About Octavia
Supporting adults to overcome addiction, anxiety, and past trauma
Hello. I offer confidential, psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy for adults—either short- or long-term—designed to help you understand yourself more deeply, move beyond long-held anxieties, work through traumas, and build more fulfilling relationships.
Whether you're struggling with addiction, navigating difficult life experiences, or feeling stuck in unhelpful emotional patterns, I provide a safe, non-judgemental space—either in-person in Cheltenham or remotely via phone or video.
As a fully qualified psychodynamic counsellor and psychotherapist (MBACP), with specialist experience in addiction and alcoholism, my approach focuses on helping you explore the underlying causes of distress, gain clarity, and live more freely.
Qualifications and Ethical Standards
I am a psychodynamic counsellor and psychotherapist (MBACP), registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), adhering to their Ethical Framework for good practice. My core training is accredited by the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC), reflecting a foundation rooted in depth-oriented therapeutic work.
Background in the Creative Industry
Prior to becoming a counsellor, I spent over 30 years working within the music industry, including roles with major labels and independent artist management, as well as accompanying artists on worldwide tours. This experience has provided me with a unique insight into the pressures and challenges faced by those in the creative industries.
Working with Creative Industries
With a 30-year background in the music industry, I have volunteered with Music Support, a charity dedicated to assisting those in the UK music industry facing addiction and mental health challenges. I am also partnered with We-Are-Attune, an organisation focused on mental health and wellbeing within talent-driven industries.
Additional Clinical Work
I am an in-house psychotherapist at Six MHA (Mental Health Addiction). In this capacity I work closely with individuals in recovery and accept referrals from other rehabilitation centres.
I have specialist training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and regularly incorporate DBT skills to help clients manage emotions, build resilience, and develop healthier coping strategies.
I also have significant experience working with neurodiverse clients and tailor my approach to meet each person’s needs.
As a certified Mental Health First Aider I support people in crisis, particularly around substance use and alcoholism.
Through my involvement in the global Network for Women in Mental Health and Addiction, I stay connected to leading-edge thinking and practice—drawing on a rich community of clinicians, rehabilitation centres, and recovery professionals to inform and enhance the support I offer.
How Psychotherapy Can Help You
Our therapeutic journey will be tailored to your experiences and the specific circumstances of your life. Whether you're navigating overwhelming emotions, feeling trapped in recurring patterns, or undergoing a significant life changes, I provide a compassionate and non-judgmental space for you to explore these challenges at a pace that feels right for you.
Together, we'll determine the most suitable approach, whether open-ended or time-limited therapy, ensuring it aligns with your needs from the outset. As our work progresses, the therapeutic relationship will adapt to support your evolving story and personal growth.
Session Details
Each therapy session lasts 50 minutes and takes place on a weekly basis.
The standard fee is £70 per session. I also offer a limited number of reduced-fee spaces for individuals on low income or students. Please contact me to inquire about availability.
Our first session will serve as an introductory meeting, allowing us to discuss your needs and determine if I am the right fit to support you.
Therapy can be either open-ended or time-limited, depending on what feels most appropriate for you. We will agree on the best approach together at the outset.
Sessions are usually scheduled at the same time each week. If you need to reschedule, I may be able to accommodate alternative arrangements depending on availability.
I have a 48-hour cancellation policy. If you need to cancel or reschedule a session, please provide at least 48 hours' notice. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice, or missed sessions, will incur the full session fee. This policy ensures that time reserved for you can be offered to others in need of support.
Your Therapeutic Journey
Understanding Your Story
The way you perceive your life—your relationships, challenges, and internal experiences—is shaped by your unique history. Whether you have a clear understanding of your feelings or are uncertain about them, your perspective is valid and meaningful.
If you choose to begin therapy, there's no need to have everything figured out. This is a space where you can speak openly and explore your thoughts and emotions without judgment. Together, we'll navigate your experiences to uncover underlying patterns and gain deeper insights into your internal landscape.
Reflection and Discovery
In our sessions, I aim to create a calm and open environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without pressure. As a psychodynamically informed therapist, I believe that understanding the deeper patterns in our lives can lead to meaningful change.
Together, we'll talk about how your past experiences might be influencing your present—whether it's in your relationships, how you see yourself, or your hopes for the future. This isn't about following a strict agenda; it's about giving you the space to express what's on your mind and uncover what's beneath the surface.
Over time, this process can help you see things from a new perspective. What once felt fixed or overwhelming may start to shift, giving you a greater sense of freedom and understanding.
The Potential for Change
Therapy isn't just about addressing immediate concerns; it's a journey of self-discovery and growth. Many find that, over time, they reconnect with parts of themselves that felt distant or forgotten. This process can lead to a life that feels more meaningful, connected, and true to who you are.
If you're curious about how therapy might help you, please get in touch for a free 20 minute call. There's no need to have everything figured out—just a willingness to begin.
Get in Touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or to arrange a free 20 minute call.
You can also call me on +44 7956 283 854 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first.
I aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours during my working days of Monday - Thursday.
I do not provide an emergency service and neither do I provide an on call service. If you require immediate help, please click here.