Flavia Furtado Calixto

My practice draws on a relationally and integrative approach, focusing on the therapeutic relationship while we work together.

I also have knowledge of EMDR, Brainspotting, Bioenergetics Analyses and Trauma Informed Practice and may draw on those should they be relevant to our work together.

I offer both long and short term individual therapy, generally the length of therapy is something that we would discuss in our first session. In the case of longer term therapy we would frequently review as the therapy progresses to consider what work remains and when might it be appropriate to conclude therapy.

In our counselling sessions I am focused on you and your experience. We will work together to understand and explore your thoughts, behaviours and feelings and reflect on your life experiences.

Working integratively means that I draw upon a variety of approaches based on your unique needs because as humans we are diverse and complex beings. There is therefore not one singular approach that is clinically adequate for all clients and situations. Within a flexible and personalised approach to treatment, you can expect the following from our sessions:

Mutual trust, respect and confidentiality;

Shared decision-making and agreement on the goals of therapy;

The freedom to share any negative emotional responses, thoughts and feelings;

Co-constructing a space within which you feel comfortable and able to share and experience difficult emotions;

Empathic support in undoing self-criticism, as well as challenging, and changing behaviours;

A caring space within which we can explore difficult, traumatic and painful relationships, feelings or events;

Knowledge and expertise that can help regulate, mitigate, and alleviate physical trauma responses within your body.

Working with a counsellor can help you see things in a new perspective and give support through difficult times.

I understand that taking the first step in coming to counselling can be daunting. Asking for support can be stressful in itself and may make you feel vulnerable and self-conscious. However, taking that step may be key to a new beginning.

I look forward to your contact, when I will offer you a first session to discuss your requirements/ expectations and how these may be worked through in therapy