Casilda Bartholomew

I'm a London-based psychotherapist offering face-to-face sessions in Balham (SW17) on a Wednesday. On other days of the week I work with clients online.

My approach is integrative. Underpinning my work is a strong emphasis on person-centred theory and the ideas of Carl Rogers. I also draw on ideas from psychodynamic theory, in particular its insights on early life experiences and how they shape us. I am interested in Freud's notion that love and work are crucial to our psychological health, as well as Winnicott's belief that play and creativity are key to building self-confidence and self-esteem.

I am currently training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an action-oriented approach that's all about connecting with our values in order to lead a fuller and more meaningful life.

In my practice I strive to be warm and responsive. I value each and every client and know how hard it can be to seek help, particularly at times of sadness, loneliness or low self-worth. I offer an empathic, non-judgmental space that's designed to help you feel safe, supported and able to talk freely about whatever's troubling you. Together we can explore the difficulties you face, whether it's feeling unhappy in your relationship, stuck in life or low in self-confidence. Equally it could be feelings of grief and heartbreak after the death of a loved one, or a sense that undealt-with issues from your past are hampering your progress in life.

I believe that psychotherapy offers a unique space that isn't easily found in our everyday relationships. Over time the process of giving voice to your thoughts and feelings in weekly therapy can be very rewarding, empowering you to develop new insights and identify what matters most to you. Together we can help to set in motion the positive changes you wish to make.

I see clients face-to-face in Balham (SW17) on a Wednesday. On other days of the week I offer online sessions.

For new clients I offer a 30-minute initial consultation on Zoom that's free of charge. This would give you a chance to experience how a session feels.

All sessions, whether in-person or online, last for 50 minutes.

In our first session, whether in-person or online, I would gather information about your psychological, emotional and mental health. I would ask about your current life circumstances and about any significant events in your past. We would talk about your expectations of counselling, the issues that have brought you to therapy and any worries you might have.

Each session, whether online or in-person, would last for 50 minutes. It would take place at a mutually agreed day and time every week (with the exception of holidays). We might typically plan six or 12 sessions, or leave things open-ended.