Who Am I?

Hi! My name is Maria Goga and I am a London based therapist. I work in an integrative way with a focus on the therapeutic relationship. My main methods are CBT, the person-centred approach, attachment theory, Gestalt and transactional analysis. I also have a background in the performing arts and use this experience in my therapeutic practice - I am very good at putting myself in someone else's shoes in a non-judgemental way. I believe unconditional positive regard and empathy are some of the most valuable things we can receive from another person, so offering that to my clients is vital to my work.

Therapeutic Approach

I work in an integrative way with a focus on the therapeutic relationship, which I believe to be at the very core of therapy - without a strong relationship built on trust, efficient counselling can't happen. The main approaches I use are:

• The person centred-approach;

• Solution focused therapy;

• Cognitive behavioural therapy;

• Attachment theory;

• Compassion focused therapy;

• Transactional analysis;

• Psychodynamic theory.

I adapt my way of working based on each individual client's needs, personality, and what therapeutic approach they respond the best to. I also integrate psycho-education into my practice, which means I also talk to my clients about the various theories I apply in our work together and help them gain a better understanding of their inner psychological processes. I believe this empowers my clients by giving them more knowledge and a better understanding about what is happening in the therapeutic process. I create a warm, safe, nurturing environment by offering my clients the core conditions: empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard. Creating a safe therapeutic space enables clients to explore their emotions and experiences freely, without fear of judgement, which, in time, leads to positive personality change and growth.

What Issues Can I Help With?

I work with a variety of issues such as:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Bereavement

• Suicidal thoughts

• Bullying

• Discrimination

• Relationship issues

• Not having a sense of purpose

• Work issues

• Stress

• Low self-confidence

• Co-dependence

• Loneliness

• Anger management.