Daniela Petrescu is a BACP-registered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) psychotherapist and Addiction Therapist with a BSc in Psychology, MSc in Clinical Psychology and Psychological Counselling, and REBT Advanced Certificate at Albert Ellis Institute New York. Daniela has worked in mental health for more than 15 years. Throughout her career, she has supported people with anxiety, depression, emotional difficulties and borderline personality disorder, using approaches including CBT, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) and Motivational Interviewing.
In recent years, Daniela developed a particular passion for addiction recovery. With further learning, both professionally and personally, she has acquired an understanding of recovery as a journey that involves the whole person. For Daniela, it is not only about changing behaviours, but also about understanding what lies beneath them and helping people reconnect with themselves and find a sense of meaning and direction.
Her own journey of personal development has had a strong influence on Daniela’s work. She became a Sivananda Yoga teacher and a Vipassana meditator as part of her search for greater inner peace, balance and equanimity. Through these practices, Daniela has found the value of being present, accepting what is, and developing a kinder and less judgemental relationship with herself and others.
Daniela believes that we are body, mind and soul, and values a holistic approach that respects all these dimensions. She also believes in the power of faith, which can grow from a sense of faith in something greater than ourselves. For Daniela, this can be a source of strength, hope and connection, particularly during the difficult moments of recovery.
She believes that compassion, empathy and unconditional acceptance are fundamental to the therapeutic relationship and tries to create a safe space where people can be themselves without fear of judgement, while gently supporting them to understand themselves, face their challenges and move towards meaningful change.
“I feel privileged to be part of someone’s recovery journey and to witness the courage it takes to make a different life possible.” Daniela Petrescu.