SUSMITA BASUNIA
Therapist and Counsellor
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 07507668902
About
Approaching counselling may feel daunting when you are already feeling uncertain about things. I offer a safe, nurturing space for you to explore and express difficult thoughts, emotions and experiences. You might be facing relationship challenges; professional stress; navigating loss or bereavement; or life may just feel overwhelming - leaving you feeling anxious, low or simply stuck. Having the opportunity to talk with an empathetic, non-judgmental professional can help you gain clarity and perspective. I provide a calm, supportive space to better understand yourself and your needs, and to help you discover how you'd like to move forward. I offer sessions Online, Face to Face, or through a hybrid of both.My approach is integrative, meaning I draw on different therapeutic models depending on what is most helpful for you. This can involve exploring past experiences as well as focusing on the present, and understanding how they shape each other. My priority is to create a warm, confidential environment where you can safely explore difficult emotions, and develop ways of managing them. I work at your pace, always respecting your autonomy. My aim is to help you feel seen, heard, and understood, and to support you in living a more authentic life by drawing on your own resilience and strength.As a British-Bangladeshi woman, I have a particular passion for working with issues related to cross-cultural identity. My experiences in life have helped me understand that identity and culture play a significant role in shaping our world-perspective and sense of self. I understand that navigating multiple cultural backgrounds can bring both richness and complexity and I offer a compassionate space to explore how culture, identity and belonging impact your life. I understand, both personally and professionally, the unique cultural pressures and intergenerational challenges that can come with being from a collective culture or from feeling like you are 'different' in some way. Whether you are exploring your role within the family, community or broader society, I offer a culturally sensitive and supportive space to help you navigate these experiences with confidence and self-compassion.My experience has included working with many clients who face the complexities of intersectional identities whether it relates to religion, ethnicity or sexuality. I am committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and respected. I believe in the power of empathy, self-awareness and connection and I am here to walk alongside you on your journey of healing and growth.
EXPERIENCE
I am a professionally qualified Integrative Counsellor trained to use a range of therapeutic approaches tailored to meet the needs of each individual client. My clinical experience includes working across several reputable organisations including the NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT) service, cancer support charities and women's centres, where I have supported clients through a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges.At NHS Talking Therapies, I supported individuals struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties and depression, helping them to build their emotional resilience, strengthen personal boundaries and identify unhelpful behavioural patterns. I also have specialist experience working with women affected by domestic abuse, including those in relationships involving coercive control. I understand the deep impact of trauma and offer sensitive, trauma-informed support in these areas.My work at a cancer support charity involves providing counselling to people living with cancer, as well as their carers and loved ones who are supporting them through the complexities of illness, grief, uncertainty and loss.My expertise extends to working with clients from diverse demographics and backgrounds. I understand each client has unique needs and goals so I work collaboratively to understand what might be best for you to navigate these challenges.Qualifications:CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling SkillsClinical Experience:Counsellor, NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT)Counsellor, South East Cancer Help Centre, https://www.sechc.org.uk/Counsellor, Care to Listen, https://www.caretolisten.co.uk/ (Croydon based service supporting diverse local communities)Counsellor, Sutton Women's Centre, https://suttonwomenscentre.co.uk/ (specialising in domestic abuse and coercive relationships)Telephone Counsellor, Muslim Youth Helpline, https://myh.org.uk/
Contact
If you're looking for a supportive, empathetic, and empowering counselling relationship, I would be delighted to work with you. I am currently working online and look forward to hearing from you.
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 07507668902When emailing please include your name, age, brief description of your issues and your preferred contact details. I aim to respond to queries within 48 hours.
I also offer a free 15 minute introductory call which you can book via the link below:
Reviews
"From the beginning, Susmita consistently asked the right questions and gently tugged at the right threads. I feel safe and supported in our sessions and taken seriously- even when I minimise my own problems.
The sessions are well-held and deciding to invest in myself by committing to therapy with Susmita has been a really positive decision. Her approach is calm and considerate, and I would wholeheartedly recommend her." CG"Susmita has been very helpful in every session. Her compassion and advice has helped me process what I've been through." DC"Susmita filled me with confidence and provided me with a safe, non-judgmental environment and allowed me to see issues and connections I didn't even know existed within me." VH"Susmita was incredibly patient and I always felt that I was in a safe place to discuss what was happening and where events happened prior to or after sessions I knew I would have the opportunity to discuss them with someone outside of my family and friends network. Susmita was an incredible therapist to support me at a time when I felt incredibly ignorant and overwhelmed by my situation." CP
Fees
Counselling sessions last 50 minutes at a fee of £60 per session.Sessions are weekly or fortnightly, on the same day and at the same time (rescheduling is of course possible when necessary)I work with adults aged 18+.
FAQs
1. What issues can counselling help me with?
Counselling supports many concerns like anxiety, stress, depression, relationships, grief, trauma, and life changes. If you want to feel better or understand yourself more, counselling can help.2. What happens in our first session?
Our first session will be an assessment. I’ll ask more structured questions than usual so I can get a full picture of what is going on for you and what your main focus might be. After that, sessions become more conversational and shaped by what you want to explore.3. How long is each session?
Sessions last 50 minutes, this is known as the ‘therapeutic hour’.4. How many sessions will I need?
Counselling can be open ended and it will vary from person to person. Some clients benefit from 6–12 sessions; others prefer longer term therapy to work through deeper issues. We will review your progress together as we go.5. How often do sessions take place?
Most people start with weekly sessions, as this helps build the therapeutic relationship and gives the work a steady rhythm.
It is possible to move to sessions fortnightly once things feel more settled. I understand that time and finances can be limited, so we can discuss what feels realistic for you. My recommendation is to begin weekly if possible, and then adjust the frequency as needed.6. Is everything I say confidential?
Anything you share in sessions is kept confidential. However, there are certain exceptions: in rare situations involving serious harm, risk, or legal obligations, I may be required to disclose information to relevant parties. Whenever possible, I will inform you beforehand, although may not always be possible.7. Do I need a referral from my GP?
No need for a GP referral, you can book directly with me by emailing, calling or texting me.8. Do you offer online or phone sessions?
I offer in-person, online video, and phone options for your convenience.9. How do I know if counselling is right for me?
Most people only realise counselling is right for them once they try it. The first session is simply a conversation and a chance to see how it feels.
Counselling can help when you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just need a space where your thoughts can land without judgement. You don’t need to be in crisis, sometimes you just need room to breathe.10. What if I feel nervous about starting?
It’s completely normal to feel nervous about starting counselling. Opening up to someone new can feel exposing, and you might worry about what to say. I don’t expect you to arrive with everything worked out and I may guide the conversation to understand what you feel comfortable speaking about and allow you to open up in your own time.11. How do I book a session?
Please contact me via form, email, text message or phone. I can then arrange an introductory call to speak with you.12. What are your fees and how do payments work?
My fee is £60 per session.
Payment is due by bank transfer 48 hours before the start of your session. This helps secure your appointment and keeps the schedule running smoothly.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give at least 24 hours’ notice. Sessions cancelled with less notice are charged in full.13. What is your cancellation policy?
I require 24 hours’ notice. Late cancellations may incur a fee.14. What therapeutic approaches do you use?
As an integrative counsellor, I use different approaches and evidence-based methods like Person-Centred Therapy, CBT, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Practice. I aim to tailor the therapy to your needs and to maintain your safety whilst doing so.15. How do I contact you between sessions?
I’m not available for therapeutic support between sessions. If you need to get in touch about practical matters such as scheduling or cancellations, you can contact me by email or text, and I’ll respond within my working hours.