Mrs Soraya McLellan, BSc

Therapeutic Counsellor

Verified

“I offer online integrative counselling to adults in the UK and internationally, supporting people experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, relationship difficulties, shame, low self-worth and challenges relating to cultural identity, migration and belonging. My approach is warm, collaborative and culturally sensitive, helping you explore your experiences, deepen your self-understanding and work towards meaningful change.”

About me

I'm Soraya, an Integrative Therapist with a BSc (Hons) in Therapeutic Counselling, a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP). I have experience working across community counselling, educational settings, primary care and specialist addiction services. These experiences have shaped my understanding of how emotional difficulties can develop within the context of our relationships, personal histories and wider circumstances. I recognise that seeking therapy can feel unfamiliar or daunting, particularly when finding the words to describe what you are experiencing is difficult. You do not need to arrive knowing exactly what to say or where to begin. What matters to me is understanding you as an individual, rather than defining you by a diagnosis, difficulty or particular experience. I bring curiosity, compassion and respect to our work, recognising the importance of your own perspective, values and lived experiences.

Approach

My therapeutic approach is integrative and relational, with Person-Centred Therapy forming its foundation. I believe that a trusting therapeutic relationship provides the conditions for meaningful exploration, self-understanding and change. I draw on psychodynamic and attachment theories to understand how early experiences, significant relationships and patterns of relating may continue to influence our emotional responses, expectations and ways of connecting with others. Other therapeutic approaches may be incorporated where appropriate, depending on your needs and what emerges through our work. I am particularly attentive to how family dynamics, cultural influences, faith, identity and personal values shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. These aspects of experience can carry both sources of strength and complex emotional challenges. Therapy is not about imposing solutions or deciding what is best for you. It is a collaborative process in which we explore your experiences, recognise patterns that may no longer serve you and consider different ways of responding to life's challenges, at a pace that feels right for you.

Contact Soraya

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic information

Languages:

English

Fees:

Direct payment

London, United Kingdom

Online Only

Services

Individual Counselling I provide confidential, one-to-one counselling for adults who may be struggling emotionally, experiencing difficulties in their relationships or feeling uncertain about how to move forward. Sessions offer space to reflect, process difficult experiences and develop greater emotional awareness. Cultural Identity and Belonging I support individuals exploring questions of identity, migration, belonging and the experience of living between different cultures. This may involve navigating family expectations, conflicting values, cultural pressures or feelings of disconnection from one's community, heritage or sense of self. Addiction and Relapse Prevention Drawing on my experience in specialist addiction services, I offer therapeutic support for individuals experiencing addiction or navigating recovery, including those transitioning from residential treatment. Our work may involve understanding underlying emotional difficulties, recognising patterns and triggers, strengthening coping strategies and supporting sustainable recovery. Session Information Sessions are available online by video or telephone and last 50 minutes. Individual counselling: £80 per session. Addiction counselling and relapse prevention: £100 per session. A limited number of reduced-fee places may be available. I offer a complimentary initial conversation to discuss your needs, answer any questions and explore whether working together feels right.

Services Offered:

Addiction Counselling
Counselling specifically focused on substance use or behavioural addictions, addressing the psychological drivers and patterns of dependence.
Learn more about Addiction Counselling
ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy)
A form of therapy that teaches acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings while guiding action aligned with personal values.
Learn more about ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy)
CBT
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a structured, evidence-based approach that identifies and changes unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.
Learn more about CBT
Coaching
A goal-oriented practice focused on identifying objectives, overcoming obstacles, and taking action, centred on the present and future rather than past difficulties.
Conflict Management
Structured approaches to resolving disputes and improving communication between people in conflict, whether in relationships, families, or workplaces.
Counselling
A form of talk therapy providing a safe, confidential space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours with a trained professional.
Learn more about Counselling
DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
A structured therapy that combines cognitive behavioural techniques with mindfulness, designed to help people regulate intense emotions, tolerate distress, and improve relationships.
Internal Family Systems
A therapy model that views the mind as made up of distinct sub-personalities or 'parts', each with its own role, and works to help these parts communicate and heal under the leadership of a core Self.
Trauma Counselling
Counselling specifically for people affected by traumatic events, focused on processing what happened and reducing symptoms like flashbacks and hypervigilance.
Learn more about Trauma Counselling
Psychoeducation
Structured information provided about a mental health condition (what it is, why it occurs, and what strategies can help) as part of the therapeutic process.
Learn more about Psychoeducation

Works With:

Adults
Elderly
Individuals

Area of expertise

Scope of Practice:

Trauma
The lasting psychological impact of deeply distressing events, such as violence, abuse, accidents, or disasters, that overwhelm a person's ability to cope.
Learn more about Trauma
ADHD / Attention Difficulties
A neurodevelopmental condition involving persistent difficulty with attention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity that interferes with daily functioning.
Learn more about ADHD / Attention Difficulties
Alcohol Use / Addiction
A pattern of alcohol consumption that has become harmful to a person's health, relationships, or ability to function day-to-day.
Learn more about Alcohol Use / Addiction
Bipolar
A mood disorder involving episodes of mania (abnormally elevated mood and energy) alternating with episodes of depression, affecting judgement, sleep, and daily functioning.
Learn more about Bipolar
Codependency
A relational pattern in which a person's sense of identity and self-worth becomes excessively tied to caring for or controlling another person, often at their own expense.
Cross-Cultural
The psychological challenges of living between two or more cultures, including identity conflicts, acculturation stress, and difficulties with belonging.
Depression
A mood disorder marked by persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, and changes in energy, sleep, or appetite that impair daily functioning.
Learn more about Depression
Abuse
Emotional, physical, or sexual mistreatment by another person that causes lasting psychological harm and disrupts a person's sense of safety.
Anxiety
Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.
Learn more about Anxiety
Grief, Loss & Bereavement
The emotional, physical, and psychological response to the death of a loved one or another significant loss, varying widely in duration and expression.
Learn more about Grief, Loss & Bereavement

Professional Title:

Therapeutic Counselor
A counselor providing therapeutic support to help clients work through emotional and psychological difficulties.

Credentials

Qualifications

BSc (Hons) Counselling & Psychotherapy

University of Surrey

Year: 2024

Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

CPCAB, CPTA Training Academy

Year: 2023

Memberships

National Alliance of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (NACP)

Graduate Member

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

Membership: 401649

Service Areas

The McLellan Practice

Online Only

London

United Kingdom