About me

Qualifications and Experience

My name is Christina Grekioti and I am a counsellor with an accredited Diploma in Integrative Counselling and an MA in Philosophy, I am a registered member of BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) and I work within their ethical framework for good practice.

My counselling experience alongside with my work in Mental Health spans over 14 years and covers a wide range of issues such as anxiety and depression, anger management, relationship and work related problems, low self-esteem and assertiveness.

I have worked extensively with individuals suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts, acute anxiety and phobias as well as people who have experienced abuse and trauma at some point in their lives. I have completed further training with Babette Rothschild on the "The Mind and Body of Safer Trauma Therapy".

My studies in Philosophy allow me to work with existential struggles, such as loss of purpose in life, bereavement and life threatening illness. Having worked as a volunteer for Cruse Bereavement Care, I have completed a sixty hour course to further my awareness and understanding of the issues experienced by those in grief.

I have 6 years extensive experience and training working with people affected by problem gambling as an associate counsellor of GamCare; a charity that offers support to people affected by problem gambling.

My Approach

I offer Integrative Counselling, in this school of thought the therapist learns to work by training in more than one approach and thus tailoring techniques and knowledge to the individual needs of the client.

The theoretical model I work with places the therapeutic relationship at the core of therapy. Talking therapy’s main strength rests in exploring yourself and what troubles you with another human being. To be able to open to another person in this way requires trust and a feeling of safety. In my counselling practice, I strive to offer those conditions that allow a trusting relationship to unfold and also allow you to be who you are. It is my aim to offer you an environment of acceptance and empathy in which you can explore the hardest of issues.

I work with exploring emotions in depth whilst examining thought processes. When appropriate I use cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) techniques to explore how thoughts affect your wellbeing and emotional states.

I have a keen interest in practicing and incorporating mindfulness into my work by offering a grounded and open presence and when appropriate offering mindfulness techniques.

I use an array of techniques that I tailor to each individual’s needs including exploring dreams, keeping journals, guided imagery and using art as a medium of expression.

I can work both short term focusing on specific goals and outcomes and long term with people that wish to explore deep rooted issues that might take more time to resolve.