About Me
Get to know me -
Your Integrative Therapist
Hello, I’m Carina.
As a proud Portuguese native raised in the UK, I’ve danced through the ups and downs of identity, balancing my cultural heritage with my British surroundings, all while embracing the joys and challenges of raising my own kids.
Art and creative writing have always been my lifelines, enriching my therapeutic approach and showing me how vital self-expression is for healing and discovering oneself. It brings me so much joy to connect with my inner self and see the world from a unique perspective.
Art is my way of feeling alive and expressing who I am.
My personal journey has truly influenced my work.
I’ve tackled some tough life experiences, like toxic relationships, domestic violence, and the complexities of being a single parent.
I’ve faced post-natal depression and anxiety, which have given me a real understanding of the struggles you might be dealing with. Through it all, I’ve learned the importance of rediscovering oneself and creating a nurturing space for others to do the same.
I’ve seen firsthand how resilience, self-discovery, and compassion can change lives. With this spirit, I’m dedicated to helping you uncover your own strength and embrace your potential—no matter the challenges ahead.
My Work
My therapeutic approach centers on active listening and creating a warm, non-judgmental atmosphere where you feel truly heard and understood. Trust is the cornerstone of a strong therapeutic relationship and is essential for unpacking challenging emotions and experiences. Together, we will work on rediscovering your courage and authenticity as we navigate the path toward healing and growth, unlocking a brighter, more hopeful future.
Beyond Therapy
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.
Continuous Education
I am committed to lifelong learning, with specialised training in Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA), Trauma therapy, and support for diverse individuals, including those with learning difficulties and chronic illnesses like Lupus and Cancer. As someone who is neurodivergent—having been diagnosed with dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia—I connect deeply with the emotional impact of these experiences, though I do not claim to be an expert on neurodiversity.
My Experience
My hands-on experience includes working with children in Key Stage 1, young adults with complex SEN needs, and adults in multiple clinical placements. Each role has contributed significantly to my understanding and approach in therapy.
Mission Statement
I’m dedicated to harnessing the transformative power of creative expression as a therapeutic tool for healing.
Vision Statement
I envision a community where everyone feels inspired and empowered to explore their inner creativity as a path to healing and self-discovery. I dream of a world where mental health stigma is replaced with compassion and understanding and 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
- Compassion: I believe in the power of kindness and understanding in creating a safe space for healing.
- Empowerment: My goal is to help you reclaim your strength and autonomy.
- Integrity: I strive to maintain an ethical and transparent therapeutic practice.
- Inclusivity: I am dedicated to supporting individuals from all walks of life, respecting and valuing diversity.
- Continuous Growth: I am committed to lifelong learning, both personally and professionally.
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.
