MEET DIANNE

I'm very curious about people's stories.

What their family was like, how they started out in life, what their path was like, what their education was, and what shaped them into the person they are today.

I really love getting to know people through their stories.

Now I'd like to share some of my story with you here, on this page, so that you know who's writing these words and who the person behind this work is.

My story of how I became a psychotherapist and coach

My journey into psychotherapy began during my time as a foster parent. The challenges of dealing with the children’s unexplained outbursts of anger, power struggles and control issues, to name a few, made it clear that traditional parenting methods and love alone were not enough to meet the needs of the children under my care.

The effects of separation from parents can be long-lasting, but a nurturing, therapeutic environment and a supportive family can provide or contribute to healing.

This very realisation from personal experience sparked a deep interest in understanding trauma and its role in one’s life. This led me towards retraining as a UKCP Transactional Analyst Psychotherapist at London’s Metanoia Institute – One of the UK’s most renowned Institutions.

I am driven by a strong desire to assist people in transforming their lives and realising their aspirations and dreams. Whether working in my private clinic, creating content, consulting, delivering training or speaking, I’m filled with appreciation and gratitude every day for the opportunity to impact people’s lives positively.

Professional background and qualifications

I earned a master’s degree in TA Psychotherapy and hold UKCP accreditation. With over 15 years of experience as a TA relational psychotherapist, I am also a trauma-informed clinician with an integrative approach grounded in somatic and experiential techniques. I use my expertise and reflective skills gained as a foster parent working with traumatised children to support individuals working through their past traumas, identifying unhealthy patterns of thinking, feelings and behaviours that stop them from discovering purpose and meaning. I see my role as providing insight and the right tools to help you create rhythm, harmony, and balance.

Throughout my career, I’ve provided psychotherapy or therapeutic training in various settings, including the NHS, Schools, Universities, and corporate organisations. Beyond working directly with individuals and women in leadership, I also serve as a Clinical Supervisor, Trainer, and Coach. Additionally, I have extensive experience leading workshops and delivering talks on various health and well-being topics. I am also a visiting tutor at the TA East Institute for Psychotherapy and Counselling in London and currently reside in the tranquil countryside of Suffolk, England.

Five fun things about me

  • I love to move and find music and movement very energising and therapeutic.

  • I run every morning and have been doing that since I was 19.

  • Food that is tasty and very well-seasoned makes me happy.

  • I laugh a lot and, very often, find my own jokes funny.

  • I love who I am, proud of becoming my own person and learning to do what’s best for me.

“ YOUR WELLBEING IS IMPORTANT FOR ALL ASPECTS OF YOUR LIFE”

— DIANNE SOTOMEY