Vera Pratikaki
Counsellor
I specialise in:
About me
I believe my approach is guided by Jung’s quote: ‘Know all the theories, master all the techniques, but as you touch a human soul be just another human soul’. I'm a Greek licensed psychotherapist working with adults and teenagers. I hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology (University of Derby) and a postgraduate degree in Clinical and Community Psychology (University of East London). I also have an undergraduate degree in History (University of Warwick) and a postgraduate degree in Global and Imperial History (University of Oxford). I have been professionally trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Person Centered Therapy and I am also a certified instructor of the Thomas Gordon Effective Parenting workshop. I started my own practice in 2015 and have specialized in working with parents, adults and teenagers. I regularly attend conferences and workshops and continue my professional trainings. I'm also a published writer of children and young adult books.
In my practice when I first meet a client I am eager to listen to his/her story. As these stories unfold I try to help clients feel that whatever has happened to them they can find the courage to change or build the capacity to coexist with it in a way in which joy and happiness can also exist and eventually prevail. Sometimes we can make changes and feel better. Other times change is unfortunately not possible, but this doesn't mean that we can't feel better. As Jung said, ‘I’m not what happened to me, but what I choose to become’. Of course most of the times it’s not as simple a thing as a ‘choice’. There is a lot of processing involved, but I feel deeply honoured when people trust me to guide them through this journey of healing and growth so that they can become their true selves and live a fulfilling life. This is possible because no matter what we've been through, beneath the surface lies our true self, our core, our undamaged essence, which is full of potential and wisdom.
I speak:
Location:
Approach
I strongly believe that each person is unique and therefore for each client I combine techniques from different approaches that I've been trained in. My initial training was in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which equipped me with a good structure and several tools for emotion regulation. Subsequently, fascinated by the enormous power that our subconscious holds I became an accredited clinical hypnotherapist. If we only address the conscious part of ourselves transformation is limited. By focusing on the subconscious too true healing, empowerment and growth can occur. Having worked extensively with children and parents I've seen that most wisdom is already there from an early age. We adults, need to remember it and help both our current self and our inner child feel loved, safe and happy. Therefore, I often incorporate creative techniques in sessions. Moreover, attachment theory is an important cornerstone of my work, since it has proved to be extremely helpful for relationship difficulties, self-esteem and emotion regulation. Another interest I have is in neurobiology and that's why I always try to explain to my clients how the way their brain works affects their wellbeing and how they can help their brains become more integrated so that they can experience a greater sense of wholeness and well-being. When you know your own darkness you can better deal with the darkness of others and this is why I have experienced everything I practice from the receiving end too. I believe this has helped me truly feel the other person and have confidence that the methods I use are effective. To ensure high standards I also have regular supervision. I know that trust takes time and one has to earn it. I also strongly believe that a good match between the client and the therapist is crucial. I would therefore like to encourage you to book a get to know you first session, free of charge so that we can get to know each other and see if I can help you achieve your goals. Thank you!
