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.
Working with people whose lives had been shaped by trauma and complex experiences led me to develop a particular interest in trauma recovery, and the ways in which both relational work and the body can support processing and integration. This led to specialised training in Trauma-Focused Therapy and TRE (Trauma & Tension Release Exercises), with an emphasis on supporting both emotional and embodied regulation within a relational therapeutic framework.
Wanting to broaden my understanding of both individual and collective healing processes, I also trained in Gestalt Group Facilitation. I went on to facilitate recovery groups for survivors of sexual trauma and hold weekly group Psychotherapy, supporting people to explore their experiences within a safe, relational group environment. This work highlighted the value of connection, shared understanding, and community in the recovery process.
These experiences continue to shape my practice in both my 1:1 and group work, bringing a trauma-informed, relational, and compassionate approach, alongside a deep respect for each person’s unique story, strengths, and capacity for growth.
Alongside my private practice, from September 2026 I will be teaching on the Postgraduate Advanced Diploma in Integrative/Gestalt Psychotherapy at the Welsh Psychotherapy Institute. I feel privileged to be involved in the training of future psychotherapists and to support students as they develop their therapeutic voice, clinical skills and professional identity. Supporting learning feels like a natural extension of my therapeutic work, and I value creating spaces where reflection and meaningful dialogue can flourish. Teaching allows me to share my experience and passion for psychotherapy while staying connected to the evolving ideas and challenges within the profession. I’m excited to engage with the curiosity, insight, and fresh perspectives that students bring. I believe that teaching and therapeutic practice continually inform and enrich one another, deepening my understanding of the therapeutic process and the transformative potential of authentic human relationships.
To know more about how I work, visit the Integration section.
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).
Employment
Psychotherapist
Private Practice
Assistant Tutor (from Sept 2026)
Welsh Psychotherapy Institute
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
Qualifications
MA Integrative & Humanistic Psychotherapy -BCPC
—-
Diploma in Trauma Therapy - The Grove, London
Groupwork Facilitation - The Gestalt Centre, London
TRE® Provider Certification - The Body College, London
MA Social & Political Thought - University of Sussex
BSc Sociology & Social Policy - Cardiff University