Araxi Utidjian

I am available for Online Sessions Mon - Wed. On Saturdays I'm available for walking therapy (on Hampstead Heath) or Face-to-Face a few minutes walk from the Heath.  

I am a Person-Centred Gestalt counsellor and a Mindfulness Instructor for adolescents and adults. 

 I work with whatever people bring, including (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, chronic procrastination, cultural issues, self harm, identity issues, eating issues, emotional regulation, childhood abuse, loneliness, bereavement and loss. 

The Gestalt approach is immediate and present moment orientated, and we will explore the past and the future as much as we need to make sense of where you are now. Person Centred is a highly affirming, warm, non-judgemental approach. Our objectives might include you regaining a sense of ease, resilience, and agency in your life. They might include self-forgiveness, letting go of resentments, and a stronger capacity to trust yourself. You might need time to recover from a tough blow, to feel heard, to feel that you are enough, or that you are not too much, and to regain emotional balance. You might not know what you need, but know something really isn't working for you.

Whatever brings you and unfolds for you at our sessions will be our focus, and together we will embark on a journey to a better place.

I provide a safe space to explore what you bring in any number of ways. Gestalt is a highly experimental approach. If indoors, we may use role play, or writing in our sessions. Or Mindfulness (wherever we are),  and of course we may simply talk. 

Our first contact will be a free phone call of up to half an hour. In the case of teenagers this time can be shared between parent and teenager. We'll spend the time getting to know each other a bit. You can ask any questions that may have arisen from reading my profile. I will ask you some questions too. We'll be finding out if we're a good fit. 

We'll also have a chance to talk about logistics. When, Where and How Much. 

If we agree to meet for a 50 minute session I will send you a confirmation, and a request for some contact details. Once I have this information I'll send you a draft contract. This will include a statement about client confidentiality, my cancellation policy and arrangements for payment. It will also state how many sessions we have agreed to meet for. I find a three week trial period works well initially, but we can decide together.  When we meet we will do an  assessment. This usually takes 20 mins and will provide an overview of your situation, and what brings you to therapy at this time. 

I am available on Mondays - Wednesdays for face-to-face, and walking therapy in Folkestone.

I'm available in London on Saturday for walking therapy, and face-to-face.

I'm available online Mon-Sat.

My hours are between 9:30 and 6pm

I am an Integrative Counsellor. I work with adolescents and adults.

What does 'integrative' mean, you might well ask... 

It means that my training has been varied and extensive and I have integrated several methods and approaches so that I can  help you in a variety of ways. I'm 'Person Centred' which is a highly affirming, non-judgemental approach. I'm also a Mindfulness Instructor so I can teach you Mindfulness techniques to help you to feel more relaxed, at ease and centred, regardless of what is going on for you right now. And, I am Gestalt trained so the work can be experimental and creative, if you choose. It might, for example, involve 'empty chair work' or 'bibliotherapy'.

I am also available for 'walk and talk' sessions. Or a combination of indoor and outdoor sessions. Being out in the fresh sea air and walking side by side whilst we talk can be very freeing, grounding and inspiring. 

Our objectives will include you feeling fully heard and seen in a safe and confidential space. You might be recovering from a tough blow, or you might want to explore your patterns of behaviour that don't serve you. You might not really know what you need, but know something just really isn't working for you.

I work with whatever people bring. My experience has included working with people struggling with anxiety, depression, self-harm, addiction, complex childhood trauma, relationships, loneliness and loss. I also work with eating issues, and can offer Mindful Eating guidance. 

Whatever brings you and unfolds at our sessions will be our focus. It's fair to expect to feel a boost in confidence, resilience, light heartedness, and clarity... 

I provide a safe, confidential space to explore what's going on in your life. If it appeals to you this might be an outdoor space, a walk on the Leas, for example. We are very lucky here in Folkestone that we can benefit from the healing powers of nature in our sessions, depending on the weather, and your inclination. 

You may prefer to meet online, or in my lovely therapy room with a view! Apart from what you might bring on the day there is the opportunity indoors to do some 'empty chair' work,  some mindfulness training, or some relational attunement practice. 

'We think we listen, but very rarely do we listen with real understanding, and true empathy. Yet listening, of this very special kind, is one of the most potent forces for change that I know.'

Carl Rogers 

Our first 'session' will be a free half hour call when we'll get a sense of each other. Research shows that a successful therapeutic relationship is not so much about the therapist's particular skill set, but about how it feels to talk to us. If you feel comfortable and safe when we speak, and you feel like I 'get you', that sense of ease in our rapport is important. The call is also an opportunity to talk about logistics: When, Where and How Much...  There is no obligation to proceed after we speak. We might know straight away that we want to work together, or we might need time to think about it.