About Me
"I believe that you are the expert of your own life. My role as a therapist is to listen attentively, without judgement and to support you..."
welcome to Calm & Kind Counselling
Hello, I’m Cristina.
I’m a fully qualified Person-Centred Counsellor, offering a warm, confidential and non-judgemental space where you can feel heard, accepted and supported.
From a young age, I noticed that people often felt comfortable sharing their stories with me. I was frequently told that having someone listen helped them feel calmer, lighter and more understood. I have always been fascinated by people — our relationships, our emotions and the experiences that shape who we become.
This curiosity led me to study Psychology, take part in Psychology Olympiads, and continue my academic journey through a BSc Honours Degree in Psychology and a MSc in Psychological Techniques for Behaviour Management and the Development of Human Potential, where my main therapeutic focus was Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Over time, my interest in understanding people developed into a passion for counselling. I feel privileged to support people as they explore their experiences, gain greater self-understanding and reconnect with themselves.
My own life experiences have also shaped my understanding of the importance of compassion, connection and feeling truly heard. Living with health challenges, including fibromyalgia, and navigating periods of health uncertainty and health anxiety have deepened my empathy for those facing difficulties with their physical and emotional wellbeing.
Becoming a parent has further strengthened my appreciation of how deeply we can experience emotions, and how important it is to feel understood, supported and accepted.
These experiences, alongside my professional training, have shaped the way I work — with warmth, curiosity, respect and genuine care for each person’s unique story.
Qualifications & Professional Membership
I am a registered member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and work in accordance with their Code of Ethics, ensuring safe, ethical and professional practice.
My professional qualifications include:
Qualifications
CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling
CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling
CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
CPCAB Certificate in Introduction to Counselling Skills
MSc in Psychological Techniques for Behaviour Management and the Development of Human Potential
BSc Honours Degree in Psychology
Additional Training
Further training to deepen my understanding and support clients experiencing a range of difficulties, including:
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Anxiety, including general anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety and fears that may feel difficult to manage
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Grief, loss and the process of adjusting to life changes
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Trauma and how past experiences can continue to affect thoughts, feelings and relationships
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Attachment and how our early experiences can influence the way we connect with ourselves and others
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Safeguarding and creating safe, supportive therapeutic spaces
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Understanding the impact of diversity, equality and human rights within counselling
I am currently undertaking some training in ADHD and Positive Psychology to continue developing my understanding of neurodiversity, individual strengths and the different ways people experience the world.
This ongoing learning supports my commitment to providing thoughtful, informed and personalised counselling that recognises each person’s unique needs, strengths and experiences.
My Approach
I take a Person-Centred approach to counselling, which means that empathy, honesty and acceptance are at the heart of our work together.
I believe that when we feel truly listened to and understood, we can begin to explore our thoughts, feelings and experiences with greater openness. This can help us develop a deeper understanding of ourselves, recognise our strengths and find ways of moving forward.
Alongside my Person-Centred foundation, my Master’s training was primarily focused on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). I may draw upon CBT approaches where helpful, supporting you to explore the connection between your thoughts, feelings and behaviours and understand patterns that may be affecting your life.
I also work in a flexible way, recognising that every person is different. There is no “one size fits all” approach to counselling, so together we can find what feels most helpful for you and your individual situation.
Where appropriate, I may use different therapeutic tools, including mindfulness and creative approaches, to support reflection, self-expression and a deeper understanding of yourself.
Above all, my aim is to offer a calm and kind space where you can be yourself, feel accepted without judgement and explore what matters to you. Together, we can work towards greater self-understanding, confidence and a stronger connection with yourself.
