About me
Hello, I am Ioanna Baliou, and I'm happy to welcome you to my website. I am an Integrative Counsellor registered with the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), and I adhere to their Ethical Framework, which ensures the highest standards of practice.
I specialise in offering support for anxiety, low mood, emotional and relational challenges, identity exploration and low self-esteem.
My journey as a therapist began with a focus on child and adolescent counselling. This foundational work gave me a unique understanding of how our earliest experiences, attachments, and internal narratives are formed.
Beyond my clinical training, my approach is shaped by my own journey of navigating big life changes. Having lived, studied, and worked across three different countries, Greece, Germany, and the UK, I understand what it means to rebuild one's identity in a new context.
In addition to my private practice, I work as a Supervising Counsellor for Place2Be, supporting trainee counsellors on placement, and as a School Therapist for the Catholic Children's Society supporting children and families in schools.
Qualifications
- PG Diploma in Child and Adolescent Counselling: Terapia - Middlesex University
- Certificate in Adult Psychotherapy and Counselling: Terapia - Middlesex University
- MA in Creative Writing: University of Western Macedonia - Greece
- B.Ed. in Primary Education Studies: National Kapodistrian University of Athens - Greece
- Positive Parenting Coach: The Efficient Coach - NCCAP, IPHM, ICAHP
- Certificate in Drama Studies: Iasmos Drama School of Athens - Greece
Ioanna Baliou
My approach
The centre of my work is relational. I believe that a strong and secure therapeutic relationship is the foundation for meaningful self-exploration and growth. When we feel safe and truly seen, we can begin to connect more deeply with ourselves and, in turn, build more authentic connections with others.
Relational patterns play a vital role in how we understand and accept ourselves, how we develop self-confidence, engage with the world, challenge limiting beliefs, and create meaningful relationships and friendships.
With a background in child and adolescent counselling, I have developed a strong appreciation for how early attachment experiences shape our internal narratives and relational dynamics. This understanding informs my work across all ages, helping clients make sense of how their past and present experiences influence their relationships and sense of self.
My integrative approach draws from a range of therapeutic modalities, including attachment-based therapy, person-centred therapy, and psychodynamic theory. This allows us to tailor the therapeutic process to your unique needs, whether you are an adolescent exploring identity and belonging, a young adult facing socialising or emotional challenges, a parent seeking to strengthen family relationships or an adult navigating major life changes.
My approach is grounded in person-centred values. I offer a non-directive, compassionate space where your autonomy is respected, and your voice leads the way. I believe each individual holds the wisdom to know what they need most. Therapy is such a unique and personal journey and my aim is to provide a non-judgmental, calm, and confidential therapeutic space for you to explore, reflect on, and connect with your emotions.
Where appropriate and helpful, I also integrate creative and expressive approaches, and we can explore art therapy, meditation or dream work, if it resonates with you.
My services
Counselling for adolescents
Counselling for adolescents and young adults 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 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-child sessions
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 - child sessions 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.
Counselling for adults
Whether you are navigating the transitions of your twenties, the complexities of midlife, or anything in between, life often calls us to pause and reflect on where we have been and where we are going.
My practice is a dedicated space for adults to explore the threads of their life trajectory and create a resilient sense of self.
By fostering a warm, non-judgmental partnership, I can support you to build the confidence you need to create a life that feels authentic and meaningful.