Elena Gava

Counsellor

My previous professional journey, and life experiences, have focussed on support of the person, and their well-being. I have years of experience as a music teacher with young children. I believe that nourishing support, at an early age, is essential for healthy development, to become content in adulthood. Lack of love and care could hold a person back and cause them to develop low self-confidence, low self -esteem, depression, social phobia, continuous guilt, and engage in abusive relationships. I have 13 years of experience in complex personal care within a person’s own home setting, which has required a special approach. It involved a need of understanding of mental health, and working with great awareness of family dynamic, where a family member was caring for a loved one, quite often applying as the need to stay strong by suppressing own feelings and neglecting own mental health. I totally understand the impact of a life limiting or a life changing diagnosis, and the sense of loss and anxiety when facing unexpected health challenges.

I have always been passionate about people, and I believe that every person is beautifully unique, has inner potential to reach their goals, and be whatever they feel is right for them, at their own pace.

From I was in my teens, I wanted to help people on an emotional level where my focus of interest always was not what person has done, but what the emotional impact was at that time, and what led to where person is now in terms of their as feelings, thoughts…

When I ran a successful beauty therapy business at Fareham, my clients encouraged me to become a counsellor, as they noticed that I was understanding, non-judgemental, and it helped them to see a clear way out of their anxiety and distorted thinking. Most importantly, I supported them find a path to change. The experience inspired me to complete 5 years of counselling study:

Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling

Level 5 Diploma in CBT
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
Introduction coarse to Counselling Young People
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills

I am respectful and non-judgemental, taking great care to create a comfortable space, where clients can express themselves, explore your thoughts and feelings about what is impacting their lives – and enable me to see issues through your eyes.