Finding the right therapist for you

Working with a therapist you ‘click’ with lays the foundations for a safe and trusting relationship where you can share without fear of judgement - evidence shows that it is this therapeutic connection that promotes personal change, more so than any specific approach or modality.

A strong therapeutic connection allows you to safely explore your feelings and experiences, to cultivate a deeper awareness of who you are, whilst discovering what your needs might be.

If you’d like to see if we’d be a good fit, we can arrange a free video consultation, or discuss over email or Whatsapp. There is never any pressure to book any further sessions after we initially connect -I encourage you to take the time to reflect on whether you would like to engage in therapy with me.

About Me

About Me

Hi, i’m Olivia Porter, a mixed-race person-centered therapist. I am passionate about providing a space to allow you to feel held and supported as you explore, potentially difficult, feelings, emotions and memories. I believe this is important to allow you to experience the personal growth and healing that you truly deserve.

I am committed to the person-centered approach to therapy, which means that you (as the client) are at the heart of the process. My Counsouling Corner is one of empathy, authenticity and unconditional positive regard, meaning it is a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space for you to show up as you are and explore whatever is on your heart or mind.

My Background & Experience

I am a qualified therapist, counsellor and psychotherapist - all terms which can be used interchangeably - and I am accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I have worked in a variety of sectors, including the voluntary, private, and public sectors, with a large part of my career dedicated to supporting clients through addiction.

My professional experience also includes working with clients in areas such as depression, low mood, anxiety, stress, bereavement, self-esteem, relationships, trauma, fertility issues, as well as domestic and sexual abuse.

My personal passions lie in advocating for the mixed-race perspective of mental health, as well as destigmatising eating disorders. My MSc research, 'Rejection and Cultural Disconnection: An Inquiry into the Mixed Race Experience of Eating De-stress’ explored themes of loneliness, disconnection and lack of belonging, which can be felt by individuals as they are often forced to negotiate aspects of their racial identity in order to conform. Subsequently, individuals feel as though they have nowhere to turn, instead soothing themselves through their interactions with food.

My MSc research continues to inform my counselling practice as I ensure to work-within-diversity, providing clients with the opportunity to feel seen for all aspects of their identity, offering a reparative sense of belonging in my Counsouling Corner.

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My Qualifications

It is incredibly important when you are looking for a therapist, that you are confident and comfortable with the fact that they’re fully trained, insured, and registered with an appropriate governing body. Therefore, here I list the formal learning and training that I have undertaken. Not all are relevant to my role as a therapist, however it is all relevant to my life experience and learning.

BA Hons & MSc Counselling & Psychotherapy

CPD Hours include: Working With Trauma, Eating Disorders.

Enhance DBS Checked & Fully Insured

I am also a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

Client Testimonies

  • "I have learnt so much about myself, thanks to Liv"

  • “I can now continue my recovery journey with hope and confidence, thanks to the counselling I received”

  • “Olivia has been so reliable and flexible with her approach to working with me"

  • “My sessions with Olivia have been life-changing"