Together with my own life learning I bring extensive professional experience since the late 90s, having trained and worked in various health, social care and academic settings, with clients facing difficult life events such as separation, job loss, bereavement, or serious mental health issues such as clinical depression and anxiety. Essentially, I see therapy as cultivating health and well-being by building upon people’s skills, insight and aspirations, based on a fruitful therapeutic relationship.
My ongoing development as a therapist is based upon my understanding of myself in relation to our world; therefore I view my personal therapy, professional supervision and other mind & body activities (e.g. nature, arts/crafts, films) as important parts of the development and quality of my work. My journey as a therapist started when I went to see a university counsellor in my early twenties while I was studying psychology and struggling with life. That was a big life shift for me and paved the way to become a therapist.
“All the art of living lies in the fine mingling of letting go and holding on..”
Henry Ellis
I have broad experience working with my private clients, and in the UK NHS, Mind, crisis centre, University and LGBTQI services. My work has also included initial assessments, life coaching, conflict resolution, risk management, mental health first aid, workshops (e.g. stress management, emotional intelligence) and referrals to other support agencies (esp. in relation to complex mental health problems and/or addiction). I am currently focusing on my work with private clients, individuals and couples, working mainly online and face-face. I would describe my therapeutic approach as integrative, relational and experiential – based on ideas and practices from different schools of thought and cultures.
I have completed the following postgraduate qualifications: Master’s Degree (MA) in Integrative Psychotherapy/ Counselling, and Advanced post MA Diploma in Existential Psychotherapy (ADEP), following my undergraduate studies in Psychology and Design/Art. I have written published academic work, and have held in the past professional registrations with the UKCP, and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and abide by their Code of Ethics. My integrative training in psychotherapy has been based on philosophy and informed by diverse theories, including existential/phenomenological, psychoanalytical, humanistic, transpersonal, mindfulness and cognitive-behavioural (CBT) approaches to therapy.
Here’s also my Linked-in profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-dolias-42a7821a/
Award and academic publications by Leo Dolias
The 2009 Hans W. Cohn Award for Excellence was presented to Leo Dolias, in recognition of outstanding achievement. The award was presented by the Chair of the Society for Existential Analysis, and the Head of School of Psychotherapy and Counselling Psychology, Regent’s University London.
Dolias, L. (2008). The experience of being depressed and the choice to train as a psychotherapist. A qualitative research project submitted at the School of Psychotherapy and Counselling Psychology at Regent’s College, validated by City University, London.
Dolias, L. (2010). Bad dreams are made of this – looking at distressing dreams in light of Heidegger’s Befindlichkeit and Boss’ dream theories. Society for Existential Analysis Journal, London.