Aldona Olchanowska

My name is Aldona Olchanowska. I am a professional counsellor and therapist with over 25 years experience of providing short and longer term therapy to individuals, couples and families. I have worked as a counsellor in the USA and Poland in various treatment and educational settings. I worked with people with a wide range of life issues, including HIV/AIDS, adoption, selective mutism, substance abuse, codependency, eating disorders and other issues.

I now work with individuals who struggle with a variety of issues:

• Depression

• Isolation and loneliness

• Loss, bereavement, mourning and grief

• Relationship problems

• Attachment, separation and abandonment

• Family conflicts

• Life transition and aging

• Child related issues

• Adoptive parents and adoptee issues

• Eating disorders and food issues

• Health related issues and illness

• Neurodegenerative disease in the family

• Cross-cultural issues

I am fully insured and am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to process personal information. 

I use an integrative approach, using different modalities including Person Centered and Humanistic, to provide holistic help.

I work with adults and families. I am bilingual, working in English and Polish.

In the current uneasy domestic economic situation and uncertainties affecting the world, isolation or stresses are being experienced by people much more widely and intensively. Historic emotional issues are often intensified and new problems arise. Often difficulties experienced for a prolonged time can also lead to somatic problems. Sadly, there is still an unjustified stigma attached to those requesting psychotherapy. I believe, however, that investing in mental health is as important as in physical.

Often people believe psychotherapy is something not needed by older people as it is thought too late to change and the problems faced in “old age” are best solved with medication. I don’t agree and am very interested in working with older adults.

My practice is age, race, faith and LGBTQ affirmative.