Services

Understanding my approach

CBT is a NICE-recommended therapy for a wide range of issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD and trauma. In sessions, the focus is on understanding the thinking and behavioural patterns that maintain your distress so we can change them. Furthermore, EMDR is also a NICE-recommended therapy for trauma, PTSD and complex PTSD. It focuses on helping you to process unwanted situations, memories and events so that they no longer have an impact on your day-to-day life.

My focus is to take a historical look at understanding how the unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours you find yourself in, may have developed. Perhaps you have a history of relational trauma, bullying, neglect or other adverse life events. Together we explore not only what has happened to you but also, the impact these events had on how you see yourself, others and your future.

With this clearer understanding in mind, our sessions will then focus on change. I believe that you are an expert in what has happened to you and how this is affecting your life and my strength lies in supporting you with tools and coping mechanisms that help you feel great about yourself.

In therapy and coaching, I draw upon principles from a range of CBT-related therapies such as Mindfulness-based CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment theory, Schema Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). I do not believe your experiences should fit a model but rather that we should integrate theory and strategies that work for you.

"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change."

Carl Rogers

Services

Trauma Therapy

You may have people-pleasing tendencies, perfectionism, high-functioning anxiety, difficulty trusting others or even feel low about yourself. Whatever it may be, in therapy we explore the origins and the maintaining factors of these so that you can learn tools and strategies to navigate these. We also focus on healing and processing unwanted events and memories that are still impacting you now. I incorporate ideas from ACT, Mindfulness, CFT and Schema Therapy in the work I do.

Relationship Coaching

Relationships do not happen by magic despite Hollywood movies trying to tell us otherwise. We bring to our relationships our beliefs and response patterns which often contribute to the conflict we experience. In coaching, we delve deep into exploring these patterns and focusing on how to better respond so that we can maintain happy, fulfilling relationships.

Supervision & Mentoring

I love teaching and sharing my knowledge of psychotherapy. As such, I provide supervision to other therapists, trainees or qualified, who are venturing out into private practice and want honest, transparent supervision that cuts through the nonsense.

Frequently asked questions

How long does each therapy session last?

Sessions are typically 50 minutes long but can change if we agreed differently. For example, sometimes 90 minutes sessions are needed.

How much does a session cost?

Therapy sessions (50 minutes) are £90. Where the duration of the session is adjusted, so is the fee. This will be discussed in the session.

Do you offer face-to-face appointments?

Sessions are either via Zoom or from my clinic in Finchley Central, London. Most of my clients have a mix of the two and I am flexible enough to adjust to both online and face-to-face work.

What transformation can I expect from therapy?

By entering therapy, you will be able to develop a deeper awareness and insight into your issues, stop self-sabotaging behaviour, learn to challenge unhelpful beliefs, feel safe in your body and around others and have better relationships with yourself and others.

Do you accept payment via insurance?

I am registered with a number of private medical providers. If you are interested in exploring this option, please let me know in your referral form or at the initial consultation as there will be some information I need from you. I am registered with AXA, AVIVA, BUPA, Vitality and WPA.

How many sessions will I need?

It’s hard to say from the get-go. Most of my work focuses on healing from relational trauma which is a process that takes time. I see a mix of clients, some having between 10 to 20 sessions while others have more than that. This can be discussed in the initial consultation.

Do I have to attend weekly?

It is better if we start off with weekly sessions in order to build momentum and rapport. You will notice a change early on and may decide to space out the sessions to every 2 to 3 weeks.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you are unable to attend your session, please contact me more than 24 hours in advance. Cancellation within 24 hours may be counted as a ‘missed session’ and will be charged at the full session fee.

I am not based in the UK. Can I still work with you?

I am accredited and insured to provide therapy worldwide, so you are more than welcome to work with me. However, if you are based in the US or Canada, I can only provide you with relationship coaching due to differences in how therapy licensing works. You will just need a device such as a laptop or a smartphone with Zoom installed to access sessions.

Is what we discuss confidential?

The information discussed in our session is confidential, however, this may be discussed with my own supervisor where no identifiable details will be given. Sometimes, it is also necessary to break confidentiality in order to keep you safe. For example, if I believe you are at a risk to yourself, to others or from others, then I might need to involve other professionals such as your GP or the police. In these cases, I will try my best to notify you and obtain your consent before I take such action.

What happens in the initial consultation?

This is a 15 minutes free consultation where we explore a few of the issues that are going on in your life, what is motivating you to seek therapy or coaching, as well as discuss your goals and what you want to achieve. You have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have as well as discuss how therapy or coaching would be able to help.

I want to start but don’t know if I need therapy or coaching?

You do not need to work this out on your own. Book your free initial consultation and we will discuss this together.

Do you take on any couples?

At the moment, I am only taking on couples that have been referred by other colleagues and preferably those that can attend face to face rather than online.

I have more questions, what should I do?

If you have any questions that have not been answered anywhere on this page, then please feel free to drop me an email at info@ioanarotaru.com or book an introductory call with me. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have!

Book an Initial Consultation

If you are ready to take the next step and would like to discuss how we can work together, then book a free 15-minute initial consultation.