Joanna Solazzo

MA, Dip HIP

My interest in human nature started to develop at University, initially grounded in Sociology, Politics & Philosophy. Alongside my studies, I began my career supporting vulnerable people, often with complex needs. This was most notably in the fields of Mental Health, Homelessness and Substance Misuse but often included Trauma, Abuse and Sexual & Domestic Violence. During these fifteen years I worked with adults, young people and children affected by these events.

I was driven by an intrigue in both the patterns and the nuances of human behaviour and emotional experience. My pratical experience in these fields bridged the gap between understanding human nature theroetically and learning how to support people relationally, person-to-person. Building strong therapeutic relationships was integral to the work, whatever the setting, and this lay the foundation for my training to become a Psychotherapist.

BCPC offer a prestigious and in-depth MA programme over seven years, in which I explored several theoretical approaches and practiced extensively. At the core of the training there is vital self-exploration and consistent reflective practice - both allowed me to develop a mindfulness and self-understanding in relation to the therapeutic work and the relational process that emerges. Both professionally and personally I continue to be committed to development and growth.

Working as a Sexual Trauma Counsellor (with adults) and School Counsellor (with ages 5 - 18) provided me with rich learning experiences in which I developed my intuition and skills as a Psychotherapist. Whilst I now solely work with adults, my experience working with children and young people over the years has given me first-hand insight into Developmental Psychology and the implications of early relational life for later adulthood. Through my various roles I’ve developed a trauma-informed approach that allows this work to be carried out with sensitivity and safety.

To know more about how I work, visit the Integration section.

 
 
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Experience

Prior to, and during my time training, I have built up several years of experience working in the fields of:

  • Sexual Trauma & Abuse

  • Substance Misuse & Dependency

  • Mental Health (depression, anxiety. suicidal feelings, self harm)

  • Domestic Violence & Abuse

  • Gender & Sexual Diversity

  • Cultural Difference

  • Trauma in infancy & early life

  • Pre & Perinatal Trauma

I have worked with both adults and young people, therefore also welcome clients of student age (18 years and above).

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Employment

Psychotherapist
Private Practice

Sexual Trauma Counsellor
Kinergy Counselling Service

School Counsellor
Sidcot School

Substance Misuse Worker
Bristol Drugs Project

Complex Needs/Homelessness Support Worker Riverside ECHG

ASD Support Worker

National Autistic Society

Qualifications

MA Integrative & Humanistic Psychotherapy -BCPC

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Diploma in Trauma Therapy (in progress) - The Grove, London

TRE® Provider Certification (in progress) - The Body College, London

Groupwork Facilitation (in progress) - The Gestalt Centre, London

MA Social & Political Thought - University of Sussex

BSc Sociology & Social Policy - Cardiff University