Ekaterina Ermakova

Currently I have availability on Monday, Thursday (online only), Friday afternoon and Saturday morning.

I am an integrative counsellor with a career background in law. I am based in SW London and offer in-person and online counselling sessions for a range of mental health difficulties including depression, anxiety, stress and trauma.

As a multicultural counsellor, I welcome clients from diverse backgrounds and identities. I abide by the BACP’s code of ethics and have a clear enhanced DBS certificate.

Qualifications

I am a qualified counsellor with a Diploma in Integrative Counselling from the Minster Centre. Currently I am in the final stages of completing an Advanced Diploma and MA in Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling at the Minster Centre, with a view to gaining a further qualification as a psychotherapist.

Experience

In addition to working in private practice, I volunteer as a counsellor at One in Four – a specialist charity that supports adult survivors of child sexual abuse and trauma. Previously I worked for three years at a generalist counselling service in south west London, and volunteered for four years at a residential respite centre for people who are at risk of suicide.

Prior to my career in mental health, I worked for 10 years in the legal sector as a solicitor, specialising in dispute resolution and corporate social responsibility. I also hold a master’s degree in law.

My approach

My training and approach is integrative, meaning that that I draw upon several core therapeutic modalities. In particular, I am influenced by psychodynamic, person-centred and phenomenological approaches to therapy.

People come to counselling for a variety of reasons, so I will be guided by your individual circumstances and needs. I aim to create a calm, reliable and non-judgemental environment where we can talk in depth about the difficulties that have brought you to counselling. In addition to exploring your present-day circumstances, the process of counselling will involve looking at your developmental history, early family dynamics, formative life experiences, significant relationships, and inner world. Together, we will explore the patterns and themes that underlie your thoughts, feelings and behaviour, with a view to bringing your unconscious processes into your conscious awareness and effecting meaningful change.

Practicalities, location and fees

I offer counselling either in person or online, depending on your preference. In-person sessions take place in a consulting room at South London Therapy Centre, 239A Balham High Road, London SW17 7BE. The room is located on the first floor, accessible by stairs only. The building has a gender-neutral toilet and a small waiting area. Online counselling sessions take place via Zoom.

A counselling session is 50 minutes long and takes place on a set day and time every week, apart from agreed holiday breaks. I offer once-weekly or twice-weekly counselling.

My fee is £80 per session.

I offer a free initial consultation session. The initial consultation is up to 50 minutes long and takes place online via Zoom or by telephone if you prefer. It is an opportunity for you to get a sense of what counselling with me might feel like and you are welcome to bring any questions or concerns. It is also an opportunity for me to find out more about you and whether I can be of help to you.