Amber Efstathiou Therapy

11/01/2026

Hen Galan Hapus / Happy New Year 🍁

A turning of the year. A time for rest, ritual and connection.

As we step into this new cycle, my practice is currently at capacity. I'm holding a waiting list and will share when spaces open again. Please let me know if you'd like to be added to the list by completing the contact form on my website.

If waiting isn't the right option for you and you're in need of support right now, I would be happy to share information about local services and/or therapists who might suit your requirements. Just drop me an email or DM.

21/10/2025

I've been catching up on rest this week whilst recovering from illness, and I know many others have been too. For me, this has looked like bucket loads of tea, honey and ginger as well as some time off work and texts with my loved ones to stay connected.

I hope everyone else who's been battling illness has been able to access some slowness and care whilst recovering, and you've been supported to take the time you need.

With extra time to think and daydream (yes, I'm a therapist cliché) - I've been reflecting on the 'Gender Stories' exhibition I saw recently at . It made me think a lot about the expansivess of gender; the unique ways we feel, think about, and experience ourselves and how we perceive others. But also how ultimately we all have the same right and desire to be our truest, most authentic selves - safely and joyfully.

Therapy is often sold as a 'safe, non-judgemental space', but I hear so often that this hasn't always felt true for many. An important part of my work alongside people is to acknowledge harm caused by the systems that are supposed to protect us, and provide space to grieve the care and visibility that wasn't/isn't available. We then go about co-creating a way of working together that centralises choice, autonomy and facilitates a deeper learning of self. The relationship between us acts as a container for us to unravel, rebuild and figure things out together.

For me, this wall of ribbons signifies hope, solidarity and a universal urge for connection. Is your response similar, or do you feel differently about it? As usual, I invite you to share if you wish ✨️

29/09/2025

The shift from summer to autumn brings on different feelings for us all. Shorter, darker days and the drop in temperature marks a transition into winter which can be difficult for many - especially chronically ill, disabled and neurodivergent folk and/or those who have a lack of access to warmth, nourishing food and other essential resources.

This week, I've been reflecting on how I can support myself, my community and my clients to prepare and create space for the rest and slowness that we should all be able to safely access at this time of year.

For me, this includes food and storage preparation, ensuring access to supplements and medicinal herbs, reflecting on sleep hygiene, ensuring winter clothes are ready and accessible, arranging personal therapy, and creating rituals for connecting with the outdoors and getting light throughout the day.

This lovely little book by KC Davies
has also been a welcome companion in my process. How to Keep House While Drowning compassionately reframes the way we are taught to think about household and self care tasks as morally charged. It's geared towards ND, disabled and chronically ill folk who struggle with aspects of this, and are prone to feeling shame or feelings of failure. It's written with varying accessibility needs in mind.

What feelings come up for you around the change of season? What resources and rituals do you find most helpful when the colder months creep in?

22/09/2025

Sometimes I find that visual cues can help to get beneath the mental chatter in a way that resonates and provokes reflection on a different level.

I woke up today with a lot of internal noise, and turned to my wonderful Resilio cards for some direction and clarity about where to focus my attention and how to respond to my emotions. I was instantly drawn to these two, which have prompted me to reflect on themes of self esteem, exposure, vulnerability, ignorance and presence.

Whenever I've used these cards to facilitate reflection with others, it's been an illuminating process. The cards that people are drawn to or repelled by, the feelings, thoughts and memories they evoke, the stories that emerge. Often, topics are brought to attention that may otherwise go unaddressed, and links are made with other experiences that appear unrelated.

What do you see in these images? Do you resonate with the themes I've shared, or do they prompt something entirely different in you?

Feel free to comment or reflect privately ✨️

19/09/2025

I've been pleasantly surprised this week about the positive response to the creation of this page and my first two posts! I have always experienced mixed feelings about Instagram, and there's something vulnerable and scary about drawing attention to myself in this way!

Something about 'marketing' a counselling practice feels counterintuitive to me, but it's also true that people can't choose to work with me unless they know about me and the space I'm offering. So here I am.

I'd also like to use this page as a space to speak about the things and people that motivate and inspire me, and to share information about other services that could play a part in building community, accessing resources and supporting wellbeing. Therapy is a small part of the process of taking care of ourselves.

Pictured is an amazing article I read this week by Sarah Creek in Therapy Today - an insightful and powerful reflection on her experiences as a trans counsellor in our current climate. I encourage my peers in the therapy who have access to the magazine to read it!

Thank you to everyone who's interacted, shared and gotten in contact so far. Have a restorative weekend 🍂

16/09/2025

Here’s a little about me, my approach and the values that shape my work.

🌈 I’m a Q***r person from Essex, and I’ve lived in Cardiff for 10 years

💛 My path into counselling grew from my own ups and downs with mental health systems, and the wish to contribute differently

🌀 I work Pluralistically — an approach which centres co-creation, curiosity, and open dialogue

🌱 I offer an affirming space for diverse identities and relationships, alongside my own ongoing self-exploration

🌍 I aim to create a space that is non-pathologising and non-oppressive, recognising how systems shape our lives

The choice to seek care and support for yourself is a courageous one. If you resonate with my approach and want to connect - please get in touch via my website/email (link in bio).

I have some availability for low cost sessions if you’re on a low income/unwaged, as well as pay it forward options.

Questions are always welcome.

13/09/2025

Counselling bookings open!

Collaborative, affirming therapy for those seeking space to unravel, explore, process and discover 🌱

I'm Amber, a qualified Counsellor based in Cardiff. I work with individuals in person and online. I offer an inclusive, grounded space to support people in navigating life's complexities 🌈

Contact me via my website to arrange an introductory call (link in bio)

02/08/2025

Hi, I'm Amber. I offer a space where you can begin to explore what’s going on beneath the surface — to untangle whatever feels heavy, messy, or stuck. My approach is warm, collaborative, and non-judgemental. However things look right now, I will meet you where you are. Your preferences and ideas will be central to our work — there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, and part of the process is finding what feels right for you. We’ll explore together with curiosity.

I’m affirming of LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent experiences. I’m also sex-positive and supportive of kink, diverse relationship styles, and alternative ways of living and relating. I aim to create a space where you don’t have to shrink, edit, or leave parts of yourself at the door.

I work pluralistically, drawing from different approaches depending on what you need. You’re welcome whether you’re feeling anxious, disconnected, overwhelmed — or simply know something needs to change. I offer a limited amount of discounted slots and I offer a free 15-minute preliminary call. You can book online via my website or drop me a message/email.

A collaborative and inclusive therapy practice offering a non-judgemental space for individuals exploring life’s complexities. Affirming of q***r, neurodivergent, and alternative identities, suppor…