ABOUT ME:
My name is Iga Sielenko and I'm an Integrative Counsellor, a registered member of BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and an accredited member of NCPS (The National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society).
I specialise in supporting people who feel stuck in survival mode, often as a result of chronic stress, anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, people-pleasing, or the lasting impact of relational trauma. My work is trauma and IFS-informed, offering a safe, compassionate space where you can slow down, reconnect with yourself, and begin to heal at your own pace.
My Approach
As an Integrative Counsellor, my goal is to meet you where you are. I use a mix of therapeutic approaches to build a personalised path for your healing and growth, so you feel supported every step of the way.
I work in a relational way, believing that the relationship between therapist and client is not just a backdrop to the work - it’s a central part of the healing process. Trust, empathy, and genuine understanding form the foundation for our sessions, creating a safe space where you can explore, heal, and grow.
I take a holistic approach to mental health - your mind and body are deeply connected. In therapy, we’ll consider how lifestyle and environment impact your emotional health, helping you find balance.
My experience
I have an experience working with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds, including those who are neurodivergent. Many of my clients are millennials who identify as perfectionists or people pleasers, often feeling anxious, burnt out, or stuck in survival mode.
My personal experience travelling and navigating different countries and cultures gives me a deeper understanding of the complexities that can come with adjusting to new environments and navigating challenges related to identity and belonging.
I’ve been volunteering as a bereavement counsellor at St. Michael's Hospice (St Leonards on Sea) between 2022-2025. This experience has provided me with specialised training and a deep understanding of grief, loss and its complexities. I also volunteered as a Children and Young People’s Counsellor at a local secondary school for a charity - Place2Be.
Before becoming a therapist, I worked in the creative industry and ran my own business. This experience gives me a deep understanding of the unique challenges creatives face. From managing stress and burnout to balancing artistic passion with business demands, I can relate to the pressures that come with creative work.
I’m bilingual and can offer sessions in both English and Polish. However, I feel most at ease working in English, as it’s the language I trained in and use most often in my therapeutic work.
Beyond the Therapy Room
My path to becoming a therapist is personal. I’ve been through my own struggles with mental health, so I know how heavy and lonely life can feel at times.
It’s incredibly rewarding to work with people as they come out of survival mode, rebuild their confidence, and move through the anxiety that’s been holding them back. This work has been life-changing, not only for my clients but for me as well.
I have an endless curiosity about the human mind, which often shows up as a growing stack of psychology books on my bedside table.
I love travelling - exploring new places is where I feel most free. I love immersing myself in different cultures, discovering new experiences, and embracing opportunities that push me beyond the familiar.
I nurture my creativity in many forms: through art, music, film, reading, and spending time in nature.
Professional qualifications and training:
Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
Trauma informed practitioner diploma
Treating Complex Trauma with Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy
An Introduction to Internal Family Systems Model for Healing Trauma, Anxiety & Depression
Mental health and the body - treating trauma
Trauma and the body - dissociation and somatisation
Perinatal mental health and birth trauma
Polyvagal Theory
Extensive bereavement, grief and loss training
Working with childhood bereavement and anticipatory grief
Working with shame
Anxiety
Creative therapy
Burnout from an autistic and ADHD perspective
Understanding AuDHD
Self-harm and suicide ideation
Working with children and young people - Place2Be
Mindfulness training
Other qualifications: MSc Economics (2007) - University of Gdansk, Interior Design Diploma (National Design Academy)
As a registered member of the BACP, I follow their code of ethics and practice. I receive regular supervision and invest in regular Continuous Professional Development. I have Professional Indemnity and Liability Insurance and I’m registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office, ref: ZB756905. I hold a current Enhanced DBS.
