About Us
ONLINE COUNSELLING IN THE UK
About us
Hi there, I’m Sasha Puente, a qualified and compassionate counsellor dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges. I offer online counselling in the UK for a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, bereavement, relationship difficulties, social anxiety, low self-esteem, life transitions, workplace stress, eating disorders, and many more.
I hold a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Psychology, and a BSc in Human Sciences, and I have also completed further certification in Couples Counselling. As a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I adhere to professional ethical standards while offering a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental space for my clients.
I have always been fascinated by why people think, feel, and behave the way they do, and my academic background has given me a broad and multidisciplinary perspective on human behaviour. The blend of science and humanities within my undergraduate degree helped provide me with biological, psychological and social perspectives on the foundations of cognition and behaviour, and the ethical considerations within
the field of mental health. Building on this, my postgraduate studies have given me a deeper understanding of mental health, with topics such as identity formation, attachment theory and cognitive models providing an insight into how early experiences shape behaviour, while also instilling in me a great appreciation for cross-cultural sensitivity and the value of evidence-based, reflective practice. My training in counselling then built upon this further and equipped me with the practical skills and knowledge to help clients engage in lasting and meaningful change.
Beyond my professional training, my personal experiences – both in supporting loved ones through mental health struggles and in my own journey of self-reflection – have reinforced my passion for this work. I understand how daunting it can be to take the first step into therapy and I aim to create a space where you feel truly heard, valued and supported.
My approach
“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards” – philosopher Søren Kierkegaard
My counselling approach is primarily grounded in a psychodynamic perspective, which means we’ll gently explore how past experiences—particularly early relationships and formative events—may be influencing how you think, feel, and relate to others in the present. This isn’t about dwelling on the past or assigning blame, but rather about uncovering unconscious patterns—like defences or relational dynamics—that might be shaping current challenges. By bringing these into awareness, we can start to understand them more clearly and create space for meaningful change in how you experience yourself and your relationships today.
I also integrate solution-focused techniques, which means that alongside exploring the roots of current struggles, we’ll also identify your strengths, set clear goals, and focus on practical steps you can take to move forward. Together, this blend of depth and direction allows us to both understand why things might feel difficult, and how to begin creating lasting, manageable shifts in your day-to-day life.
So why is this perspective beneficial?
- It can help you figure out where thoughts, feelings and behaviours are coming from, how these were created and how they are maintained
- Through understanding attachment styles and past relational dynamics, you can develop healthier ways of connecting with others
- Issues such as recent bereavement or infidelity may seem very much rooted in the present but past experience and its impact unquestionably shapes how we deal with and make sense of these
- It can help you to identify unconscious patterns, bringing awareness to recurring themes in relationships and decision-making, allowing you to break unhealthy cycles
- While cognitive-behavioural coping strategies can help to manage your emotions in certain scenarios and temporarily help you to feel better, this doesn’t really dig down to the root cause of an issue, whereas psychodynamic does
- By gaining insight into your motivations, defences and coping mechanisms, you can gain greater autonomy and accountability, be kinder to yourself and feel empowered to change damaging behaviours
About Us – Octavia Therapy
Counselling with Octavia Therapy offers several advantages over online platforms. You’ll work with the same therapist consistently, ensuring personalised, in-depth care, compared to the rotating counsellors you might encounter on platforms. Plus, you have the flexibility to adjust session length, frequency, and timing based on your needs, without being locked into rigid structures or high, ongoing weekly fees. Octavia Therapy also provides special offers for block bookings and concessionary pricing, making online counselling in the UK more accessible and tailored to you.
Watch the video below to find out more about the benefits of psychodynamic therapy.
