Integrative Psychotherapy
A safe space for healing and growth
I'm Dr Lia Foa, an Integrative Psychotherapist, Counselling Psychologist & Supervisor with over fourteen years of experience. My practice is based in Richmond, South-West London.
How I can help
The people I work with come to me for a range of reasons. Some may want to understand more about therapy (and themselves), or might be seeking support with specific challenges that they are facing.
Others may have noticed recurring patterns that they would like to work on—for example, difficulties in relationships—or have a desire to make lasting changes in the way they live their lives.
Whatever is bringing you to therapy, I offer a safe space in which we can explore your needs and you can decide if my approach is right for you.
Areas I work with include:
Trauma
Depression
Relationship difficulties
ADHD & Neurodivergence
Anxiety
Low Confidence
Bereavement
I also offer Clinical Supervision to trainee psychotherapists and counselling psychologists.
About Me
I have been seeing clients for over fourteen years and have extensive experience working with a wide range of issues, including trauma, anxiety, depression, loss, relationship difficulties, neurodivergence and plant medicine integration.
I currently see clients privately from my consulting rooms in Richmond. Between 2020 and 2024 I was the Clinical Director at the Metanoia Institute, running their counselling service, training students, assessing clients, and contributing to research in the field of psychotherapy. Prior to that I worked in multiple settings as a psychotherapist, assessor, and as a tutor and examiner for doctoral students.
-
As part of my formal training I have completed a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy and hold qualifications in Clinical Supervision and Clinical Assessment.
I am committed to continually learning and growing as a practitioner, and regularly attend workshops to develop my skills and knowledge, keep me up to date with the latest research in the field, and challenge my preconceptions. Recent topics that I have engaged with include the process of change in psychotherapy, neurodivergence and ADHD, working with trauma, issues of power, and understanding and working with shame.
For information on my training, framework, and professional registrations please use the drop-down menus below:
-
An element that I believe is fundamental to the therapeutic process is a strong relationship between therapist and client - not only does this provide an important source of support for you, but it also enables us to remain connected when difficult material emerges in the work. My focus on the relationship leads me to work in a relational way in order to build and maintain a strong therapeutic alliance.
In my work I draw on elements of attachment theory, and am interested in how your past experiences are affecting you in the present. I also incorporate psychodynamic principles, and weave strands from person centred therapy, gestalt and object relations theory into my integrative framework.
I take a research-informed approach, and am particularly interested in the intersection between neuroscience and psychotherapy.
-
I am a member of the Metanoia Institute and a registered member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). These registrations confirm the high quality of my training, and provide a level of accountability in my work. Safe, ethical practice firmly underpins my work, and I subscribe to the UKCP, HCPC and Metanoia Institute's codes of Ethics.
I also take my clinical work to a highly experienced supervisor (which I believe is a prerequisite for every good psychotherapist). This enables me to continually explore and develop the way that I practice.
How I Work
I believe in creating a collaborative therapeutic relationship where you feel heard, understood, and supported in your journey.
1
Introductory phone call
If you’d like to explore whether therapy with me might work for you, I offer a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your needs. You can get in touch using the contact form below.
2
Initial session
We then organise an initial session for us to explore your needs and see if we're a good fit for working together.
I charge a reduced rate of £45 for the initial 50 minute session.
3
Deciding to continue
If we continue together, we will agree fees and contract for the work. Together, we will create a safe space where you can explore difficult emotions and experiences at your own pace.
We will regularly review how you are doing to ensure that you are getting what you need from the therapy. If either of us feels that you are ready to bring the work to an end we will put a plan in place to work towards an ending.
The duration of psychotherapy can vary depending on what you want to gain from the work. Short-term work can be used to look at a specific issue, while longer-term therapy may allow you to address more complex or deep-seated issues.
My fees are £120 per session.
I also operate a sliding scale of fees based on earnings and personal circumstances.
I am registered with AXA Health for insured clients.
Get in Touch
If you'd like to find out more about how I can help, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
I offer a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your needs.