Integrative Counselling and IFS Therapy in Stevenage and Online
About Me
Counsellor in Stevenage and Online
Hello, I'm Anita Orton. I'm an integrative counsellor based in Stevenage, offering both in-person and online therapy sessions. My journey into counselling began with a deep fascination for human relationships and the intricate ways we connect with one another.
My approach to therapy is integrative, drawing from various methods to tailor our sessions to your individual needs. I combine the Person-Centred Approach, which emphasizes your inherent capacity for growth, with systemic approaches like Family Constellation and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I also incorporate insights from the Polyvagal Theory to understand how our nervous systems respond to life experiences.
Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients, including time spent working with ex-prisoners. This experience, along with my own personal therapy journey, has deepened my understanding of the human condition and the transformative power of compassionate, skilled counselling.
As a Polish native speaker, I have a particular interest in supporting individuals from ethnic minorities, especially those from EU countries who can communicate in English or Polish. I understand the unique challenges that come with immigration, cultural adjustment, and the sense of loss that can accompany these experiences.
In my spare time I like to walk my dog, spend time in forests, love to drink coffee sprinkled with chocolate and practice yoga.
In our sessions, you'll find me heart-centred and grounded, with a blend of curiosity, compassion, and a good sense of humour. I believe we're all part of the "human family," a species that has experienced collective trauma. As someone with lived experience of trauma, I understand the challenges you might be facing and the courage it takes to seek support.
My goal is to create a safe, nurturing space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings, work through challenges, and unlock your potential for growth and healing. Whether you're dealing with relationship issues, trauma, cultural adjustment, or simply seeking personal development, I'm here to support you on your journey.
Qualifications and Training
- Polyvagal Informed PVI, (Polyvagal Instytute dr Steven W. Porges), 2024
- Level 3 Training Program in Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS Institute), 2022
- Level 2 Training Program in Internal Family Systems Therapy, Deepening and Expanding (IFS Institute), 2021
- Level 1 Training Program in Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS Institute), 2020
- Master Course Bert Hellinger with Polish Institute of Brief Therapy, Krakow, Poland
- Couples Relationship
- Parents and Children: How to find the way to your parents and to help difficult children
- Health and Illness: What in the family causes illness and what can heal them
- Family Constellations Training, Taunus-Institut Für Systemaufstellungen with Gerhard Walper and Wolfgang Deusser, Poland
- Advanced Diploma in Counselling Person-Centred Approach, UK
- MA in Pedagogy, University of Maria Sklodowska-Curie in Lublin, Poland (specialising in drama for children and young adults)
- Ongoing Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
- Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
I am committed to ongoing professional development to ensure I can provide the best possible support to my clients. My practice is supervised and adheres to the BACP's ethical framework, guaranteeing a high standard of professional and ethical care.