Shirani Situnayake
Psychotherapist in Sutton In Ashfield

My journey into becoming a therapist was born from the fractures and traumas I experienced in my own life.
Alongside my extensive training and work as a therapist, I bring the lived experiences and wisdom from the life i have lived - and as a mixed heritage Sri Lankan, immigrant and lesbian feel I have a deep understanding of the issues of dislocation, belonging, self acceptance and expression.
I thrive in wild spaces, and strive for my clients to be able to express the wildness in themselves in their own unique ways.

Background & Psychotherapy Qualifications

Diploma in Person Centred Counselling - The City Lit Institute 2000
Diploma in Therapeutic Supervision - Lewisham College 2005
Certificate in Facilitating Therapeutic Groups - The City Lit Institute 2005
Diploma in Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy - LEAP 2019
I have worked extensively within both private practice and Women's Services as both a counsellor and supervisor - mainly with sexual violence, Domestic Abuse and child sexual abuse organisations.
In addition I have taught many counselling courses in colleges and run other counselling training privately.
I have also written am article on a counselling website and have a chapter in a Therapy Book published recently.
My work has been extensively with a diverse range of clients from differing backgrounds, cultures and places.
I have worked as a therapist for over 24 years and have regular supervision.
I am an Accredited Professional member of The National Counselling Society and a member of The Black an Asian Therapy Network (BAATN)
I hold full Public Liability Insurance.

My Specialisms

My focus over the years has been primarily with trauma and all its associated impacts - like low self worth/self esteem, addictions, self harm, anger issues, PTSD, relationship issues, identity issues, depression and suicidal feelings.
Within my work I often bring in creative expression, which can connect directly with buried or difficult feelings from a safe distance. Within this I use visualisations, character work, drawing, writing and if the sessions are in person, experiential exercises like movement, sand tray work, and dramatherapy exercises.
My work initially prioritises developing grounding and releasing resources with clients, facilitating them to have tools to manage the therapeutic journey and their own feelings.
My Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy work with my 3 horses is also something I offer to clients who live nearby or can travel. These are powerful encounters that can really help clients to feel connected, heard, safe and have agency in their lives.

Approach to Psychotherapy & How I Work

I offer both short term and open ended therapy sessions, however initially contract with clients for 12 sessions, as I believe this facilitates developing our relationship and trust and highlights any issues of avoidance or resistance.
I emphasise the relationship between myself and the client, aiming to create a safe, genuine container, within which clients can feel held in a space free from judgement and
experience unconditional positive regard.
Within this space I may also challenge clients, and am prepared to be challenged myself - willing to sit in the fire with clients.
However I strive to create a space where the client is in charge of their journey and we ease gently into difficult and challenging places

Therapies & Rates

Please note the rates detailed below are there to give you an idea of the therapists standard rates, we strongly advise you contact the therapist for more detailed rates and any offers they may have.

Therapy	Appointment Type	Rate
Psychotherapy	Online/Telephone	£75 per 60 minutes
Psychotherapy	In Person	£75 per 60 minutes

Additional Rate Information

I normally contract for a minimum of 12 sessions, with an initial session to see if this is the right space for you. I have a limited number of lower fees available, depending on circumstances