Victoria Gale

I currently have availability:

Wednesdays 10am - 2pm for face-to-face counselling in my room near Dulwich Library, SE22.

Mondays and Tuesdays during the day for online counselling (Zoom).

Sometimes it’s difficult to admit we are struggling, show our vulnerability and ask for help. But when we get ‘stuck’ and can’t see a way out, it can be helpful to have someone impartial and non-judgemental to talk things through with, to help us make sense of the challenges we are facing in life.

Life is an inevitably difficult process to manage as it is always dynamic and changing. As human beings and social creatures, we navigate multiple relationships, search for meaning and purpose in our lives, balance responsibility with choice and freedom, and endure physical and emotional pain, loss and loneliness.

I am professionally trained to listen empathically and without judgement. I can provide a private and confidential space in which you can tell your story and be yourself. I aim to establish a kind, engaged and attuned therapeutic relationship where your needs and preferences are at the heart of our work together. With my support, you can explore your concerns and feelings in order to understand them better. We can work towards removing the barriers in your way, allowing you to be the best version of yourself; to be empowered to find a path towards healing, change, insight or self-fulfilment.

My professional training and experience has been an integration of humanistic approaches (Person-Centred and Existential Counselling) with Psychodynamic approaches. I also have experience of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and can work with you in this way, if you so wish.

I work integratively as I believe no single approach holds all the truth and suits every unique individual. I see the commonalities among the models and I draw upon and integrate their concepts and theories depending on the unique needs, circumstances and preferences of each client. In any case, it is now widely accepted that the relationship between counsellor and client (and not the model or approach) is the most important factor in the success of therapy. My priority is therefore to establish a therapeutic relationship with you that is safe, trusting, collaborative and compassionate, yet challenging. There will be regular opportunities for us to discuss how the counselling is going and whether you are finding it helpful. 

I have worked with many clients who have faced prejudice, discrimination and hatred, just because of who they are. I am committed to a proactive stance against social injustice by challenging the status quo and advocating for those without power or voice. I welcome difference from me in all its forms.

I am a registered member of The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) which demonstrates that I meet high standards of proficiency, professionalism and ethical practice. You can find me on the BACP register online by searching for ‘Victoria Gale’ or my registration number 408604

I believe in addressing your concerns in as short a time as necessary. I therefore offer counselling short-term (usually 6 or 12 weeks), medium-term (6 months) or long-term (1 year). We will discuss these options at the beginning and agree on the time-frame together, taking into account your needs, circumstances and preferences. You can change your mind about the length of the counselling, or terminate the counselling, at any time.

All sessions, including the initial assessment, last 50 minutes and are priced at £65. Our appointments will occur weekly on the same day, at the same time and in the same location. 

Our first session is a confidential online assessment, where we discuss your concerns, what you want from counselling and whether I might be able to help you. If I feel there are other services that could help you more, I will discuss these options with you. 

All sessions, including the initial assessment, last 50 minutes and are priced at £65.