Maria-José Blanco

I am a psychodynamic psychotherapist and Group analyst. I work with individuals and groups in private practice in English and Spanish. I offer a containing, open and non-judgemental space where individuals and group members feel able to bring their thoughts and feelings in a confidential and secure environment. I offer short and long term psychotherapy. I have worked as a psychotherapist and group conductor in the NHS and the third sector.

Areas I work with
In my practice I see people from all kinds of backgrounds and different circumstances who suffer from depression, anxiety, childhood trauma, relationship difficulties, problems with self-esteem, feelings of loneliness or social isolation, stress at work and more.

Individual psychotherapy: Psychotherapy is a ‘talking therapy’ which offers a safe and confidential space where you can explore your feelings.

After the first contact via phone or email we shall arrange an initial consultation.

This is the first stage of the treatment – it happens over 2 or 3 sessions – and gives us the time to explore in detail your difficulties and what they might be related to.

The initial consultation stage is an opportunity for us to meet and have time to think about the issues you want help with and your expectations, as well as looking into ways in which psychotherapy can help you. It is also an opportunity for you to consider how it feels working with me as a therapist.

Group Therapy: We are all born into a family group, this is where we first learn to relate to others. Our first experiences are also lived in groups: nursery, school, groups of friends… Groups are our natural environment. Our difficulties in many cases are also experienced in groups and these are the natural place to deal with our stresses and anxieties.

Group therapy offers a safe, therapeutic place to speak about yourself, your family and other relationships. Conflicts and worries can be explored with others who are going through similar issues.

Groups of up to 8 members meet once or twice a week in a safe and confidential space. Each session lasts 90 minutes. Before joining the group, you will meet several times with me. Group therapy is long term therapy. It is recommended to stay in therapy for at least 1 year.

This type of therapy is especially recommended for those who are having problems in relationships with others, feel isolated, depressed, suffer from problems at work.

Qualifications and Training

I am a UKCP registered Psychotherapist, trained at the Institute of Group Analysis in London.

My core trainings are psychodynamic and group analytic. I also have done basic training on Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT) at the Anna Freud Centre in London and Writing as Creative Therapy at the Gestalt Institute in London.

I am a full member of:

UKCP – UK Council for Psychotherapy
https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk

IGA – Institute of Group Analysis
https://www.groupanalysis.org

GASi – Group Analytic Society International
https://groupanalyticsociety.co.uk