Why am I a 'Different Therapist'?

I’m Luise, a BACP registered (01008476) Psychotherapeutic Counsellor based in London. With over 20 years of experience in coaching and mentoring in the corporate industry and a background that’s both creative and clinical. I hold a degree in Art History and a Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling.

My therapeutic work is relational and integrative grounded in evidence, ethics, and empathy. I draw on a wide range of approaches to support you in making sense of your inner world and navigating life’s complexities.

Working as a reflective practitioner is at the core of work; my own 15 year journey in therapy alongside extensive therapeutic training and clinical experience has led me to run a busy private practice in Central, East & South East London whilst also acting as a specialist mentor to individuals at University across the UK with Neurordiversity; such as ADHD, dyslexia and Autism. 

I work relationally, which means working together to consider specific patterns and belief systems and how they may have formed through past experiences. Some of these experiences can be difficult to access; using imagination and art therapy can help and I integrate this if appropriate. I have a good sensitivity to boundaries and a strong capacity to listen attentively and non-judgmentally; to exercise flexibility, range and intuition. 

I am a compassionate but challenging therapist and have experience working with actors, artists, city workers, immigrants, NHS staff, freelancers, journalists, academics, parents, teachers and those with career dilemmas plus many more different individuals. 

Why are you different? 

Why is anyone! Your combination of traits and experiences is entirely yours, and no one else can replicate it exactly. Sometimes, what makes you "different" can also make you stand out in a way that might feel isolating, but it's also what gives you depth and individuality. The things you've gone through, the challenges you've faced, and how you've processed them can shape your perception of the world and your place in it. For instance, if you've faced adversity like overcoming personal struggles, loss, or difficult circumstances you might feel different because you've navigated paths others haven't. If you come from a mixed cultural or ethnic background, or if you're navigating multiple cultural worlds, you might feel "different" in relation to how others perceive your identity. 

Why do I notice my clients' difference?

  • A therapist who acknowledges and respects differences creates a more trusting environment. Clients are more likely to feel seen and heard when their unique experiences are valued, which is essential for emotional safety in therapy.

  • People’s lived experiences shape how they see the world and how they respond to challenges. Recognising these differences allows a therapist to better understand a client’s struggles and offer interventions that are relevant and empowering.

  • Therapists need to be aware of their own biases and assumptions. By working with differences, they avoid making generalizations that could harm the therapeutic relationship or lead to ineffective treatment.

  • Whether it's using culturally sensitive approaches or adjusting the therapy style, recognizing the client's background helps the therapist customize their approach. For example, someone from a collectivist culture may approach relationships and self-identity differently than someone from an individualistic culture.

  • Working with difference also means being sensitive to the power dynamics that may exist, especially in the case of race, class, gender, and sexuality. Acknowledging these differences can prevent marginalization and ensure that the therapy space is truly equitable.

  • Therapy is a place where clients should feel empowered to explore all parts of themselves. By honoring differences—whether it’s related to sexual orientation, gender identity, or religious beliefs clients can feel more confident in their authentic selves.

  • People from marginalized communities (e.g. racial minorities, LGBTQIA+ individuals) often carry the weight of societal oppression and discrimination. Acknowledging these experiences allows the therapist to offer more effective support in healing and empowerment.

What is my approach?

These approaches are integrated to provide a holistic, personalised therapeutic experience, ensuring clients receive the most appropriate care for their unique needs.

  • Focuses on the therapeutic relationship itself, exploring how past and present relationships influence emotional well-being. It fosters deep emotional understanding and connection between therapist and client.

  • Helps individuals build self-compassion and address self-criticism, cultivating a kinder and more understanding relationship with themselves.

  • Uses creative processes like drawing, painting, and sculpture to express emotions and experiences, allowing clients to explore feelings they may find difficult to articulate.

  • Explores life’s deeper meaning, personal values, and the challenges of human existence, such as anxiety, freedom, and mortality, helping clients find purpose and direction.

  • Delves into unconscious processes and past experiences to understand how they shape current thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, offering insight into recurring patterns and unresolved conflicts.

Training, Qualifications & Supervision

I trained at the Metanoia Institute, one of the leading clinical and academic institutions in the country. 

  • Qualified Psychotherapeutic Counsellor; Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling from The Metanoia Institute. 

  • Membership with UK Council for Psychotherapy

  • Registered Membership with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy

  • In line with UKCP guidelines I attend regular meetings with a clinical advisor