About Shades of Strength Therapy
Our Mission
We are dedicated to celebrating the uniqueness of our clients. We recognise that each one of us holds complex identities which contribute to the self that has been formed today. We hope to embrace all these shades of self to help support those struggling with issues surrounding identity, self-esteem, not feeling 'good enough', low mood, anxiety, depression, self-harm and more.
We offer culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, and queer inclusive therapy. Importantly, we offer therapy to anyone who is wishing to dedicate time to a deeper understanding of themselves and the thoughts, behaviours, and feelings that are impacting their well-being.
Psychotherapy for Trauma
Trauma is a term used to encompass a wide range of intensely emotional and stressful experiences that can have an incredibly destructive impact on a person. Trauma can be complex and recovering can be extremely challenging and lonely. Psychotherapy can help you explore what has happened and how the trauma is impacting you, your well-being and your sense of self in the present day.
We aim to help you unpack your experiences at your pace, and in an environment that is safe, accepting, understanding and empathic. We support clients in cultivating their personal power, leading them to reconnect with themselves after traumatic events and flourish.
Our Approach
We see many different clients who reach out for support in facing a wide range of difficult experiences. Being inclusive is at the core of our work and we believe person-centred therapy is an approach that is applicable to most.
No issue is too big or too small and no identity too complex. We aim to see the wholeness of the person whilst providing a safe space for exploration, change, and growth to occur.
Meet Rhianna
About Me
Hi! My name is Rhianna and I am a qualified person-centred counsellor and psychotherapist. I have a Masters in Person-Centred Experiential Counselling & Psychotherapy and I am a registered member of the BACP.
My journey
I was drawn to pursuing therapy as a career path following my own struggle with abuse, domestic violence, identity and anxiety. I have sat in the client chair many times before and understand the apprehension and overwhelm you might feel when entering the therapeutic space for the first time. Through person-centred experiential learning, I have been able to connect closer to my true and authentic self and I hope to support my clients in doing so too.
My professional experience
I have experience working with adult, children and young people clients. I have extensive experience supporting children and young people who identify within the LGBTQ+ community and clients who have concerns around their gender identity and sexual orientation. I have strong passion and experience of helping those struggling with racism, racial identity, and cultural issues and exploration. I also support those with trauma and distress from abusive relationship and intimate partner violence. I specialise in supporting those struggling with identity issues, anxiety, low-mood, stress, self-harm, low self-esteem and self-worth, sexual assault/violence, and intimate partner violence.
Therapeutic Relationship
For some, the wide range of approaches to therapy out there might be confusing or overwhelming making it hard to decide which one is right for you. My approach to therapy centres around you. I believe that in an empathic, non-judgemental, and accepting environment we are able to have a clearer understanding of our needs, behaviours, decisions and potential for growth. Through offering genuine acceptance, I believe you will be able to foster self-acceptance and experience change and movement in fulfilling and positive ways. I am here to guide you on your journey of self-discovery whilst ensuring you feel seen, heard, and valued.
By forming a trusting therapeutic relationship, we will be able to explore, unpack, and integrate experiences that might be distressing or traumatic. Helping you have a clearer understanding of who you are and how you view your place in the world.
BACP Registered Member
I am a registered member of the BACP and therefore adhere to their code and guidance of good and ethical practice.
Person-Centred Therapy
What is Person-Centred Therapy?
Person-centred counselling and therapy provides the individual with the opportunity to have a deep and meaningful relationship based on genuine warmth, regard, and acceptance. Through such a relationship the client can gradually begin to explore the different facets of their experience which are challenging to their self-concept. I believe that my clients have the capacity to grow towards fulfilling their potential, and they are the experts on their own lives. I will therefore not direct you or offer solutions, although I may offer suggestions that you are free to accept or reject. I will work with you to support you in understanding yourself and personal experiences more fully with greater self-awareness and trust in yourself. I will work at your pace, and I hope this space is a safe, accepting, and non-judgemental place for you.
First Session
I understand that it can take a lot of courage to reach out. I offer a warm and supportive space to explore what might be troubling you. During this I might ask a little about your past and what has led you here today. The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other a bit better. For me to get a sense of what you need, and for you to see if I am the right therapist for you. We will work at your pace, so there is no pressure to disclose anything in the first session that you aren't ready to talk about.
I welcome you to email me to arrange a free introductory 20 minute chat. This is an opportunity for me to answer any questions you might have and get a sense of whether I am the right therapist for you. There is absolutely no obligation to continue if it does not feel like we are a good fit.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is essential in therapy and is the basis of a successful therapeutic relationship. By offering a confidential and safe space, I hope you are able to be yourself in your fullest and most authentic form.
Confidentiality will not be broken unless:
- We believe you pose a danger to yourself or others
- We suspect the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult
- We are legally forced to by court order
More information about confidentiality can be found in our privacy policy.
Next Steps
Please get in touch by emailing rhianna@shadesofstrengththerapy.com or via the contact form below. Thank you for taking the time to look through our website and I hope to hear from you soon.
Therapy Rooms
We are based near Wimbledon train station