work with me

How to Start Therapy for People-Pleasing and Childhood Trauma

Starting Therapy For People-Pleasing and Trauma 

Initial Session

Notebook representing reflective trauma therapy work with counsellor Ariana Pedzikowska London

50 Minutes | £65

A space for us to explore what's bringing you to therapy, discuss what support you're looking for and decide whether working together feels like the right fit.
There is no obligation to continue afterwards.

Ongoing Therapy

Woman having online trauma therapy session on laptop with BACP accredited counsellor Ariana Pedzikowska

50 Minutes | £85 - £100

Regular weekly or fortnightly therapy sessions providing a safe and supportive space to explore experiences, understand recurring patterns and work towards meaningful change.

AVAILABILITY

I currently have availability for new clients, with sessions usually starting within a week of getting in touch. I typically offer sessions Monday – Thursday, 8.00am–4pm, with limited evening availability. Please do get in touch to discuss what works for you, I usually reply within 1 working day.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much do counselling sessions cost?

Initial session £65 for 60 minutes:

The initial session lasts 60 minutes. It’s a chance for you to share a bit about what’s brought you to therapy and what you’re hoping to get from it. Most people find it helpful to talk things through and see how it feels. I belive the relationship between client and therapist is central to outcomes, and finding someone you feel genuinely comfortable with is where good therapy begins.

Regular individual sessions are £85 – £100 for 50 minutes:

I work on a scale rather than a single fixed fee, because I believe it’s important that cost isn’t the reason someone doesn’t reach out. When we first speak, we’ll find the fee that’s right for you.

Regular sessions last 50 minutes and take place online, at an agreed time. We’ll usually begin by checking in on how things have been since we last spoke, and from there the session follows what feels most relevant to you. Some weeks you might come with something specific you want to talk through; other times it might be less clear, and that’s fine too. There’s no set agenda. We work at your pace, and over time the sessions build on one another as we go deeper and start to make more sense of what’s brought you to therapy.

How often should I have counselling session?

I see the majority of my clients weekly, though fortnightly sessions are also available. If you would like to meet fortnightly, I will discuss with you whether it’s possible to meet weekly for the first six sessions, as this helps us establish our therapeutic relationship in the early stages of working together.

We’ll keep checking in and adjusting the pace as we go, so it fits where you are and what you need.

Therapy with me is an open and individual process meaning there is no set number of sessions.

Every person’s process looks different. Some clients work with me for 4–6 months, others stay longer depending on what they want to explore and work on. You’re always welcome to come back for additional support or check-ins whenever you need them.

What can I expect from individual therapy?

Therapy gives you a supportive space to slow down, feel heard and make sense of what’s been happening beneath the surface.

You don’t need to have the “right” words, just bring whatever feels heavy, confusing, or difficult.

Nothing is too big or too small to bring here.

We’ll work through things together, at your pace, so you’re not carrying it or figuring it out on your own.

Do you offer group sessions?

Yes – I offer small, trauma-informed groups (6–8 people) for those navigating boundaries, guilt, and self-doubt after toxic, one-sided, or narcissistic relationships.
Please enquire about current availability.

How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?

It’s important that you find someone who feels like the right fit for you.

If you’re looking for a very serious or highly structured kind of therapy, then I might not be the right counsellor for you. In our sessions, we’ll likely laugh, cry, swear, pause and simply be two humans sharing an honest, real experience together.

I don’t believe trauma therapy has to feel heavy all the time. Yes, the work can bring up sadness, but there’s also space for lightness, humour, and hope. Often, that’s where healing begins, when we can hold both the hard and the human together.

There’s room in our sessions for stillness, disappointment, confusion, and grief and also for moments of connection, laughter, and relief. We’re still doing the deep work, but we do it with warmth, honesty, and a sense of light that, in my experience, makes it far more connective.

If that sounds like something that would feel supportive, you’re welcome to book an initial appointment and see how it feels to begin. There is no expectation to continue after the initial session. 

What kinds of issues or patterns do you help with?

My trauma-informed counselling adults heal from relational trauma, including narcissistic or emotionally immature relationships, and the anxiety that comes from always trying to keep the peace. If you’ve spent years constantly doubting yourself, feeling like everything is your fault — this space is for you.

What does trauma-informed therapy actually mean?

It means we move gently, at your pace, with care for how your body holds safety and stress.
Whether you’re recovering from a narcissistic parent, partner, or one-sided relationship, we work to calm the anxiety, guilt, and self-blame that keep you stuck.

HOW DO I BEGIN WORKING WITH YOU?

Please complete this short form and I will get back to you within 24 hrs. Once you reach out, I’ll reply with available times and next steps.

Do I need to know what I want to talk about before we start?

Not at all. Many Clients come to therapy simply feeling anxious, guilty, or like they’re “the problem.”
You don’t need the right words — we’ll untangle what’s underneath together.

Do you offer online or in - person counselling?

I offer online counselling, meaning you can access support from wherever you are. I work with adults across the UK, including London, Manchester, Bristol, Leeds, Edinburgh and beyond.

 

You don't have to keep managing this alone. Book your initial session today!

NEXT STEPS

If what you’ve read feels familiar and you’d like to explore working together, the first step is to complete the short form through the link below.

It helps me understand what’s bringing you to therapy and what kind of support might feel most helpful right now. Once you’ve submitted it, I’ll be in touch, usually within one working days, with my current availability.

Space can be limited at times, but if I’m able to offer an appointment, I’ll let you know when I respond.