Eugénie Desforges:

Trainee Integrative Psychotherapist (UKCP trainee member)

Hello and Welcome!

My name is Eugénie Desforges, I am a trainee Integrative Arts Psychotherapist at the Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education (IATE), offering low-cost therapy at HQ therapy.

Maya Angelou said ‘There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you’. Reaching out for therapy is a brave act of self-care and self-awareness. Yet, I understand it can feel daunting to step into the unknown and trust someone you don’t know. I am glad you made it here and are considering beginning therapy.

As a relational psychotherapist, I am interested in getting to know you and building a trusting therapeutic relationship between us. I provide a warm, safe, non-judgemental, empathetic and supportive space for you to explore and express how your thoughts, feelings and experiences—of yourself, others, and the world around you— have impacted your life.

We will sit together through your past, present, or future challenges and find the right tools to build your resilience and navigate your path forward. All at your own pace and in your own way so that you feel truly supported, seen, and heard.

My Background:
Before training as a Psychotherapist, I worked in high-intensity and stressful positions in documentary and filmmaking, marine conservation, and as a scuba instructor. These experiences changed my understanding of connection, resilience, and the importance of storytelling in making sense of our lives.

• (Ongoing) MA in Integrative Arts Psychotherapy (IATE)
• (Ongoing) Apprenticeship in Movement Medicine (School of Movement Medicine)
• MSc in Psychology (London Metropolitan University)
• Diploma in the Therapeutic Arts (IATE)
• BA in Communication and Film (Oxford Brookes University)

My Approach:
Being integrative means my practice incorporates multiple schools of thought in psychology, including attachment, Existential, Psychodynamic, Gestalt, Person-Centered, Transpersonal, Trauma Informed, Anti Oppressive, and body-based approaches. I will adapt my therapeutic approach to your needs.

I also believe in the transformative power of the arts to support emotional and psychological well-being. My training involves working with diverse art forms, such as drawing, sand tray, movement, puppetry, music, and creative writing, allowing for another layer of exploration beyond verbal expression. This creates a unique and safe space for deep self-exploration, healing, and growth which can be playful and fun.

Of course, using the arts is not compulsory, regular reflective dialogue remains a powerful and effective modality. There will be opportunities to check in on how you feel about our work together, what works and what might not.

I work primarily face-to-face with adults and young adults from a wide range of backgrounds, religious beliefs, genders, and sexual orientations with cultural awareness and sensitivity. I have experience supporting depression, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, trauma, addiction, life transitions and family or work challenges. I offer short-term or long-term therapy, in both English and/or French.

I look forward to meeting you.