Gisella Pereira

Life can be difficult and challenging; and at times it can feel like an uphill struggle. We may find ourselves repeating patterns and behaviours that prevent us from living a fulfilling and meaningful life. That feeling of not having a voice, of not being able to articulate our thoughts and feelings, instead they end up on a repetitive loop in our minds bringing a sense of disquiet and unhappiness.

Counselling can offer the opportunity to find your voice with a sense of having been seen and heard. To begin to work out your authentic self, to internalise the acceptance that can come from a therapeutic relationship has the potential to be transformative in helping you to discover new ways of being. Beginning to speak about the things that cause you suffering is a very personal process that can raise a lot of painful feelings. I offer a confidential, non-judgmental and professional environment where you have the freedom to explore what may be troubling you. I will take the lead from you and allow you to proceed at your own pace. I do not provide solutions but will be alongside you recognising your needs, helping you to find your own answers and to better tolerate your distress.

I am an Integrative counsellor which means I thoughtfully blend a variety of approaches in order to work effectively with my clients. I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) and of the Black African and Asian Therapeutic Network (BAATN), this means that I adhere to their codes of ethics and framework for good practice. I am in regular supervision and undertake ongoing CPD to enhance my personal and professional growth and development.

Practice description

My approach is relational, which means I believe in the importance of our relationship in shaping our work together. The therapeutic relationship can provide an empathic, genuine, stable and consistent setting. This can start the process of personal growth in the form of self-exploration, building resilience, allowing you to grow in self-awareness and self-acceptance. It allows for the possibility of change, of being able to recognise your uniqueness and of trusting yourself to know what it is that you need such as fostering greater self-care and compassion and putting in place healthier boundaries. Within this space, it can also be useful to consider how your past/early experiences and relationships have shaped your present. Our need for connection is inherent, and the bonds we form with our caregivers during early childhood can impact how we approach relationships in adulthood

I provide therapy in 2 formats, online via telephone/video platforms and outdoor therapy.

Online Therapy

I offer online sessions through various video platforms (WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet). Clients often find that this offers greater flexibility with session times especially if it is difficult to attend in person because of location or mobility issues. Telephone sessions can also be arranged if preferable.

£50 for a 50 minute online session

Outdoor therapy

I also offer Walking Therapy also known as outdoor or Ecotherapy in a couple of local parks in the Croydon and South Norwood areas. Walk and Talk therapy combines the therapeutic benefits of nature and movement and can facilitate greater expression of thoughts and feelings. Walking in a green space can have a calming and meditative quality especially when processing difficult thoughts and feelings, helping to regulate the nervous system.

£60 for a 60 minute walk and talk session

Once you get in touch, the first step would be to arrange an initial, free 20 minute consultation to discuss why counselling feels right for you at this time. We can also discuss which format would work best for you – online or outdoor. The consultation can take place by phone; video or we can even meet in a local green space. It is also important for you to meet me and to discover if I am the right therapist for you. Collaboratively, we would work out the best way forward.