel you can express any differences with there being no judgement and for there to be growth in your understanding of yourself as well as others.

My way of working

I am a qualified Integrative Psychotherapist and Counsellor, which means I draw mainly from three different approaches according to the needs of individuals at different times (as this can change). These approaches are Psychodynamic, Existential and Humanistic. While I work with the impact of past events on your present life, I also work with the here and now (the present moment). The ways we work with past or the present will vary in accordance to what your needs are at any specific time.

I value individual differences and for this reason I ensure that the way sessions are varied in style. This may mean one session is more about you talking and exploring while the next is a more creative session where you draw your feelings. I think it is important that you feel empowered and able to do this at the pace you feel is right for you, therefore, space is given for these different styles of therapy to be explored between us.

I aim to be by your side on this journey by supporting you with empathy, understanding and no judgement. I hope that this will enable you to find your answers, meaning, or to release emotional distress. I have experienced a lot of times that this is possible with the existence of a good therapeutic relationship, where a safe space is provided for you to feel held, heard and comfortable to explore and understand your emotions.

I understand fully and always mention that the therapeutic journey may not be an easy one especially initially. There may be times that you experience heightened emotions due to the things we explore. It is important to remember that while you’re on this journey, especially initially; it can get worse before it gets any better. I encourage you stay with this and use this as part of the therapy as I believe openness about your process and what is happening for you is an essential part of the journey.

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Seda Albay

The initial session

The first session can be a daunting time as you will be talking to someone you have met for the first time. This is a space you can feel free to ask any questions you may have and also get an understanding of what therapy may involve. I believe that the relationship between us in therapy is one of the essential parts of the work.

Therefore, I hope that we can build an authentic bond where you feel you are able to express yourself as freely and openly as possible. I also encourage you to share any difficulties you may be having in regards of our relationship, as this can be a very transformative part of the work. Please feel free to call me for an initial consultation over the phone if you would like to find out more before booking an appointment.

Short and long-term therapy

I have several years of experience in short-term therapy working within the NHS. This is solution-focused therapy for a limited amount of time (typically 6-12 sessions). This type of therapy is ideal if you feel you have a specific issue that you would like to talk about.

I also have several years of experience working with individuals on an open-ended basis. This may be suitable for you if you’ve been having ongoing issues. In this setting we have the chance to explore your issues on a deeper level. Long-term therapy is more suitable with presenting issues such as trauma, while short-term therapy would not be appropriate for this due to the risk of re-traumatising.

Some of the issues I can help with:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Anger
  • Relationship issues
  • Trauma
  • Sexuality and sex
  • Grief and loss / bereavement
  • Emotional and physical abuse
  • Addiction
  • Low self-esteem and self-confidence
  • Work, school or life related stress
  • Self-harm

Qualifications

BSc Psychology Hons - University of Greenwich

Post Graduate Certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapy – Regents University London

Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy – Regents University London

MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy – Regents University London

Diploma in Clinical Supervision - The Awareness Centre

Contact me