Welcome to London Therapy Studio
Therapy that meets you where you are — London-based and online counselling and psychotherapy.
I’m pleased to welcome you to my practice. Thank you for taking the time to explore what I offer.
If anything feels unanswered or if you simply wish to talk things through, I’m here — without judgement, expectation, or assumption.
Affirmations in My Practice
“A mistake does not make you a mistake.”
“Your presence in the world matters.”
“Feeling stuck is not a reason to live apologetically.”
“Your presence in the world matters.”
“Feeling stuck is not a reason to live apologetically.”
ABOUT ME
My name is Ivan, and with over twenty years of experience in mental health, it remains a genuine privilege to walk alongside people as they seek peace, understanding, and renewal. My interests — both as a person and as a practitioner — are rooted in creativity, philosophy, and agape, a deep, unconditional form of care. These influences often find their way into the therapeutic space, helping to nurture and strengthen the person you are becoming.
Having grown up in the United States in one of its harsher environments, I understand the importance of recognising the humanness in all our actions. I’ve learned that healing rarely arrives all at once; it unfolds through patience, compassion, and gentle persistence.
I have extensive experience supporting individuals through some of life’s most complex and tender themes, including emotional and physical self-harm, existential anxiety, questions around sexual identity, relational stagnation, ADHD, ASD, and much more. This work has deepened my appreciation for the many different ways we each experience the world. My aim is to offer thoughtful, high-quality care that moves beyond corporate mental health platforms and impersonal digital models — creating instead a genuinely human and responsive space that adapts to your unique needs and life story.
As an integrative therapist, I draw from a range of approaches and, when helpful, weave in elements of creativity, culture, and reflective practice. Therapy with me is a compassionate collaboration: a warm, grounded space where meaning, self-acceptance, and healing can unfold naturally and at your own pace. It is a space where therapy becomes more than a formula or standardised process — it becomes a relational experience that gently guides rather than directs, modelling the possibility of a future shaped by the strongest and most authentic parts of you.
Education
- Masters in Psychotherapy and Counselling, Roehampton University, UK
- Foundation Course in Integrative Counselling, Minster Centre, UK
- Masters in Fine Art, Claremont Graduate University, USA
- Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art, California State University, USA
Work Experience and Training
I have spent most of my life working in roles centred around helping others — from the corporate world as a translator and marketing professional, to my work as an educator, artist, and behavioural interventionist supporting people from many different walks of life.
Within the therapeutic and mental health field, my experience is similarly diverse. I have worked with runaway LGBTQ+ teenagers in Hollywood, neurodivergent clients and their families, and served as an educational therapeutic coordinator, leading workshops and inviting respected therapists to provide specialist training within an organisation. I have also supervised more than twenty trainees, helping them build confidence, strengthen their skills, and develop a grounded sense of professional identity.
I now work in one of the largest charities in the country, supporting clients considered high-risk and navigating complex histories involving sexual, emotional, and social trauma.
In my private practice, I have worked with clients from a wide range of sexual identities, backgrounds, and life circumstances. I am deeply committed to ongoing learning and to offering therapy that is thoughtful, ethical, and genuinely supportive.
Recent Training:
- Understanding Trauma and Communication
- Facing the Shadow of Harm in Therapy
- Violence in Same-sex Relationships
- The Elephant in the Room: Shame in the Therapeutic Space
- Creativity in Therapy & Research Counselling
- Re-Visioning Person-centred Therapy: Theory and Practice
- Understanding Repetition in Clinical Work
- Trauma-Informed Practice for Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse
- Agape in Therapy
- The Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse
- Central Ideas in Existential Psychotherapy
- Working with Adolescents with Eating Disorders
- Colourism in Therapy, Umma Thampu
- Supervision Training Counselling
- Cross-Cultural Therapy
- Gender and Sex in Therapy
- Pluralistic Therapy
- Everyday Creativity in Existential Therapy
- Understanding Masculinities
Menberships and Accreditations
Enhanced DBS certificate
The Journey of Psychotherapy
The path of psychotherapy is rarely straightforward—it is a gentle and compassionate journey that offers a safe space for care, patience, and healing. Here, you are invited to rediscover your own way forward, to explore life’s challenges with curiosity and courage—whether you are healing from complex trauma, navigating life transitions, facing career or relationship difficulties, embracing neurodiversity, or seeking relief from anxiety or depression. At the heart of therapy lies a genuine human connection, where trust and understanding create the foundation for change. Together, we can explore your inner world, give voice to the parts of you that long to be heard, and cultivate self-acceptance, self-forgiveness, and self-discovery. Psychotherapy is not about rushing to solutions but allowing growth and transformation to unfold naturally, in their own time. It is a journey of returning home to yourself—a space where healing, understanding, andcan gently unfold with you.
Online Therapy
Online therapy can be especially beneficial for those with busy schedules, mobility or health challenges, or who prefer the comfort of their own home. It offers flexibility and privacy, saves time and travel costs, and makes it easier to access the right therapist regardless of location. For many, the familiarity of their own space helps them feel safer and at ease, supporting a more open and consistent therapeutic process.
Face-To-Face Therapy
Face-to-face therapy offers the opportunity to connect more deeply and explore a wider range of approaches, including somatic reflections, mindfulness exercises, and role play through visualisation. Attending sessions in person can also help establish routine, while the journey to and from therapy provides space to prepare beforehand and to decompress afterward
Walk-And-Talk Therapy
Walk-and-talk therapy offers a refreshing alternative to traditional sessions, combining physical activity with therapeutic conversation. Walking outdoors can reduce anxiety, enhance mood, and stimulate clearer thinking. The natural environment fosters mindfulness and emotional awareness, while the side-by-side setting often makes it easier to open up. This approach is particularly beneficial for those who find sitting still challenging or who seek a more relaxed, informal setting to explore their thoughts and feelings.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is a compassionate and collaborative space where a small number of people come together with a trained therapist to share, reflect, and grow. Within this circle of understanding, you can explore personal challenges, connect with others who share similar experiences, and feel less alone in your journey. Each session may include themes, grounding, or breathing exercises to help the group connect and decompress. Through open dialogue, self-reflection, and mutual support, group therapy nurtures self-awareness, strengthens communication, and fosters a genuine sense of belonging. It offers a safe, confidential, and inclusive space where healing, confidence, and growth can gently unfold together.
Starting Therapy
We begin with a free 20-minute chat to explore your needs, answer any questions, and ensure you feel comfortable taking the next step. This is followed by a one-off 50-minute assessment session, payable in advance, where we can reflect on what you’re hoping for from therapy and how best to support you. After this, we’ll agree together on the fee and the way forward. You’ll receive a clear, written agreement outlining confidentiality, safeguarding, cancellations, and other practical details, so you always know what to expect. Throughout this process, the aim is to create a safe, respectful, and compassionate space where your experiences are held with care. If any safeguarding concerns arise, we’ll work together to make a safety plan and ensure you’re fully informed about how information is managed in line with GDPR. Therapy is generally offered to adults (18+), though in some cases, sessions may be available for 16- and 17-year-olds who are considered mature enough to consent, with parental involvement where appropriate.
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Types of Psychotherapy and Counselling Intergrated
Therapy can take many forms, each offering unique ways to support growth, understanding, and change. Different approaches focus on thoughts, emotions, relationships, and lived experience—helping you explore yourself and your life in meaningful ways. As an integrative therapist, I draw from multiple modalities, blending different approaches to meet your individual needs with flexibility and care.
- Person-Centred Therapy: Creates a warm, non-judgmental space of empathy and unconditional positive regard, fostering self-awareness and acceptance.
- Existential Therapy: Explores meaning, choice, and responsibility, helping you live more authentically in line with your values.
- Gestalt Therapy: Emphasises present-moment awareness and personal responsibility through creative, experiential techniques.
- Constructive Therapy: Helps reshape personal narratives and beliefs to encourage new, adaptive ways of understanding experience.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: Looks at unconscious patterns and early experiences to bring insight and resolution to current challenges.
- Positive Behaviour Support (PBS): Addresses behavioural challenges—often in neurodiverse contexts—by understanding triggers and reinforcing positive change.
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Cultural Therapy: Acknowledges the impact of culture, identity, and community, supporting resilience and self-understanding within your lived context.
Session Fees
These fees reflect what is generally expected, though they may vary depending on the time of day, availability of
high-demand evening slots, or any agreed concessions. All fees are subject to change, and any adjustments will be discussed in advance.
- One-off assessment – £80
- Evenings in person – £90
- Mornings or afternoons in person – £80
- Online evenings – £80
- Online mornings or afternoons – £70
- Group therapy, face-to-face – £60 (8 people max, subject to Monday and weekend availability)
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Concessions may be offered at times.
Edvard Much
Privacy
We begin with a free consultation to discuss your needs and answer any questions, followed by a one-off initial session. If this feels right, we agree to an initial block of six weekly sessions, with the option to continue weekly on an ongoing basis.
After your first session, you will receive a written contract that sets out our ethical boundaries, confidentiality and its limits, safeguarding responsibilities, record-keeping, cancellation policy, fees, payments, and the role of supervision. We will explain the difference between short- and long-term therapy, the potential risks and benefits, and your rights to access, update, or end therapy at any time.
If you are considered high-risk, we will work together to create a safety plan, and you will be informed of how safeguarding concerns are managed. Confidentiality is respected, but there are circumstances—such as risk of serious harm or legal obligations—where information may need to be shared, usually with your knowledge. You will also be told how your personal data is stored in line with GDPR.Please note that we only provide therapy for adults (18+) and do not offer family or child therapy.
After your first session, you will receive a written contract that sets out our ethical boundaries, confidentiality and its limits, safeguarding responsibilities, record-keeping, cancellation policy, fees, payments, and the role of supervision. We will explain the difference between short- and long-term therapy, the potential risks and benefits, and your rights to access, update, or end therapy at any time.
If you are considered high-risk, we will work together to create a safety plan, and you will be informed of how safeguarding concerns are managed. Confidentiality is respected, but there are circumstances—such as risk of serious harm or legal obligations—where information may need to be shared, usually with your knowledge. You will also be told how your personal data is stored in line with GDPR.Please note that we only provide therapy for adults (18+) and do not offer family or child therapy.
Prominants Themes in my Work
Therapy offers a warm, compassionate space where you can gently explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment. It is a place to be heard, understood, and supported as you make sense of difficult emotions, navigate life’s challenges, and begin to find new ways of coping and growing. Here are some themes that are especially present in my work: easing anxiety, sadness, or anger; processing trauma or painful experiences; exploring relationships and patterns of connection; deepening understanding of identity and self-worth; navigating times of change, loss, or uncertainty; and reflecting on meaning, purpose, and personal growth. Even if what you’re carrying doesn’t appear on this list, you are always welcome to bring it into the space. The initial assessment is a gentle and caring conversation—an opportunity for us to get to know each other, explore what has brought you to therapy, and consider what kind of support might feel most nurturing and helpful as we begin this journey together.
Workplace
Workplace-related difficulties can deeply affect your well-being, often mirroring the complexities of personal relationships. These challenges may stem from various sources, including organisational dynamics, interpersonal conflicts, or personal responses to work environments. Addressing these issues in therapy can lead to meaningful insights and personal growth.
Therapy can help explore and address a range of workplace-related concerns, such as:
- Workplace anxiety and stress
- Career uncertainty and transitions
- Low self-esteem and confidence
- Bullying and harassment
- Addiction and substance use
- Imposter syndrome
- Work-life balance
- Microaggressions
- Bias in the workplace
- Feeling underrepresented or isolated
- Navigating cutural identity at work
Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity is important to understand, as there can be many complexities around being diagnosed—or not. Either way, every individual is met with the same care and respect. Our role is not to diagnose, but to hold and support each person’s journey, helping you find your own understanding of what shapes your identity and experience. In a world often influenced by the idea that doing or achieving defines our worth, perhaps simply being yourself is enough.
Therapy Themes Related to Neurodiversity:
- Masking or camouflaging in daily life
- Sensory overload in different environments
- Navigating disclosure and self-advocacy
- Access to support and reasonable adjustments
- Social communication differences and connection
- Burnout from prolonged adaptation or masking
- Identity, self-acceptance, and late diagnosis
- Navigating education, healthcare, or social systems
- Barriers to inclusion and accessibility in everyday life
Trauma
Experiences of trauma can leave deep and lasting impressions on how we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. These experiences may come suddenly or unfold over time, shaping both our inner and outer lives. However it shows up for you, your experience matters. In therapy, every part of your story is held with care, patience, and without judgment. Together, we create a safe and steady space where you can begin to make sense of what has happened, understand how it continues to affect you, and move gently toward healing and self-understanding—always at your own pace. There is no right or wrong way to feel, and you do not have to face it alone.
Themes That Can Be Explored in Therapy:
- Anxiety and stress
- Low mood and depression
- Trauma and difficult past experiences
- Grief and loss
- Identity and self-concept
- Body image and self-esteem
- Eating issues
- Self-harm
- Suicidal thoughts and feelings
- Addictive behaviours and coping patterns
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional abuse
Rites of Passage
Throughout life, we experience transitions—times when the old no longer fits and something new is emerging. These moments, often called rites of passage, can feel both exciting and uncertain, yet they hold deep potential for growth and transformation. In therapy, such changes are honoured as meaningful turning points that invite reflection, healing, and renewal.
These passages often unfold in three stages: letting go of what was, navigating the “in-between,” and integrating new ways of being. Therapy offers a compassionate space to explore these shifts—whether in identity, relationships, values, or direction—and to move through them with greater clarity and self-awareness.
Themes that may be explored include:
- Letting go and acknowledging endings
- Finding steadiness in uncertainty
- Integrating change and new perspectives
- Strengthening identity and resilience
- Exploring relationship patterns and boundaries
- Reconnecting with inner wisdom and meaning
- Creating rituals to honour transformation
Supervision
Supervision is offered to students, therapists, or counsellors seeking support in navigating the challenges of training and practice. It provides a space to explore the self in the process of becoming a practitioner, acknowledging that therapy work can often bring unresolved trauma to the surface. Supervision helps manage the rollercoaster of balancing life, internal pressures, imposter syndrome, developing skills, and applying theory to client work.
The aim is to create a reflective and transformative space—turning challenging situations into opportunities to find value and growth. Supervision is designed to provide the right support for fluctuating self-confidence, psychodynamic awareness, and empowering existing strengths, while gently addressing areas for development, whether personal or professional.
Fees for supervision are separate and depend on availability. Most sessions are offered online, and group supervision is generally more cost-effective.
Contact
Email: l.ivancounselling@gmail.com
Phone: Given after initial email
Locations (in person): SE22, SE24, SE11
Counselling Directory: bit.ly/43NueNl
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