About me
Who Am I?
I usually start therapy by encouraging the people I work with to engage in a reflective exercise titled “Who am I?”.
Who am I beyond what I tell myself every day? Beyond what others have said I am? Beyond what I’ve learned to believe, beyond all the masks I’ve put on to adapt and keep going? Yes, it’s a truly challenging question, but it helps us discover where to begin the journey toward our authentic self.
I’m Ioana Dulcu, a clinical psychologist and counsellor accredited by the Romanian College of Psychologists, and a fully accredited hypnotherapist with a Higher Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (Hypno-CBT) from The UK College of Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy, London.
I have always been fascinated by the complexity of human interactions and the power of emotions, the mechanisms of the human brain and the ripple effect of the thoughts we have on our behaviour and feelings. We shape our world based on our beliefs and ability to manage stress and emotions. This is why our reactions to difficult situations depend on the meaning we give to these experiences.
My personal background and professional training in cognitive-behavioural therapy, experiential psychotherapy, Schema Therapy, EMDR, and clinical hypnotherapy have led me to ground my practice on research validating the interventions and protocols I use. Additionally, I incorporate somatic interventions and mindfulness techniques to enhance mind-body awareness and facilitate healing and personal growth.
“ We may not be responsible for the world that created our minds, but we can take responsibility for the mind with which we create our world. ”
Dr. Gabor Maté
My Story
Despite my longstanding interest in psychology, it wasn’t until later in life, after years of not finding my place in other professions, that I considered pursuing it as both a career and a personal calling.
My own therapeutic process opened for me probably one of the most important doors in my life—the door to self-discovery.
It took a significant loss, which I needed to process, and severe anxiety to realise that I had been hiding behind a mask, trying to fit into a world that was not aligned with who I was. A world in which I had lost touch with my authentic self.
Even though it was a long, challenging process, I learned the importance of self-compassion and facing my fears. I allowed myself to sit with my most complicated emotions and discovered unexpected resources and joy in the simple beauty of life.
You can't stop the waves,
but you can learn to surf
Qualifications, Training & Memberships
- Higher Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (Level 5) with The UK College of Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy, London, approved by the British Psychological Society
- BSc Psychology Degree, Spiru Haret University, Romania
- MSc Clinical Psychology and Psychological Intervention, Spiru Haret University, Romania
- Clinical psychologist, professionally certified by the Romanian College of Psychologists, specialising in clinical psychology, personal code: 29246, assigned from the Unique Register of Psychologists with the right to free practice in Romania
- Counsellor – Experiential Therapy for Children, Adults, Couples, and Families, professionally certified by the Romanian College of Psychologists
- Currently under professional training in Experiential Counselling and Psychotherapy for individuals, families and groups with The Romanian Society of Experiential Psychotherapy (SPER Institute)
- Professional training in Psychosexual Therapy with The Romanian Society of Experiential Psychotherapy (SPER Institute)
- Auxiliary Schema Therapist Certification Training, Schema Therapy Institute, London, UK
- EMDR Level 1 Training – EMDR Romania
- Fully insured with Balens, DBS Check
- Supervisor and Coach Tutor at The UK College of Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy, London
- Member of British Psychological Society (BPS)
Additional Training
CBT for Anxiety and OCD
CBT for Overcoming Perfectionism
Transgenerational Psychotherapy, International Center for Psychogenealogy (ICP)
Hypnotherapy for Smoking Cessation
Clinical Approaches in Loss and Bereavement
NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills
Global EI Practitioner Certificate – Genos Emotional Intelligence Certification Program
My Practice
My areas of expertise include managing stress and anxiety disorders, such as generalised anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, and agoraphobia. These conditions are becoming increasingly common and can significantly impact key areas of life—relationships, career, and decision-making—often leading to isolation, low self-esteem, and mood difficulties.
In addition, I work with a diverse range of emotional challenges, including navigating grief or life transitions, relationship and couple issues, addiction, depression, and trauma. I also support clients with work-related topics such as low assertiveness, perfectionism, and procrastination.
Therapy is like a journey with the purpose of understanding ourselves and the world around us. It is an act of courage, self-reflection, and transformation. It involves facing head-on the very challenges we often tend to avoid. I will accompany you through your difficult emotions with compassion and understanding. Although it may be challenging at times, together we will explore your inner resources and foster healing, growth, and a renewed sense of meaning in life.