Andreea Achim

Sessions take place via Zoom video call or phone call. Flexible hours available. 

Our mental and emotional health are crucial overall wellbeing indicators; however developing our skills, knowledge and understanding of these crucial aspects of our lives is not easy. This can be in part due to lack of general education and information on these topics, and in part to the fact that it is also a very unique and individual process. In addition, trauma and adverse experiences can severely hinder the development of these crucial areas of our life, and can lead to them working against us rather than for us. As an Integrative counsellor, I draw on Humanistic, Psychodynamic and Cognitive theories to create an individualised approach that can best suit each of my clients and their needs, aims and challenges. By facilitating a safe, empathetic and non-judgemental space, I work with my clients on developing higher levels of self-awareness, knowledge and skills that can lead to increased mental and emotional health mastery and resiliency. This can be a very empowering process leading to increased self-compassion, self-confidence and self-authenticity alongside other insights and skills that can help my clients navigate current and future challenges successfully. 

I hold a Level 6 Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy and have been in practice since 2018. My previous experience includes providing counselling to survivors of sexual abuse for Circles South East. I have also provided bereavement counselling for Ellenor hospice, as well as being an Anxiety UK counsellor.

In 2020 I have started my private practice "Happy Sisyphus Counselling" because I believe people affected by trauma and adverse experiences have the potential not only to survive, but to truly thrive. I offer a caring, confidential and non-judgemental space, using a tailored integrative approach, to support you examine the boulder of adversity and discover ways in which you may transform it from burden to strength.

Alongside my private practice, I am an Online Counsellor for Qwell (Kooth), offering text-based therapy to adults facing mental health difficulties and distress.

I am passionate about working with young people (16 +) and adults to address a series of concerns such as: anxiety, panic, post traumatic stress, depression, bereavement and loss, low self-esteem, identity, OCD, work/ exams related stress, burnout, childhood adverse experiences and disability.

My extensive and varied work since qualifying as a therapist has led to varied subsequent relevant training and experience and I have particularly developed my understanding of trauma and its impact on the nervous system and on mental health and wellbeing.  

In addition, I have got 12 years of teaching experience (UK QTS), having taught in primary, secondary and college settings, in mainstream, special educational needs and disability education (SEND) and special provision. 

I am also a qualified Interpreter and a Mental Health First Aider.

I offer a free 10 minutes phone consultation so that we can discuss the possibility of working together. In our first session together we will discuss the support you are looking for and how my way of working may fit your goals, so that together we can decided the best ways forward. 

Please note that I am able to offer sessions online (via Zoom) or by phone.  

I can offer flexible hours through the week.     

Whether we have suffered a life shattering event or we live with a feeling that something is missing in our lives, our resilience can become depleted. Repeated feelings of anxiety, stress and depression can start to gain control over our everyday lives, keeping us stuck, unfulfilled and isolated. 

Using a tailored integrative approach, I am here to facilitate a process by which we can examine and engage with challenges in a way that promotes your resilience and helps you move forward in the direction that feels right and authentic to you. 

I am an Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist (MBACP) and I own a private practice called 'Happy Sisyphus Counselling - growing through adversity'.  

I comply with the ICO Data Protection regulations. I own Professional Liability Insurance and I am committed to the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. 

Client Testimonial

"I was able to process and discuss issues without worrying how I was being perceived, or being judged. It allowed me to talk about things freely, without editing my own thoughts to deem them ‘appropriate’. It helped me prepare for a future where I would be reliant on myself, and it helped me look forward to this. Counselling helped me with accountability and self-reliance, which ultimately helped me deal with my grief. " H. S.

"Before counselling I struggled with feelings of shame, guilt, embarrassment and defectiveness, and I had a little level of trust in others. Now I can identify my strengths, I understand my reactions better and I try to not judge them just to analyse them instead. I had increased positive views of myself and I developed the ability to seek support from the people who can help me when I need it. Andreea facilitated an environment that felt supportive and safe. I communicated easily with her using my own language. I found myself comfortable, heard and understood. She helped me to focus on appropriate and accurate reflections and allow me to emote." P. 0. 

Trauma refers to any situation that feels overwhelming and may leave you feeling distressed, anxious and unable to trust people. This may be caused by sudden events (such as an accident, loss and bereavement or a violent attack) as well as ongoing, long-term causes (such as ongoing physical and/or emotional abuse and neglect).

I strongly believe that people affected by trauma and adverse experiences have the ability not only to survive, but also to thrive. This is where trauma informed therapy can help. 

Every person is unique and there is no 'one size fits all' when it comes to therapy. Therefore I draw on different modalities - mainly Person-Centred, Psychodynamic, Cognitive and Existential - to tailor my approach to your individual needs. I am also informed by Attachment theory and Compassion Focused Therapy. Together we can explore and discover the most helpful ways in which you may feel empowered to achieve your goals. 

Where it feels relevant and appropriate, it can help to safely identify root causes of distress, so that with such insights, you can experience long term relief and positive change. Please know that the therapeutic process is always informed by you and your goals and wishes - we go at a pace that feels helpful to you. 

Since starting my clinical practice I have been honoured to help many clients discover effective approaches in dealing with the adversities in their lives. Alongside my private practice, my work as an Online Counsellor for a range of counselling services, including a major national service, has allowed me to rapidly expand my range of expertise and experience. 

Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or would like to book an initial session with me. 

I offer a free 10 minutes initial consultation which gives us a chance to consider the possibility of working together.