Hello, I'm Petra

Beyond therapy

I've been drawn to the idea of becoming a therapist since I was around eleven. Even then, I was very aware of other people's feelings and found myself wondering why some people seemed to struggle more than others, and whether things could feel different for them. As I grew older, that curiosity developed into an interest in psychology and self-awareness, I started exploring my own patterns and where they came from.

It took time to build the confidence and self-belief to follow the path I'd had in mind for so many years, but the interest never really went away. Eventually, I found my way into counselling and discovered that this was something I genuinely wanted to do.

My understanding of therapy has been shaped by more than counselling and psychology. My experience as a massage therapist, together with practice of yoga, has deepened my interest in the relationship between the mind, body and emotions.

Through massage, I've seen how much we can carry in our bodies — sometimes without even realising it. Clients often describe this as “carrying the world on their shoulders” or feeling as though stress is sitting there in their body. Tension, stress and emotions don't always stay neatly in our thoughts; they can show up physically too.

Yoga has also taught me the value of slowing down, noticing what is happening in the body and listening rather than always trying to push through.

Together, these experiences have shaped the way I think about wellbeing — and the importance of paying attention to both our inner world and what is happening in our bodies.

How I work

I don't believe therapy is about quick fixes or being told what you should do. I see it as a space where we can slow things down, understand what's happening for you and work out what might help.

My approach is integrative, which means I won't try to fit you into a particular therapy model. Instead, I'll work with you to understand what you need and draw on different approaches depending on what feels helpful for you.

I'm interested in the patterns that can develop over time — the ways we think, feel and respond, and why we can sometimes find ourselves reacting in ways we don't fully understand or repeating things we'd rather change. I also pay attention to what's happening in your body. You might notice tension, restlessness, a tight chest, changes in your breathing, or simply a feeling that something doesn't feel right. We can become curious about these experiences alongside your thoughts and emotions, rather than treating them as separate.

I sometimes use parts-informed ways of working, which can help us understand the different sides of ourselves that can show up in difficult situations. Perhaps one part of you is very self-critical, another wants to keep everyone happy, while another feels it needs to stay in control. Rather than judging these reactions, we can become curious about them and what they might be trying to do for you.

My Qualifications

I’m a qualified counsellor with a background in psychology and a commitment to ongoing professional development. Alongside my private practice, I have experience supporting people through grief and bereavement counselling, as well as working with people experiencing difficult and life-changing circumstances.

My training includes:

Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling, Iron Mill College, Exeter

BSc Psychology, Birkbeck College, London

National Autistic Society Non-medical helpers and mentors certificate , Understanding Autism, Autism and communication, Autism and sensory experience, Autism, stress and anxiety, Autism: supporting families, Women and girls on the autism spectrum.

Cognitive-Behavioural Hypnotherapy, UK College of Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy

Personal Coaching, Coach U

Human biology (1 year), Open University

Online courses in Somatic approaches to Trauma (CPD)

Work Experience

Specialist Mentoring (Neurodiversity) - I support university students with Autism and ADHD diagnoses. This means supporting students not just academically, but emotionally and practically, helping them navigate challenges such as focus, organisation, managing stress, and adapting to the demands of university life.
Bereavement Counsellor I have experience providing counselling support to people navigating grief and bereavement, offering a confidential and compassionate space to explore the impact of loss and the changes that can follow.
Mental health support worker (Rethink Mental Illness) - I supported clients through both complex mental health needs and the everyday challenges that can come with this.