IRENE M. C. SOLDAVINI PhD
PLURALISTIC INDIVIDUAL and RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLOR
and
PHILOSOPHICAL COUNSELLOR
I am Irene, a registered BACP counsellor with a PhD in anthropology and diasporic film studies. My academic and life experiences have allowed me to understand individuals' intrapersonal and interpersonal complexities, and I use this knowledge to help people explore emotional difficulties. I believe each client is unique, and my practice focuses on creating a tailored counselling experience for each individual. I aim to create a non-judgmental space for people to explore and become aware of their experiences and feelings. I position myself as "in" the therapy alongside my client. I try to let the client's pace and rhythm guide the therapy.
As an individual and relationship counsellor, I specialise in pluralistic counselling, a collaborative, integrative perspective rooted in humanistic-centred values. My expertise in existential counselling and compassionate focus therapy (CFT) allows me to use awareness and compassion to empower individuals. I have completed the foundation course in core process psychotherapy at the Karuna Institute. I am dedicated to providing an inclusive, supportive environment for clients to explore complexities.
I offer remote counselling sessions by ZOOM in English and Italian.
© Georgia O'Keeffe
© Georgia O'Keeffe
AWARENESS, COMPASSION, INCLUSIVENESS
A NON-JUDGEMENTAL SPACE FOR A MEANINGFUL EXPLORATION OF COMPLEXITIES
AREAS OF INTEREST
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Anxiety
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Bereavement
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Consensual non-monogamous relationships
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Couple counselling
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Death and non-related death losses
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Diasporic issues
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Displacement
- Epistemic, Hermeneutic, and Testimonial Injustice
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Gender, Sexual, and Relationship Diversity (GSRD)
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Grief
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Hoarding
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Identity
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Isolation
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LGTBQIA+
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Loneliness
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Losses
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Politics
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Polyamory
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Sex workers affirmative therapy
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Unconventional lifestyles
INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING
My practice provides an inclusive and compassionate approach to helping individuals through emotional complexities. My areas of interest include anxiety, bereavement, death and non-death related losses, identity issues, binary and non-binary genders, and unconventional lifestyles and sexuality.
I provide a non-judgemental environment where individuals can explore their feelings and experiences. I aim to help people better understand themselves and create a therapeutic space to find their own path and feel empowered.
RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLING
I specialize in existential and pluralistic relationship counselling. I provide a tailored environment for people of all lifestyles and backgrounds. My services include support for those who practice consensual non-monogamous relationships, polyamory, and other unconventional lifestyles (GSRD). I understand the importance of creating an inclusive and empowering space for clients. My approach is empathic and inclusive. I am proud to offer compassionate and non-judgmental counselling to l my clients.
Curriculum Vitae
QUALIFICATIONS/ACHIEVEMENTS
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BA Anthropology and Communication, Goldsmiths University of London
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MA Anthropology of Media, SOAS University of London
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PhD Anthropology and Film Studies, SOAS University of London
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Diploma in Couple Counselling, Relationships Scotland
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Foundation Course in Core Process Psychotherapy, Karuna Institute
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MSc in Existential Psychotherapy, New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling Ongoing
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Introduction to Compassionate Focus Therapy, The Compassionate Mind Foundation
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Compassion Focus Therapy for Grief, The Compassionate Mind Foundation
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Compassionate Focus Therapy for Hoarding, The Compassionate Mind Foundation
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Compassionate Focus Therapy Conference, The Compassionate Mind Foundation]
EXPERIENCE IN COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY:
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Volunteer in a nurturing group for vulnerable children in a local primary school. The groups were led by a psychotherapist and based on group psychotherapy.
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Trainee counsellor at an LGBT Edinburgh-based counselling service.
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Trainee counsellor at Relationships Scotland Argyll and Glasgow.
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Counsellor in private practice.
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Trainee psychotherapist at an LGBT Edinburgh-based counselling service.
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Trainee psychotherapist for a low cost counselling service based in London.
EXPERIENCE OF PERSONAL COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY
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Counselling.
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Psychotherapy ongoing.
© Georgia O'Keeffe
"The ultimate goal of therapy ... it's too hard a question. The words come to me like tranquility, like fulfillment, like realizing your potential. Things that Freud used to say; being able to work and to love, that's pretty good summary of it right there. But mainly it's this idea I tried to explain ... you have to develop a separate new therapy for every single client. So for some clients the goal will be this and for some the goal will be that. For one client I have now the goal really is for him to be able to discuss some of his vulnerabilities with his wife and then have a real relationship between the two of them".
"Seven Questions for Irvin Yalom", Psychology Today, Mar. 25, 2009
Fees
Individual counselling : GBP 95 per 50 minutes
Couple counselling : GBP 160 per 50 minutes
© Georgia O'Keeffe
I am unable to provide a crisis service. If you need urgent help, you will need to contact your GP, crisis helplines (such as NHS Direct on 111, or the Samaritans on 116 123) or Emergency Services on 999.
