Psychotherapy & Counselling in Central London & Online

Shall we talk?

Sometimes we feel anxious, lost or stuck.

It takes great courage to face the truth that makes us feel vulnerable and seek the help we need.

Perhaps you are uncertain about the path you are on, trying hard to make changes in your life to little avail, or feeling exhausted by all that pulling on you from different directions. There might be wounding from the past or pain and suffering triggered by current events.

To be able to talk about these conflicting and confusing feelings and experiences with someone in a safe, accepting and supportive space is an important step toward acceptance, understanding, healing and change.

Why therapy?

I trust that we all have the capacity to heal and grow. By connecting to what is meaningful and important for you, you can activate that capacity to create change. Our work together can become the solid ground that not only supports you in navigating life’s difficulties with renewed strength but also empowers you to express your hidden potential.

As each of us is unique, I do not subscribe to one-size-fits-all solutions. Yet I do know from experience that safety and trust are the key ingredients in therapy. Talking to a stranger about our deepest and most profound selves might seem daunting and I promise to take things at your pace.

I was trained in Psychosynthesis, a psychotherapeutic model developed concurrently with Freud’s psychoanalysis and Jung’s analytical psychology, by Italian psychiatrist Roberto Assagioli. Psychosynthesis recognises the soulful dimension of our being and holds that our opportunity in life is to be in alignment with this dimension, or Self with a capital ‘S,’ as fully as possible in the world of everyday personal and social existence.

My practice is relational, creative and inclusive, integrating transpersonal and humanistic models rooted in psychodynamic principles. I am also influenced by cultural anthropological studies as well as existentialist, Buddhist and Daoist philosophies. I admire and respect the diversity of human experience. It will be my honour to be allowed to hear your life story and walk alongside this transformative journey with you.

About me

Swani Yip

MA, MBACP

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I am a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and a Trainee Member of the UK Council of Psychotherapy (UKCP). I hold a holistic approach, with the core idea that wellbeing is attained through an interconnected and dynamic balance across our physical, emotional, intellectual, environmental and spiritual health. In short, health is an ecosystem. I try to include all of these dimensions so you can bring as much of yourself as you want into our sessions.

I completed my Postgraduate Diploma in Psychosynthesis Counselling from the Psychosynthesis and Education Trust in London in response to a calling for self-discovery, meaning and purpose. I have also worked in a multi-ethnic clinic at the prominent Nafsiyat Intercultural Therapy Centre in North London. I offer therapy in English, Cantonese and Mandarin Chinese.

I am interested in psychotherapy as a researchable practice and practising research. I have written and published on the topics of therapeutic relationships and the transpersonal approach. You are welcome to find out more about my writing on here. Currently, I am undertaking the Advanced Diploma in Psychosynthesis Psychotherapy at the Psychosynthesis and Education Trust.

I also hold a Master’s degree in Culture, Policy and Management from City University of London and a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Prior to therapeutic work, I had 10 years of experience working in creative industries and start-ups, which allows me to connect and build rapport with clients from all walks of life.

Apart from the endlessly fascinating world of therapy, my other interests extend to modern and contemporary cinema, I-Ching (The Book of Changes) and operatic works by George Frideric Handel – who, like me, was also an immigrant.

Who I work with:

I warmly welcome people with a wide variety of issues. However, due to my life journey, I have a particular interest and experience in working with the following people:

People living across, in between and through different cultures

I was raised in Chinese culture and grew up in post-colonial Hong Kong. I had the freedom to access and explore both Eastern and Western influences yet struggling to attach my identity to one firm anchor in my young adulthood. I now see these experiences as an asset in my work to support people who may feel confused and conflicted in negotiating their identities.

People going through significant life changes/transitions

Having relocated several times, gone through the UK immigration process, and experienced multiple career changes before fully retraining and becoming a therapist, I believe in the resilience of the human spirit. If you are facing a drastic change in your life, I may support you in getting through the turmoil and back on your feet.

People affected by trauma: personal, intergeneration, cultural, collective

Supported by my therapist, I have embarked on a deep-dive of facing and healing traumas not just related to myself but also to my parents, grandparents and ancestors. This journey, coupled with my professional training, has informed my work to support people in tapping into healing on multiple levels.

People in intercultural dating/coupling/relationship

My previous and current cross-cultural relationships have been a fascinating experience in understanding how cultural differences add a unique flavour as well as a layer to the common challenges in intimate and romantic relationships. I support people in navigating these challenges, as well as the adult children of intercultural coupling.

Issues I work with:

Anxiety and panic
Anger and depression
Adverse childhood experiences
Body image and food-related compulsion
Chronic pain, illnesses and carers
Family issues and intergenerational trauma
Identity and self-confidence
Life transitions e.g. immigration, break-up
Loss and Grief

Obsessive-compulsive thoughts/behaviours
Racial and cultural issues
Relational abuse and trauma
Romantic and intimate relationships
Self-confidence and self-esteem
Sexuality and gender (LGBTQIA+)
Shame and guilt
Spiritual growth and meaning of life

My work abides by the BACP codes of ethics and guidelines. I am enhanced DBS checked, fully insured and under regular supervision and Continuous Professional Development.

Sometimes our light goes out but is blown again into flame by an encounter with another human being.
— Albert Schweitzer

Our Sessions

Currently, I have availability at the following times (UK time):
Monday 12noon-8pm
Tuesday to Thursday 10am-8pm

To see if we’d like to work together, let’s discuss and arrange an initial consultation. I will enquire about your reasons for coming to therapy and what you hope to gain from it. I will ask questions about your difficulties, personal history and current situation to inform our future work together.

I invite you to use the occasion to assess whether I am an appropriate companion for you on this journey. As often this is a choice made on ‘gut feeling’ as much as from evaluating qualifications.

Before the initial consultation, I will send you a counselling agreement to review. The agreement provides the container for the work and the therapeutic relationship, covering aspects of confidentiality, cancellation, payment and timekeeping.

I usually suggest a review at the 6th session to see how things are going and if it feels right to continue and if so, in what capacity. Depending on your needs, we can arrange to work on a short or long-term basis. For short-term work, I recommend a commitment of 12 sessions.

If you would like to engage in a consultation, please get in touch with your availability. I aim to reply within 48 hours (Mon-Fri).

Fees & Locations

For individuals, £70 per 50 minutes session.

For couples or families, £110 per 50-55 minutes session.

Sessions are usually to be held weekly at a time we both agree on, in person at London Bridge SE1 or online via Google Meet.

Once session is arranged, they will not be used to see other clients. Sessions that are cancelled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours’ notice will be chargeable in full unless there are exceptional circumstances.

I reserve a number of concession rate for those in need. Update August 2025: My concession rate slots are currently full. If you need a reduced fee, here is a list of counselling centres that provide therapy on a sliding scale.