Dr Denitsa Radeva-Petrova, BSc, MBACP, MUKCP, MBPsS, MPH, MSc (hons.), DCPsych
Counselling & Psychotherapy in Canterbury, Kent (CT1)
“A person is a fluid process, not a fixed and static entity; a flowing river of change, not a block of solid material; a continually changing constellation of potentialities, not a fixed quantity of traits."
― Carl R. Rogers
About you
Do you feel overwhelmed in social situations, worrying how others perceive you? Are you having trouble sleeping or waking up in the middle of the night with your heart racing? Or perhaps on some days it is a real challenge to wake up and find the motivation to get out of bed, wondering ‘what’s the point?’ It might be difficult to share your thoughts and feelings with your family and friends. Reflecting on the issues you might have encountered recently or at different stages in your life may give you time to think about and decide what it is you need to do, as well as enable you to see a different perspective and subsequently make changes in your relationships with Self and others. Some potential benefits of counselling and psychotherapy include developing a stronger sense of Self and the ability to set boundaries, alleviating anxiety, greater self-confidence, regaining emotional balance, increasing assertiveness and creating more fulfilling and supportive relationships.
About me
I am a fully qualified Psychodynamic Counsellor (MBACP, MBPsS), Integrative Psychotherapist (UKCP reg.) and Doctor of Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy by Professional Studies (DCPsych). I completed my Doctorate in Counselling Psychology at Metanoia Institute / Middlesex University, London. Metanoia Institute has a long-standing reputation for providing training of outstanding quality and relevance. I have experience working in a variety of settings (NHS, the Charity and Higher Education Sectors) with clients from all walks of life (students, young adults, older clients). Currently, my clinical practice is based at Lombard House Business and Wellbeing Centre (a centrally located, professional setting in Canterbury, Kent) and at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) where I work part-time. I aim to offer you a safe and confidential space, allowing you to explore what is on your mind. I am also a certified Online and Telephone Counsellor, offering sessions remotely (online and via telephone) as well as in person, depending on your situation and preference.
How I work
Counselling or psychotherapy can be a big journey to consider embarking on. It is important that you are able to make an informed decision, choosing a therapist who would be the ‘right’ fit for you. I have come to realise that ‘one size does not fit all’. My underlying values as a practitioner encompass recognising the centrality of the multi-layered therapeutic relationship and ‘meeting’ my clients as complex human beings. I endeavour to maintain an authentic, non-judgemental stance of openness and curiosity while focusing on my clients’ needs, aspirations and presenting issues in the context of their unique social and cultural background.
Issues that I currently work with (or have worked with) include:
• Abuse
• Anxiety (including Health, Social and Performance anxiety)
• Attachment issues
• Bereavement & loss
• Body image concerns
• Bullying
• Cultural awareness and/or alienation
• Depression
• Discrimination
• Existential / life stage issues
• Low self-esteem
• Panic attacks / phobias
• Relationship difficulties / interpersonal issues
• Self and identity
• Sexual issues
• Shame
• Stress management
• Trauma
• Work related issues
During my own personal therapy (6+ years) and my development as a counsellor and psychotherapist, I have started to appreciate how important the reliability of the therapist is to the client work, as well as the quality of the therapeutic relationship (or alliance). I understand that choosing a therapist may be a daunting task, both on a personal level as well as in terms of the issue(s) you may be bringing. It is for this reason that I offer all prospective clients an initial consultation (50 minutes) at a reduced price (£30) without commitment at this stage. The initial consultation will allow us to decide whether it feels right for us to work together. It will give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have for me. These may be related to my practice, therapeutic stance and theoretical integrative model, training and/or experience, as well as discussing professional practice issues, such as confidentiality, fees, cancellation policy, etc. We can also talk about the issue or issues that are affecting you and your expectations of therapy.
You can learn more about my integrative theoretical model, qualifications and professional membership here.
Information about my fees and working hours is available here.
If you would like to book an initial consultation, contact me. You can also find me on Googlemaps.