About me
Who Am I?
I usually start therapy by encouraging the people I work with to do some self-reflection through an essay titled “Who am I?”.
Who am I beyond what I tell myself every day, beyond what others have told me I am, beyond what I’ve learned I am, beyond all the masks I’ve put on to adapt and move forward? Yes, it’s a truly challenging question, but it helps us understand where we can begin on the path to uncovering our true essence.
I’m Ioana Dulcu, a clinical psychologist accredited by the Romanian College of Psychologists, and fully accredited hypnotherapist with a Higher Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy 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 our thoughts on our behaviour and feelings. We shape our world based on our beliefs and ability to cope with stress and emotions. That’s why our reactions to difficult situations depend on the meaning we give to these experiences.
My background and professional training in cognitive-behavioural therapy, experiential psychotherapy, schema therapy, 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 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, accredited by The British Psychological Society & NCFE
- BSc Psychology Degree, Spiru Haret University, Romania
- MSc Clinical Psychology and Psychological Intervention, Spiru Haret University, Romania (ongoing)
- Clinical psychologist in supervision, 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
- Currently under professional training in Experiential Counselling and Psychotherapy for individuals 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
- Fully insured with Balens, DBS Check
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 are managing stress and anxiety, including social anxiety, as they are becoming increasingly prevalent and often have a negative impact on essential aspects of one’s life, such as relationships, career, and decision-making, often leading to feelings of isolation and low mood.
In addition, I work with a diverse range of challenges and distress, including navigating grief or life transitions, couples and relationship issues, addictions, depression and trauma. I also provide support for workplace-related topics such as lack of 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 requires facing head-on the very challenges you often attempt to avoid. I will compassionately accompany you through your difficult emotions, and although it may be challenging at times, we will explore your inner resources, fostering a journey of healing and flourishing.