Online counselling
Welcome.
I'm glad you've found your way here.
I'm here to help you find your own way.
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Find Your Way
Today could be the first step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Whatever has brought you here, you don't have to face it alone. My aim is to provide a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions and experiences, and begin moving towards lasting personal growth and well-being.
I believe that therapy is not driven by theory alone—it is driven by the relationship between therapist and client. Every person is unique, and together we will explore your individual strengths, values and experiences to help overcome the obstacles that may be preventing you from living the life you want.
I share the belief expressed by Carl Rogers that human beings possess an innate tendency towards growth and self-realisation. When obstacles are understood and gradually removed, people have the capacity to develop and flourish—much like an acorn naturally grows into an oak tree when given the right conditions.
Every person's journey is unique.
About Goran
Every therapist has qualifications. Every therapist also has a story.
Qualifications & Professional Background
Goran Zdrale
BSc (Hons) Psychology
London South Bank University (LSBU)
Postgraduate Diploma in Addiction Psychology & Counselling
London South Bank University (LSBU)
Registered Member of the British Psychological Society (BPS)
My work is guided by the British Psychological Society's ethical principles and standards of professional practice.
Throughout my career, I have worked with a diverse range of clients in specialist and community settings, including The Priory Hospital Roehampton, The Belgravia Clinic, and Forest YMCA.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, my practice has been conducted exclusively online, allowing me to provide online counselling to clients worldwide.
My Story
My interest in psychology has always been driven by a genuine curiosity about people and a belief in each individual's capacity for growth and change.
Like many people, my own life has included periods of struggle. Experiences with addiction, depression, and unhealthy and damaging family dynamics have helped shape both who I am and the therapist I have become.
Those experiences have given me a deeper appreciation of how difficult life can sometimes become, but also of the human capacity for resilience, healing and change. They have strengthened my empathy and reinforced my belief that, with the right support and the right conditions, people can find their own path towards a more fulfilling life.
I do not believe that my experiences define my work, but they have helped shape the therapist I am today. They remind me that genuine understanding comes not only from academic knowledge and professional training, but also from recognising our shared humanity.
My Approach
I believe therapy should adapt to the individual, not the individual to therapy.
I believe that no single therapeutic approach is right for everyone. While my work is grounded in person-centred and psychodynamic principles, I tailor my approach to meet each client's unique needs, recognising that every person's experiences, strengths and challenges are different.
At the heart of my work is the therapeutic relationship. I believe that meaningful change is most likely to occur when people feel safe, understood and accepted without judgement.
Authenticity
To be genuine, open and real in our work together.
Unconditional Positive Regard
To accept you with respect and without judgement, creating a safe environment in which you can explore your thoughts and feelings freely.
Empathy
To understand your experiences and emotions as accurately and compassionately as possible.
My work has also been influenced by the writings of Irvin D. Yalom, particularly his emphasis on authenticity, the therapeutic relationship, and the idea that therapist and client are fellow travellers. Rather than focusing solely on techniques or diagnoses, I believe that genuine human connection can create the conditions for deeper understanding, personal growth and meaningful change.
Self-discovery doesn't have to be gloomy
Many people imagine therapy as something that is always serious, emotionally draining or difficult.
While there are times when we will explore painful experiences and difficult emotions, I don't believe the journey towards self-discovery and personal growth has to be gloomy or joyless.
As we begin to understand ourselves better, many people discover that the process can also be interesting, rewarding and, at times, genuinely enjoyable. Moments of insight, curiosity, humour and even laughter all have a place in therapy.
We'll take your concerns seriously, but that doesn't mean every conversation has to be serious.
My hope is that, together, we create a space where you feel safe to explore, to grow, and perhaps even to enjoy discovering more about yourself.
Above all, I believe that therapy is not about telling people which path to take. It is about creating the conditions in which they can better understand themselves, discover their own strengths, and find their own way.
What Brings People to Therapy
Life doesn't always tell us why we're struggling—but it often tells us when it's time to seek support.
People seek therapy for many different reasons. Sometimes there is a specific event, while at other times it is simply a feeling that life has become difficult to manage or that something isn't quite right.
Whatever you're going through, I can help with the following issues:
- Anxiety and excessive worry
- Depression and low mood
- Addiction and recovery, including substance and behavioural addictions
- Relationship difficulties
- Low self-esteem and lack of confidence
- Life transitions and major life changes
- The lasting impact of childhood experiences
- Feeling lost, overwhelmed or stuck
- Loneliness or simply needing someone to talk to
- Feelings of emptiness, lack of purpose or questions about meaning in life
You Don't Have to Be in Crisis to Benefit from Therapy
Sometimes our difficulties are not caused by a mental illness or a single traumatic event.
There are times when life simply doesn't feel quite right. We may feel disconnected, lonely or uncertain, even though everything appears fine on the surface. At other times, we may find ourselves asking deeper questions:
Why do I feel empty when everything seems fine? What is the purpose of my life? Am I living the life I truly want?
These are deeply human questions, often described as existential concerns. They are not signs of weakness or failure, but part of what it means to be human.
Sometimes, having a safe and confidential space to reflect can help us better understand ourselves, find meaning and move forward with greater clarity and purpose.
You don't have to wait until life becomes overwhelming before reaching out.
Whether you're facing a specific challenge or simply feel the need to talk, you will be welcomed with respect, compassion and genuine commitment.
If your particular concerns are not listed above, please don't let that discourage you from getting in touch. During our initial consultation, we can discuss your needs and explore whether I am the right therapist to support you.
Beginning Your Journey
The first conversation is simply an opportunity to discover whether we are the right fit for one another.
Choosing the right therapist is an important decision, and I believe it should never feel rushed.
I offer a free 30-minute online consultation to give us the opportunity to meet, discuss what has brought you to therapy, and explore what you hope to achieve.
This initial conversation is an opportunity for both of us to decide whether we feel we are the right fit to work together. It also allows me to consider whether I believe I can genuinely help with the difficulties you are experiencing. If I feel that another therapist or service would be better suited to your needs, I will always discuss this openly and honestly with you.
There is no obligation to continue after the consultation. My priority is to ensure that you receive the support that is right for you, whether that is with me or another suitably qualified professional.
Online Therapy
Meaningful therapeutic relationships are built on trust, not distance.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, my work has been conducted exclusively online. Online therapy can offer a safe, flexible and effective way to access support from the comfort and privacy of your own environment, wherever you may be in the world.
All you need is a quiet private space, a reliable internet connection and a device suitable for video sessions. We can discuss the most appropriate platform during the initial consultation.
Sessions are available in English, Croatian and Serbian.
Fees
I believe access to therapy should be guided by need as well as fairness.
I believe that access to therapy should not be determined solely by financial circumstances.
For this reason, I offer a sliding scale fee structure, with session fees agreed according to individual circumstances and financial means.
Fees are discussed openly during the initial consultation and agreed before we begin working together, ensuring complete transparency and no hidden costs.
If you'd like to talk...
Taking the first step can sometimes feel like the hardest part. If you're considering counselling and would like to find out more, I'd be pleased to hear from you.
If you're unsure whether counselling is right for you, that's perfectly okay. We can simply begin with a conversation.
I cannot promise to remove every difficulty life may bring. What I can promise is to meet you with honesty, respect, compassion and genuine commitment. Every person's journey is unique.
LINE
If LINE is your preferred way to get in touch, you can scan the QR code below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Starting therapy often raises questions, particularly if you've never spoken to a therapist before. Here are answers to some of the questions I am most commonly asked. If there's anything else you'd like to know, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
What happens during the first session?
For many people, taking the first step towards therapy can feel daunting. That's completely understandable.
The first session is simply an opportunity for us to get to know one another. We'll talk about what has brought you to therapy, what you hope to achieve, and whether I may be able to help.
It's also a chance for both of us to decide whether we feel comfortable working together. There is no pressure or obligation to continue if it doesn't feel like the right fit.
The initial consultation is free of charge.
How long are therapy sessions?
Most therapy sessions last 45–50 minutes. The initial consultation usually lasts around 30 minutes.
What if I've never had therapy before?
Many people come to therapy for the first time feeling unsure of what to expect, and that's completely normal. There is no “right way” to do therapy. The first few sessions are usually a relaxed conversation where we get to know one another. You set the pace.
Is everything confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is one of the foundations of therapy. I am legally and ethically bound to maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with the professional standards of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
However, there are exceptional circumstances where I have a legal and ethical duty to break confidentiality. These include situations where there is:
- a serious risk of harm to yourself,
- a serious risk of harm to another person,
- concerns about the abuse, neglect or safeguarding of a child or vulnerable adult,
- or where disclosure is required by law.
Wherever possible, I would discuss this with you before sharing any information.
How do online sessions work?
Online therapy works much like face-to-face counselling but takes place using secure video calls, telephone calls or another agreed online platform.
What happens if we don't feel we're the right fit?
If either of us feels another therapist would better suit your needs, we will discuss it openly and respectfully and, where appropriate, I will suggest alternative support.
If You Need Urgent Help
If you are in immediate danger, or believe you may harm yourself or someone else, please contact your local emergency services or crisis support service immediately. This website and email contact are not suitable for emergency support.