My Story
My Story
Hello, I'm Irene.
I’m glad you’ve found your way here. Choosing a counsellor can feel very personal, so perhaps it helps to know a little about me, not only the qualifications, but the person you would be sitting with.
I grew up in Zurich and have lived in Geneva, San Francisco, Hamburg and London. Living in different places has kept me curious about people, the experiences that shape us and the many different ways we make sense of life. It has also taught me not to assume that there is one “right” way to be.
Before training as a counsellor, I spent many years working internationally in the music industry. It may sound worlds away from counselling, but it taught me a great deal about people, relationships and the pressures that can sit behind what others see.
More than twenty years into my counselling work, I still feel privileged when someone trusts me with their story. I don’t believe that one type of therapy—or one therapist—is right for everyone. What matters is finding someone with whom you feel comfortable enough to be yourself, and beginning from wherever you are.
The work that shaped me as a counsellor
For fourteen years, I worked with students and staff at Brunel University London. People came to counselling for all sorts of reasons—anxiety, bereavement, trauma, relationship difficulties, or simply because life had become too much.
Alongside one-to-one counselling, I developed wellbeing programmes to help people understand stress, build resilience and find practical ways through difficult periods. Working in such a busy environment showed me just how much someone can be carrying while appearing to cope.
My training has given me a strong professional foundation, but I have also learnt so much from the people who have trusted me with their stories. Again and again, I have seen that change does not come from being given all the answers. It often begins with feeling properly heard, making sense of what is happening and finding a way forward that feels right for you.
BACP-accredited counsellor
Further training in couples counselling, trauma work, clinical supervision and cognitive hypnotherapy
Where I am today
My work is now shared between Cornwall and London where I see clients in person. I also offer sessions online and by telephone.
Alongside my counselling and supervision practice, I continue to take part in workshops and professional training. I also facilitate a monthly support group for people living with secondary breast cancer.
Wherever we meet, I want you to have a calm and welcoming space where you can talk openly and feel understood. We work together gently and at a pace that feels right for you, without judgement or pressure to be anyone other than yourself.
And when I'm not working...
I’m usually out walking with my dogs, often along the Cornish coast or somewhere in the countryside. Music is still a big part of my life, and I love spending time with friends.
Being outside gives me space to clear my head and notice what matters. Perhaps that is part of what I value in counselling too: having somewhere to pause, hear yourself think and make sense of what you need.
If something here feels familiar, perhaps we could begin with a conversation.
You are welcome to book a free introductory consultation. There is no pressure to decide anything beforehand. It is simply a chance to meet and see how it feels to talk together.
In person
Online | By telephone