ALI XAVIER MA, BA (hons), DIPHE, FHEA, MBACP
Hi, I'm Ali, and I am the founder of Tilia Therapy.
I'm an integrative therapist, which means I work differently with each client, drawing on different elements of theory and practice to create a way of working that is unique to the presenting needs. With a person-centred leaning, I will seek to treat you with empathic understanding, through a warm and genuine relationship. Furthermore, as we are so influenced by our relationships, a systemic approach helps to place the problems you are experiencing within a wider system of connections, that can help you to see your experiences through a new lens, giving you autonomy and agency. I will also draw on elements of Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Solutions-Focused Therapy, depending on the presenting need.
My aim is for you to experience change, healing and gain a deep understanding of themselves through the therapeutic process, assisting you in developing healthier and more sustainable self-support and external support systems. My work with clients includes working managing a range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety and OCD, relationship breakdown, loss and bereavement, post-abortion grief, sexual abuse, spiritual abuse, and identity change. I work with couples, where work includes conflict management, affair recovery, supporting communication, over-coming barriers to sex and intimacy, working through fertility struggles, and decision-making through big life transitions.
I am tutor and supervisor on the CPCAB Counselling Diploma for Heart and Mind, and co-founder of the Network for Younger Counsellors and Psychotherapists. Prior to therapeutic work I was Head of Student Support at a HE College, and a lecturer for the Open University, teaching on their Mental Health and Community and Supporting Wellbeing in Children and Young People modules. I live in Tooting, SW London with my husband and two children, and can regularly be found strolling South London parks with reusable coffee cup in hand!
