Monika Smolar, MA

Hello,

Its not easy to choose a psychotherapist so take your time.

At times we all need to talk to someone who is independent and outside of our situation; someone who is non-judgemental, confidential and listens to us empathetically. We might need to take some space, reflect on and work through issues we might be having with partners, family or friends.

Sometimes unresolved memories, traumas or difficulties haunt and trouble us. Maybe we're struggling with some unwanted or outdated behavioural patterns, habits or addictions.

We're only human and taking some time to talk through and explore our triggers and issues can be helpful and healing. Taking the time to focus on our own needs can be very therapeutic. Therapy is an important investment in our present and future mental health and well-being.

I'm an integrative psychotherapist. That means that I combine and integrate different therapeutic approaches eg CBT, psychodynamic, EMDR, person-centred, existential, compassion-focused therapy. I practice in a trauma-informed way and have extensive experience working with trauma and PTSD.

I often use EMDR as it can be highly effective and efficient in lowering our distress and anxiety levels.

EMDR can greatly help with every type of anxiety, low mood/ depression, low self-esteem, grief and any type of traumatic experience from our past of present.

The sessions are focused on you and what you need and want and what might be most helpful for you. You, the client, are always at the centre of any therapy I do.

 I may guide you, provide you with helpful tools, techniques and strategies if that is what you need and want. I am there for you.

This is a space where you will be heard and together we will work out what you need and want.

I have worked as a psychotherapist for over 25 years. I have worked with trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and bereavement as well as relationship and family issues and many other problems and concerns. I have worked with trauma and PTSD for many years and practice EMDR which can be very effective in helping with PTSD as well as many other issues. I remain passionate about my work and I've seen the transformation it can bring to people's lives.

I have worked with many different clients groups and in many different settings over that time; Rape Crisis, Domestic abuse, in schools, at a therapeutic community as well as a community mental health clinic and at a university (the LSE) for over twenty years.

I have had a private practice for many years where I see both young and older adults as well as adolescents, couples and provide parental consultations. I work online on Zoom and in person.

I offer long-term and short-term therapy. Sometimes we might agree to see each other for six to eight sessions and then review, or you might want long-term, open-ended therapy.

I mainly work online, on zoom, at the moment. I can also work on the telephone.

I have appointments available during the day; morning and afternoon as well as in the evenings and sometimes on Friday mornings.

I have also run a variety of therapeutic and psycho-educational groups and workshops for many years including Bereavement Groups, Self-Esteem Groups, Stress and Anxiety Management Groups and workshops in Perfectionism, Procrastination and Good Self-Care.

I also offer a fast and effective type of therapy called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) therapy.

I have lived and worked in different countries (Poland, Sweden, England, France, Israel) and speak fluent English and Polish. I have a basic knowledge of Swedish, French and Hebrew.

I wish you all the very best finding a psychotherapist.

Monika