Profile

irynashaiashnikova.counselling.online

Phone

07346009947

Email

info@irynatherapy.co.uk

Website

irynatherapy.co.uk

About me and my practice

Who I am

I am an integrative therapist with a foundation in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), integrating person-centred, psychodynamic, trauma-informed, and mindfulness-based approaches. I believe therapy should be collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your individual needs, values, and goals.

I work in a formulation-led way, adapting the focus and structure of therapy to your unique situation and capacity. I work with you as a person, not a diagnosis.

My approach

My work is grounded in evidence-based practice. I combine:

Psychoeducation (understanding what's happening in your nervous system)
Practical tools (grounding, breathing, cognitive restructuring)
Emotional processing (making sense of difficult experiences)
Trauma-informed care (paced, safe, and centred on your agency)
Some situations need structure and clarity; others need space for reflection and depth.
We decide together what will be most helpful at each stage.
My specialisms

I specialise in institutional trauma and moral injury where prolonged exposure to unsafe systems leaves people feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or questioning their own perceptions. I also work with anxiety, depression, panic disorder, relationship challenges, life transitions, and bereavement.

Many of my clients are highly resilient, reflective individuals who have functioned well for years, yet find themselves exhausted after prolonged exposure to unsafe systems or relationships. Therapy is not about "fixing" you, but about restoring inner coherence, trust, and your sense of agency.

My practice is guided by:

Collaboration therapy as a partnership
Compassion, psychological safety and respect
Ethical practice guided by NCPS and BACP standards
Cultural sensitivity honouring your context and lived experience
Evidence-based work grounded in research and clinical effectiveness
Person-centred care adapted to you, not a rigid model
Ongoing Development

Experience

My background & experience

My professional vision is shaped by my lived experience as a Ukrainian refugee. Having lived and worked across Ukraine, Montenegro, the Czech Republic, and the United Kingdom, I bring strong cultural sensitivity and a deep understanding of displacement, identity, and belonging.

I have clinical experience supporting:

Refugees and asylum seekers
Survivors of domestic violence and institutional trauma
People affected by war and conflict
Complex bereavement, including loss by suicide and complex presentations
I have worked under trauma-informed supervision and am experienced in assessing and managing risk related to self-harm, suicide, and safeguarding concerns.

My MSc dissertation, "The Fit Factor: Cultural Dimensions and Therapy Satisfaction," explored how cultural diversity influences therapeutic outcomes.

Languages & Cultural Competence

I am fluent in Ukrainian, Russian, and English. I work with particular sensitivity to cultural identity, displacement trauma, and the impact of war and conflict on mental health.

Qualifications

MSc Counselling
Bachelor Honours in Practical Psychology
MNCPS Accredited Therapist
Certificate: Certificate in CBT model of fostering psychological resilience, Ukrainian Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 2023
Certificate: Mindfulness-Based Contemplative Psychotherapy, University of Derby 2025
Certificate: Brief Group Schema Therapy (BST): A Structured, Experiential Approach for Complex Cases, by Michiel Van Vreeswijk and Kirsty Gillings
Certificate: Existential concerns and cognitive-behavioural procedures: Managing death, isolation, identity, freedom and the search for meaning, by Ross Menzies
Certificate: CBT with traumatised refugees and asylum seekers - Kerry Young, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, UK

I actively engage in continuing professional development, regularly attending international and Ukrainian conferences on CBT, trauma, and crisis intervention.

Additional Information

Sessions are conducted online via secure video or telephone. Research shows online therapy is just as effective as in-person sessions for most concerns. Many clients find it more convenient and accessible, allowing therapy to fit around work, childcare, or location constraints.

Session length: 50 minutes
Frequency: Typically weekly, though this is flexible depending on your needs

I work with individuals aged 18+. If you have questions about whether therapy
with me is appropriate for your situation, please get in touch.

Professional Membership

MNCPS (Acc.) Credentials: NCPS2443

Professional Register

National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

Verified by Counsellingo on Thursday, 26 February 2026

Initial Consultation

I offer an initial 20-30 minute introductory video or phone call which is free without obligation.

Fees

My fees are £60 per 50-minute session.

Report writing can be available upon request and is charged at an hourly rate.

Reduced Rates

I offer a limited number of concessionary rate slots for students, refugees, asylum seekers, and those on low incomes. Please enquire if cost is a barrier to accessing therapy.

When I Work

Monday: 4 pm - 7 pm
Wednesday: 9 am - 6 pm
Thursday: 6 pm - 8 pm
Friday: 9 am - 6 pm
Saturday: 12 pm - 3 pm

Therapeutic Approach

Integrative &Trauma-Informed

Video Platforms

FaceTime, WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams

Additional Languages

Ukrainian, Russian

Pronouns

She/her

Area

Cumbria

 Show Iryna's Details 

Profile

irynashaiashnikova.counselling.online

Phone

07346009947

Email

info@irynatherapy.co.uk

Website

irynatherapy.co.uk