about me

MBACP & MACC Registered Counsellor

I am Gordica Paderi, an integrative Counsellor and passionate advocate for mental well-being. 

Your life’s challenging situation might feel like being on a battlefield for a long time, where you can’t see a way out or feel too exhausted to continue fighting. I am dedicated to supporting you on your journey toward healing and personal growth.

You may view counselling as a way to find strategies to face your life’s battles and overcome challenges. While I’m here to support you with that, my goal goes beyond offering tools to fight with. I’m also here to help and guide you out of the battlefield, so you can find peace, feel safe, and enjoy life again. The ‘miracle solution’ might come when you are willing to view things from different perspectives and allow yourself to be open-minded to your current and past experiences. This openness could lead to new insights that empower you to embrace your true, authentic self.

As an integrative counsellor, my approach is rooted in the belief that every individual has inherent worth and is entitled to essential human connection - to be acknowledged, valued, listened to, and understood.

My work is client-directed, and I tailor therapy by integrating various therapeutic theories and approaches, such as psychodynamic, person-centred, CBT, creative approaches, solution-focused (brief) therapy, attachment theory, and elements of Internal Family Systems (IFS), to meet your individual needs.

Research indicates that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is more important for a positive outcome than the specific theories or approaches a therapist uses. My work focuses on fostering a therapeutic relationship that allows for the safe exploration of your deepest concerns and desires, creating an environment of trust, acceptance, and respect. This space also helps enhance intimacy in your most important relationships, including the relationship with yourself.

Alongside the work at my private practice, ‘GORDICA COUNSELLING SERVICES’, I also work as a counsellor at ‘The Old Bank Wellbeing Trust’. Additionally, I tutor in the 2nd year of the BA Counselling course at ‘Waverley Abbey College’.

Before training as a counsellor, I worked as an academic manager, tutor, and pastoral care mentor at IBTC College. Prior to that, I served as an Economic Cooperation Advisor (2009-2015) to the President of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov (Presidential term: 2009-2019). This role provided me with invaluable project management experience as I was a founding manager of the “School for Young Leaders,” a leadership program recognised as the best socially responsible project in Europe in 2017 by the World Forum of Business Angels.

My PhD in Political Science keeps my passion for politics alive, and it motivates me to stay engaged with current political developments and contribute to meaningful discussions with my colleagues in the field. I hope to one day 'marry' my skills from both politics and counselling, creating a unique approach to leadership, conflict resolution, and personal development for individuals involved in politics.

I am married and enjoy spending time with my family and friends. My husband and I both love gardening, cooking, discussing politics, and travelling.

Yours in wellness,

Gordica

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PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS 

To reassure you regarding my professional ethics – I abide by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) code of ethics (BACP Registered Member No. 402111) and the ACC Code of ethics (Registered Member No. R001531) I am fully insured, DBS checked and registered with the Information Commissioner Office.