Magdalena Fafara

I am a qualified Counsellor and Psychotherapist working integratively, meaning that I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches to suit each client鈥檚 unique needs. My core training is in Psychodynamic, Person-Centred, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and I integrate these with Jungian perspectives, attachment theory, and existential ideas to provide a flexible and holistic approach.

My clinical experience has been built over the years working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds and with a wide range of psychological and emotional needs. This has included supporting individuals through loss, bereavement, grief, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, divorce and separation, low self-esteem, stress, identity difficulties, and childhood trauma.

I believe that therapy is not a linear process. Each client brings their own story, experiences, and ways of coping, and together we can explore what works best for you. Sometimes this might mean focusing on immediate challenges, building coping strategies, and finding solutions in the present. At other times, it involves going deeper into past experiences, early relationships, and unconscious patterns that may still shape how you live and relate today.

At the heart of my work is the belief that change is possible. I see therapy as a journey of self-awareness and reflection, where you can begin to face the parts of yourself you may fear, avoid, or struggle to understand. By shining light on these hidden areas鈥攚hat Jung called 鈥渢he shadow鈥濃�攜ou can begin to integrate different parts of yourself, understand recurring patterns, and move towards greater wholeness.

My style is warm, empathetic, and collaborative. I see therapy as a partnership: you bring your experiences and hopes, and I bring professional knowledge, curiosity, and support. Together, we can create a safe and confidential space where you can feel heard, understood, respected and accepted without judgment.

In my practice, I support people through both short-term (min 12 sessions) and long-term therapy. Some clients come for a few weeks or months to work through a specific issue, such as stress at work, a relationship breakdown, or coping with loss. Others choose to engage in long-term therapy, where we have the opportunity to go deeper into unconscious processes, long-standing patterns, and questions of identity, meaning, and personal growth.

I use an integrative approach, which means that I adapt the therapy to your needs rather than expecting you to fit into a single model. 

I work with a wide range of issues, including but not limited to:

- Loss, grief, and bereavement

- Anxiety and panic

- Depression and low mood

- Divorce, separation, and relationship issues

- Childhood trauma and neglect

- Sexual abuse

- Domestic violence 

- Low self-esteem and confidence

- Identity and cultural issues

- Work-related stress and burnout

- Life transitions, such as becoming a parent, midlife changes, or relocation

- Feelings of emptiness, lack of meaning, or being 鈥渟tuck鈥�.

For some, therapy is about finding ways to cope better and feel more stable. For others, it is about deeper transformation: coming to know themselves more fully, facing their inner conflicts, and learning how to live more authentically. Whatever brings you to therapy, my role is to walk alongside you and support your process at your pace.

Starting therapy can be overwhelming and feel like a big step. I aim to make the process as welcoming and straightforward as possible. 

I offer an initial 30-minute free consultation, either online or over the phone. This is an opportunity for us to meet, for you to share a little about what brings you to therapy, and for me to explain how I work. It is also a chance for you to ask any questions and get a sense of whether you feel comfortable with me. There is no obligation to continue after this consultation鈥攊t鈥檚 about finding the right fit, as the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in successful therapy.

If you decide to continue, we will agree on the structure of your sessions. I currently offer:

Online therapy (via secure video platform)

Telephone therapy

Face-to-face sessions (possible for longer-term therapy, depending on location and circumstances)

Sessions usually last 50 minutes and take place weekly at an agreed time. The regularity and consistency of sessions helps to create a safe and reliable space for your process. For some clients, short-term therapy of 6鈥�12 sessions may be sufficient. For others, especially with long-standing issues, open-ended therapy can provide the depth and continuity needed for lasting change.

In our first full session, we will explore your goals for therapy. Some people come with a clear focus, while others may simply know that they are struggling but are not sure why. Either way, we will work together to identify what you would like to achieve and how best to approach it.

I place great importance on creating a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental environment. I follow professional ethical guidelines to ensure your privacy and wellbeing. Therapy is your space, and I aim to provide the support, understanding, and tools you need to move forward.