Sanela completed a Master of Counseling at City University, after having completed several other degrees apart from psychology, such as business, English language, and Montessori Education for children. She extended her love of learning to counselling and has been trained in various modalities and interventions for trauma and PTSD survivors. Her experience of war (she is Bosnian, from Sarajevo) highlighted the fragility of life, taught gratitude, and inspired a desire to be there for others to help ease their pain. Her work with refugees and former combatants proved to me how deeply scarring and life-diminishing unresolved trauma can be. Working in group homes and parenting teenagers has led me to mentor youth in the areas of addiction, relationships, ADHD, anxiety and behavioural issues.

By far her passion lies in working with clients with chronic pain, where personal experience of living with fibromyalgia, arthritis and osteoporosis, has deepened my skills. Honouring the mind-body connection, she uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and holistic and humanistic approaches to counselling. Her work is grounded in compassion, curiosity, and a belief in supporting healing and wholehearted living.

When working with persistent pain, she draws particularly on two evidence-informed approaches: Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) helps you understand the brain’s role in persistent pain, reduce fear around symptoms, and retrain an overprotective pain system. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help you step out of the ongoing struggle with pain and reconnect with the people, activities, and values that give your life meaning.

Together, you may work on:

• Calming and regulating the brain and nervous system
• Responding differently to pain sensations
• Reducing fear, stress, and constant symptom monitoring
• Building greater trust in your body
• Reclaiming meaningful activities, connection, and joy

You do not need to prove your pain here. Your experience will be met with curiosity and compassion, while practical tools are tailored to your needs and goals.

I strive to bring my authentic curiosity, warmth and openness into the counselling room, working towards helping clients achieve realistic solutions.