About me
Hello, I am Ioanna Baliou, and I am happy to welcome you to my website. I am an integrative child and adolescent counsellor and a parenting coach, qualified to work with children, young people, and their families. I am registered with the BACP (British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists), and I adhere to their Ethical Framework, which ensures the highest standards of practice.
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I work with neurotypical and neurodiverse children and teenagers aged 6-18 years old, offering counselling services in English and Greek. I specialise in working with children and young people who are facing challenges with anxiety, low mood, depression, and behavioural and socialising difficulties. I also support children and families navigating challenges related to bereavement and loss, family dynamics, and life transitions.
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In addition to my private practice, I work as a school counsellor with Place2be and the Catholic Children's Society.
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Before completing my counselling training, I worked as a primary and early years teacher for over 20 years in the UK, Germany, and Greece. I have extensive experience supporting children and families in navigating the difficulties of everyday life. My experience of working with children from all walks of life over the years has taught me that the most important element for supporting their emotional well-being is to create strong and trustworthy connections. Children need to feel seen, heard and understood for who they are.
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I offer a non-judgmental, calm, and confidential therapeutic space for children and young people to explore, self-reflect, and connect with their feelings. I'm here to listen and support your child in their journey of developing inner peace and resilience in the best possible way.
Ioanna Baliou
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My approach
I deeply understand children's challenges, and I specialise in addressing emotional, behavioural, and socialising difficulties.
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Often, children struggle with changes in their lives, such as family routines, academic expectations, others' perceptions, or conforming to social norms to ‘’fit in".
These challenges can lead to manifestations like aggression, tantrums, isolation, withdrawal, anxiety, depression, academic difficulties, and challenges in forming relationships. I am here to support them and your family by providing a space of acceptance and empathy to explore and reflect on those challenges. My approach is person-centred as I adopt a non-directive stance, allowing the child or the young person to lead the session to support their sense of autonomy by utilising elements of art, drama and play therapy.
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The centre of my work is building a secure and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship, where the child or the young person will feel safe enough to explore where their feelings are coming from, and what they need to find their inner resilience and self-acceptance.
I aim to listen with empathy, congruence and radical acceptance as every child knows what is best for them, and given the time and space, they will find their way of communicating it to themselves and others.
I am here to support the family as well, and I offer separate sessions to the parent/s, starting with the initial session so we can explore how I can help in the best possible way. Additional sessions with the parent/s can be arranged depending on your needs.
My services
Child and Adolescent Counselling
Counselling for children and adolescents is a journey of discovering how to listen to
ourselves, and coming into contact with our thoughts and feelings.
Making sense of the world around us can be very difficult. We may get frustrated, angry, anxious and feel like no one can understand us. Seeking help may feel daunting, yet it is a vital step. Counselling can help when things get difficult and your mental health needs support.
Parent & Guardian Support
Discover the journey of parenthood with compassionate support tailored to your family's needs. Whether you are a parent facing a new developmental phase, coping with behavioural concerns or seeking to improve your family dynamic, parent coaching can provide the clarity and guidance you need.
Let's embark on this transformative journey together, building a foundation of
love and understanding for your family's future.
Emotional well-being workshops for teachers and parents
Discover the transformative impact of secure attachments on children's emotional development with a comprehensive workshop tailored to your needs.
Rooted in neurobiology, person-centred theory and attachment theory, this expert-led workshop delves into the core principles of radical acceptance, effective communication and meaningful connection. Created for early years professionals, primary schools, and parents.
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What is your availability?Monday: 10 am - 8 pm Wednesday: 6 pm - 8 pm Thursday: 10 am - 8 pm Saturday: 10 am - 3 pm both online and in person.
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Can we have a free initial consultation?Yes. Please email me to arrange a free initial 15 minutes consultation over the phone, and explore how I can help you and your child.
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Where are you located?My private practice is located in: Rooms for therapists Wimbledon 40-44 The Broadway London, SW19 1RQ
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How many sessions can children have?I can offer short-term (6-12 sessions), long-term (12-20 sessions), or open ended sessions depending on your needs.
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How much does the training cost?The training "The Power of Secure Attachments: Nurturing Emotional Well-being in Children" is highly customised to fit your needs. Please contact me so that we can discuss your needs and send you a quote.
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How much do the sessions cost?Sessions with children: £80 (50 min.) Sessions with parents: £80 (50min.)
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How many sessions can parents have?It depends on your needs but most parents engage with 2-6 sessions.