Sasha Risner

I’m a trainee Integrative Humanistic Counsellor, currently completing my Diploma at CPPD. My background is in the creative industry, where I worked for over 10 years as a Casting Director in TV and advertising. That experience gave me a deep understanding of people and how they relate, as well as the ability to build trust and authentic connection quickly. My decision to retrain as a therapist grew from a lifelong curiosity about what shapes us and a desire to create space for others to be fully seen and heard. I bring empathy, warmth, and authenticity to my work, showing up as myself so clients feel safe to do the same.

My work is integrative humanistic, which means I draw from several approaches depending on what feels most supportive for you. My core influences are psychodynamic theory, attachment theory, and transactional analysis, alongside working with the body to help regulate the nervous system. I believe our early relationships and experiences shape how we see ourselves and relate to others, and therapy can be a space to understand and gently rework those patterns. I also value creativity, humour, and presence — I aim to bring warmth and realness to the room, rather than formality or distance.