This is where your healing journey begins. Welcome to IPE Therapy.
What is therapy?
The decision to start therapy generally takes time to make. It is normal to try taking care of our struggles by ourselves. Looking for help is often not easy and sharing our worries with others can be especially challenging. However, sharing in a therapeutic space is not the same as sharing about ourselves with a friend.
Therapy is a process where we will work collaboratively, and where you will be heard, seen and acknowledged for who you are and how you feel. It is a safe and non-judgmental space where you can fully experience and express your feelings.
“Whenever you think or you believe or you know, you’re a lot of other people:
but the moment you feel, you’re nobody but yourself.” (E.E. Cummings)
In therapy, you will be able to explore and experiment different parts of yourself. You may reflect on current or past experiences, which will help you enhance awareness into your thoughts, emotions and behaviours. You will lead your therapeutic journey at a pace that feels right for you, and together we will work towards helping you feel connected to your authentic and spontaneous self.
What can I expect from the therapeutic process?
Choosing the right therapist for you is an important decision, and it is essential to feel confident in your choice. For this, our work together usually begins with a brief phone call that will help us decide whether I am the right therapist for you, or for your child. Once we choose to proceed, we will agree on a regular weekly time for your sessions.
The first few weeks will focus on assessment. This stage allow us to get to know each other, explore what has brought you to therapy, and identify what you would like to work on. We may look at your current concerns, past experiences, and what you hope to gain from this process.
During the therapeutic process, you are welcome bring to the session your experiences, whether this relates to past or current challenges. You will be heard, seen, and valued in a safe and non-judgmental space. You will have the opportunity to explore different parts of yourself, reflect on your experiences, and increase awareness into your patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Together, we will work towards helping you feel more connected to your unique and authentic self.
Why the name IPE therapy?
IPE Therapy was born with a goal of sharing the experience of therapy with those looking to increase their self-awareness.
Ipê is a beautiful and strong tree that is native to Brazil. Being Brazilian myself, this tree is a symbol of where I come from: my roots and background.
Once a year, the Ipê tree blooms and its flowers grow where the leaves once existed so it has to lose all its leaves in order to blossom. In a similar way, therapy is a process of letting go parts of ourselves to allow for new growth.
Like all living things, trees can show signs of distress. Yet the signs of an unhealthy tree may not always be clearly visible, especially if you do not know how to spot them. Humans at times, we may suffer alone, overlook or dismiss the symptoms that indicate we need support.
In therapy, we will explore your feelings and behaviours, helping you to feel more connected with yourself. Whether you are navigating a specific challenge or looking to better understand yourself, therapy can offer a valuable space for reflection and change.
FAQs
I work with adults of all ages, and young people from the age of 8.
My expertise is supporting survivors of trauma, and individuals experiencing anxiety, low mood, stress, relationship difficulties, and needing to adjust to major life changes.
This will depend on what your goal is.
Therapy can be short- or long-term, depending on your needs. In longer-term therapy, we have the space and time to explore different topics in depth, including issues that may arise beyond what initially brought you to therapy.
You are free to end therapy at any time. If you decide to finish, we will discuss any concerns you may have and agree on a date for the final session.
Once your process ends, you will always be welcome to contact me again should you wish to start a new therapeutic process.
Sessions last 50 minutes, approximately.
For young people under 16, I offer in-person sessions only.
For adults, sessions can take place in-person or online.
Online sessions will take place via a secure online video conferencing platform, such as Zoom. Please note that online sessions can only take place if you have a private space with good internet connection.
In-person sessions are in West Hampstead, London (NW6), near the train station.
Fees are payable in advance of each appointment.
If you would like to know more about session fees, please get in touch.
I reserve a limited number of reduced-fee spaces for clients who are not able to afford the full rate. If the standard fee is a barrier, please ask me about concessionary rates.
Sessions can be weekly, or fortnightly.
For online sessions, ensure a good internet connection and a space that is both private and confidential.
For in-person sessions, make sure to arrive on time.
When possible, allow yourself time before and after the session to attend to your needs.
Yes, all sessions will be confidential.
Notes I may take during the session will be stored without identifiable information. I may discuss about you with my supervisor, which is a requirement for the professional practice, but this will be done without revealing any identifiable details about you (anonymously).
Confidentiality may only be broken if I felt your or someone else’s life was in danger, or that there are serious child protection concerns. Unless it is not possible, this will be discussed with you beforehand.
Your information will be stored in accordance with GDPR guidelines.
Once we agree on a date and time for your sessions, I will be waiting for you whether or not you attend.
Cancellations can be made with a minimum of 48 hours notice, without which the full session fee will be charged. If there is availability, we can try finding an alternative time
in the same week.
If I need to cancel your session, no fee will be charged.
Who am I?
Hello and nice to meet you!
I am Fernanda Queiroz, a Brazilian-born and London-based Counselling Psychologist and Gestalt Psychotherapist.
I currently offer sessions online via Zoom, and face-to-face therapy in London.
I have over 10 years of experience as a practitioner psychologist and have worked with people across the lifespan and in varied contexts, including the private, public and third sectors, and with multidisciplinary teams.
My work is rooted in an integrative and trauma-informed approach. I focus on supporting adults and young people through significant life transitions, including traumatic experiences and relational challenges. For this, I believe therapy should be a safe, reflective, and collaborative space. I see the individual holistically, and this means that I understand emotions, mind and body as expressions of your unique self, which are inter-connected and part of one whole you. All are welcome.
My education and training include Bachelor in Psychology (PUC-Rio, Brazil), Specialisation in Gestalt-Psychotherapy (CGTSS, Brazil), Master in Forensic Psychology (Maastricht University, The Netherlands), and I continue to update my skills through ongoing professional development.
I am registered with: the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC, UK), the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP, UK), the British Psychological Society (BPS, UK), and Conselho Regional de Psicologia-RJ (CRP, BR) and adhere to their code of ethics and conduct.
Recent articles
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Blog coming soon!
Soon you will be able to find here some exciting articles to support you in your healing journey. Hold on, it is coming!
