Bristena Mantu
Counselling & Psychotherapy
Whether it’s your first time in therapy or you’re returning after a break, you’re welcome. Therapy with me is a space to breathe, set down what you’ve been carrying, and reconnect with yourself, gently and at your own pace.
You may be navigating change, anxiety, burnout, stuck patterns, or a quiet sense that something’s missing. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need a space where you can show up honestly.
A Psychospiritual Approach
My work is rooted in a psychospiritual perspective, informed by my training as a psychosynthesis psychotherapist. I hold an MA in Psychosynthesis Psychology and also work as a studies advisor at the Institute of Psychosynthesis in London, where I support and guide students on their own therapeutic journeys.
Psychosynthesis sees every person as more than just a collection of problems to be fixed—it recognises our potential to grow, heal, and live in alignment with our deeper values. I see our challenges as meaningful signposts, pointing toward parts of ourselves that are asking to be seen, integrated, or reclaimed. Therapy, from this perspective, becomes not just about coping, but about becoming more whole, more conscious, and more connected to your sense of meaning. You can read more about psychosynthesis here.
Who I tend to work with
I work with a wide range of people, but here are some themes I see often in my work:
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Caring, kind and ambitious individuals who grapple with anxiety, people-pleasing, perfectionism, or burnout, and want to live more authentically, aligned with their values, not others’ expectations.
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Those navigating heartbreak, grief, rejection, or trauma, especially experiences that have eroded self-worth, and who long to heal, feel whole again, and reconnect with a deep sense of calm, peace, and inner stability.
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People in difficult relationship dynamics, including enmeshment, poor boundaries, codependency, or emotional abuse, who want to untangle unhealthy patterns and establish more empowered, self-honoring ways of relating.
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LGBTQ+, ethically non-monogamous, and polyamorous individuals who struggle with identity, belonging, shame, internalised stigma, or navigating complex relational dynamics. I support them in cultivating self-trust, deepening intimacy, creating affirming relationships, and living into the fullness of who they are, without apology.
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Individuals feeling lost or disconnected from purpose, especially in their work or life direction, who feel a calling toward something new, more meaningful, or soul-aligned, but are overwhelmed by the uncertainty of change and unsure how to begin.
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Highly sensitive people (HSPs) who are easily overstimulated, emotionally overwhelmed, or impacted by others' energies. I help them develop inner resilience, energetic boundaries, and spiritual grounding so they can thrive in a world that often feels too loud or too fast.
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Creatives untangling from blocks, fear, or self-doubt, those who feel called to express something meaningful but struggle with procrastination, perfectionism, or inner criticism. I support them in reclaiming their voice, cultivating creative flow, and manifesting their visions in ways that are nourishing, sustainable, and impactful, allowing their work to ripple outward and inspire change in the world around them.
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Changemakers, visionaries, and caretakers - activists, educators, healers, creatives, and community builders- who are deeply attuned to the world’s suffering and are at risk of burnout or despair. I help them stay rooted in their purpose, reconnect with joy, and sustain their contributions without losing themselves in the process.
These are non-exhaustive areas of my work. Please get in touch to see if we are a fit to work together by filling in the form at the bottom of the page.
How I work
I really believe that we come to know our worth when it’s reflected back to us by someone who sees us with care and compassion. That belief is at the heart of how I work: I want you to feel seen, heard, and truly understood.
Our sessions are led by you. I don’t come in with an agenda or try to steer the process. Instead, I invite you to bring whatever feels important, whether it’s something weighing on you or just a feeling you can’t quite name. From there, we explore together.
I aim to create a space that feels collaborative and grounded in honesty, curiosity, and self-responsibility. I’ll support you to make meaningful changes at a pace that feels right for you, offering gentle accountability, encouragement, and practical tools along the way.
Depending on your needs, I might draw on things like active listening, guided reflection, creative visualisation, inner parts work, and imagination-based exercises. These approaches can help you reconnect with your inner resources and engage your will in a more intentional and empowered way.
If early life experiences or childhood trauma are still playing out in your present, we can gently explore and heal those patterns, so you can step more fully into your adult self and reclaim a sense of agency in the areas where you’ve felt stuck or small.
I also love working with your creativity, imagination, and intuition, parts of ourselves that often get left behind in a world that can be overly focused on logic and productivity. These inner qualities can be powerful guides on your path toward healing and self-discovery.
Get in Touch
I offer online (via Zoom) sessions only.
Please read my FAQ and get in touch with any questions you might still have. You can also tell me a little about what's prompting you to seek support at this time - share as much or as little as you're comfortable with. I'll email you my availability for a 20-30 minute free introductory call to explore how we can work together.
Thank you for considering this step towards positive change. I am here to support you and would be honoured to be part of your journey.
Warm Regards,
Bristena Mantu
What makes a good therapy?
I've been recently asked what makes good therapy, so here are my thoughts:
"Good therapy is when I, the client, feel completely understood, seen, heard, and respected by my therapist. Building trust in this way means I can let go of needing to 'get it right' and allow myself to be seen in my vulnerabilities. This way, I can understand, see, hear, and respect myself in new ways, and these are the fundamental ingredients for any meaningful change to occur.
Good therapy is when the therapist takes their time to truly hear my story and refrains from making assumptions about what should or shouldn't be important to me. My therapist helps me discover what brings me meaning, value and purpose, and that differs from person to person.
Good therapy empowers me to take new risks, knowing someone's got my back regardless of the outcome of my actions. My therapist is not here to judge my choices but to "hold my hand" and walk alongside me, being sensitively attuned to my needs along the way."
Intake Form
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You fill in the intake form below. It will take me 1-2 working days to reply.
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If I am suited to work with your issues, I will email you with my availability, and we will arrange your free intro call.
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Otherwise, I will suggest alternative courses of action or therapist options for you to consider.
Free Intro Call
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This 20-30 min call will give you a sense of who I am and help you decide whether you feel comfortable talking to me.
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You can tell me more about your issue, but this is not a full exploration yet.
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The intro call can be done via phone or video call. You can ask as many questions as you need.
Initial Session
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Your first session is an in-depth exploration of your issue. You will also have an experience of my style of working and get more of a feel for our therapeutic compatibility.
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If you have any questions about my contract, you will have them clarified too.
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By the following week, I kindly ask you to decide whether you wish to commit to working together.
Working together
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Once our working agreement is set, we can start working towards your goals.
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Along the way, I will offer regular reviews so you can reflect upon your progress and check in with your different needs.
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Once you're ready to end counselling, I require a 3-4 week's notice to allow plenty of time to honour the wonderful work we will hopefully have done.
