About Me
My name is Simone Simonetti.
Welcome to my counselling practice.
I am a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist MBACP with a rich and diverse background that informs my therapeutic approach.
What makes me the therapist I am today?
My journey began in a seaside town in Italy. While the rural setting I grew up in may have had its limitations, it also provided insights into the simple truths of life and an idyllic backdrop that nurtured my passion for the arts, ultimately leading me to move to a vibrant Italian university city where I earned two Master’s degrees in Photography and Painting. Experiencing the beginning of a successful career as an artist highlighted for me the importance of having a safe space for self-expression. My creative drive and my experiences enhance my counselling practice, allowing me to explore safely the therapeutic potential of art and self-expression with my clients.
I spent over a decade in Spain, where I worked in different settings and industries. This experience deepened my understanding of the complexities and emotional nuances that often accompany the journey of moving countries and speaking new languages. In Spain, I also completed an MA in Scriptwriting, which broadened my perspective on storytelling and created new tools to reflect on the complexity of human experience, refining skills that I bring into my counselling sessions to help clients safely navigate their personal narratives.
About a decade ago, I moved to the UK, where I completed my training as an integrative counsellor. This training provided me with a comprehensive understanding of diverse therapeutic approaches, allowing me to tailor my sessions to meet the unique needs of each client. As an integrative counsellor, I draw on a range of techniques from different therapeutic traditions, such as person-centred (PCT), cognitive (CBT), and psychodynamic approaches, to facilitate personal growth and healing.
In addition to my work with adults, I have trained to work with children and young people and have gained valuable clinical experience in this field. This has enhanced my awareness and understanding of developmental stages, attachment styles, and emotional needs, which enriches my work with adult clients by providing a deeper insight into their experiences and challenges.
I am a counsellor and a writer currently working on translating my latest novel into English. This project allows me to cultivate my passion for linguistics and deepens my awareness of language and cultural specificity. My love for languages—and art as one of them—stems from a broader fascination with all forms of expression. I believe in the power of the many ways our stories can be told, whether it’s through words, music, movement, cinema, gardening, or a simple meal.
I am fluent in Italian, Spanish, Catalan, and English.
I also speak French, though I do not feel prepared to conduct counselling sessions in that language.
I live with a visual and hearing impairment, which has instilled in me a deep sense of resilience and understanding. While this does not interfere with my counselling sessions, it allows me to approach my client work with a greater sense of empathy and insight into the challenges that can arise in life.
Alongside my private practice, I work with NHS referrals in a charity where I provide free counselling services and clinical assessments to refugees and asylum seekers in their mother tongue. This role allows me to support individuals navigating their unique challenges, often involving traumatic experiences and difficult life transitions. It is a humbling and profound responsibility to witness their resilience and courage.
My goal is to build a trusting and collaborative relationship with all my clients, helping them navigate their journeys with empathy and understanding.
Why choose me as your counsellor?
Counselling is a deeply personal journey, and finding the right fit is crucial for your therapeutic needs. My practice is rooted in empathy, trust, and collaboration, providing a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. I work with clients facing a variety of challenges, including anxiety, relationship issues, bereavement, life transitions, and personal growth.
Professional standards
I hold a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling accredited by
the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB)
and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
I am a registered member of the BACP and abide by their Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling.
- Additional Qualifications: I hold Master’s degrees in Photography, Painting, and Scriptwriting. My training as an integrative counsellor equips me with a diverse skill set to support clients in various areas of personal growth and emotional well-being.
- Professional Registration: As a registered BACP member, I follow a strict ethical framework and maintain professional standards in my practice.
- Community and Charitable Work: Alongside my private practice, I work with NHS referrals in a charity setting where I provide free counselling services and clinical assessments to refugees and asylum seekers in their mother tongue.
- Commitment to Continuous Learning: Being a registered BACP member, I commit to engage in ongoing regular professional development to enhance my skills and stay updated with best practices in counselling. This includes regular supervision, where I work with an experienced supervisor to reflect on my practice, ensuring that I provide the highest quality of care to my clients. Supervision helps me maintain objectivity, improve my skills, and uphold ethical standards.
- Therapeutic Approach: My integrative approach allows us to explore your thoughts and feelings in a way that resonates with you.
- Creating a Safe Space: I am dedicated to providing a supportive and non-judgmental environment for you to explore your experiences, challenges, and aspirations.
Thank you for considering me as your counsellor. I look forward to supporting you on your path to personal growth and healing. If you have any questions about my qualifications or the counselling process, please feel free to reach out.
