About Me
Get to know me -
Your Integrative Therapist
Hi, I’m Carina. After being in the UK for 30 years, I’ve embarked on a journey that has merged my diverse roots and experiences to become a compassionate and dedicated integrative therapist.
As a Portuguese native who has grown up within the UK, I’ve grappled with the complexities of identity, blending my cultural heritage with the experiences of being raised British and navigating the path of raising my own children.
My love for art and creative writing has always been a guiding force in my life. These passions have not only shaped me but have also enriched my therapeutic approach, allowing me to appreciate the power of self-expression as a crucial element in healing and self-discovery. Throughout my education I have been drawn to my artistic side, excelling in art and creative writing. This fills me with immense joy as it allows me to connect to my inner self and view the world in a unique way.
Art allows me to feel alive and have the freedom to express myself.
My Work
Alongside my therapeutic work, I’ve had the privilege of supporting parents from their third trimester in their pregnancies until their child reaches nursery age in a voluntary role within my community. This journey has provided me with invaluable insights, along with me being a parent myself, into the challenges and joys of parenthood, further enriching my ability to provide empathetic and understanding support.
Beyond my therapeutic work, I’ve dedicated myself to continuous learning, including specialized training in Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA), trauma therapy, and supporting diverse individuals, including those with learning difficulties and various illnesses such as Lupus and Cancer. This is an interest of mine due to also being neurodivergent. I have been diagnosed with dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia, often feeling alone with my struggles growing up and now I understand the emotional impact this has had on my life and mental well-being. However, I am not an expert on neurodiversity.
In addition, I’ve gained hands-on experience working with children in Key Stage 1 and with adults in clinical placements, each role contributing to the overall understanding and care I bring to my practice.
My personal journey has deeply influenced my work. I’ve navigated through challenging life experiences, including toxic relationships, domestic violence, and the complexities of single parenthood. Moments of post-natal depression, anxiety, and healing from trauma have given me a firsthand understanding of the struggles you might be facing. It’s through these experiences that I’ve discovered the power of finding oneself again and the importance of providing a nurturing space for others to do the same.
My life and professional experiences have shown me the power of resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative nature of compassion. It’s with this spirit that I’m committed to helping you find your own strength and guide you toward embracing your potential, no matter what challenges you face.
My approach begins with listening deeply and creating a space free from judgment, where you can feel truly heard and understood. I believe that building a foundation of trust is key to fostering a therapeutic relationship that allows for processing difficult emotions and experiences.
My commitment is to help you rediscover your strength, courage, and true self. Together, we’ll navigate the path toward healing and growth, unlocking your potential for a brighter and more hopeful future.
Mission Statement
A dedication to harnessing the transformative power of creative expression as a therapeutic tool for healing.
Vision Statement
My vision is a community where every individual feels inspired and empowered to explore their inner creativity as a path to healing and self-discovery. I envision a world where the stigma around mental health is dismantled, replaced with compassion, and understanding. I see a future where survivors of intimate partner violence, domestic abuse, and trauma find solace and strength in a supportive therapeutic environment, guided by empathy and compassion.
My Values
- Being Kind.
- Being Brave.
- Believing in diversity and inclusion.
Ethical Framework
I am a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I abide by the BACPs ethical framework and The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) strict legal structures on data protection.
