- About Gifty
Warm, thoughtful therapy grounded in professional experience
Gifty Ogene is a professionally accredited counsellor and psychotherapist with over 13 years’ experience, having qualified in October 2012.
My approach to therapy
I work integratively, which means I draw thoughtfully from different therapeutic approaches according to the person in front of me. I believe therapy works best when it is collaborative, compassionate and responsive rather than formulaic.
Our work may include understanding your story and recurring patterns, exploring thoughts and beliefs, noticing the impact of your nervous system, developing self-compassion, working with the inner critic and building practical ways to support yourself between sessions.
Working with difference
I have experience working with people from a wide range of cultural, social and personal backgrounds. I welcome clients of all faiths and no faith, and spirituality can be included only where it is meaningful to the client.
I also work with neurodivergent clients, including autistic people and people with ADHD, adapting the therapeutic space where helpful.
Areas I work with
Anxiety and worry
Depression and low mood
Childhood trauma
Bereavement and loss
Relationship difficulties
Self-esteem and shame
Intrusive thoughts
Addictions and compulsive behaviours
Anger and emotional regulation
Neurodiversity
Stress and life transitions
Gifty is truly insightful and takes the time to really understand you. She asks the right questions and helps you see the bigger picture.
— Client Feedback
Professional experience
Since qualifying in October 2012, I have worked across private practice, organisational and community settings, supporting people affected by trauma, abuse, bereavement, relationship difficulties, displacement, homelessness and a range of emotional and psychological challenges.
Alongside counselling and psychotherapy, I provide clinical supervision and mental-health training and workshops, and I remain committed to ongoing professional development.
- A professional space with warmth at its heart
Founder of Open Hands Counselling Centre
I have been a qualified counsellor since 2011 and my work is grounded in the belief that meaningful change becomes possible when people feel heard, respected and able to explore their experiences without judgement.
- My approach
Integrative, not one-size-fits-all
I do not try to fit every person into one model of therapy. Instead I draw thoughtfully from psychological theory and therapeutic approaches to understand what may be happening beneath the surface and what can support change.
- Making sense of patterns
Where I place particular value
Early experiences
How the past shapes the present.
Relationships & beliefs
The stories we hold about ourselves and others.
Stress & inner dialogue
How stress responses and self-talk interact with current life.
- Faith, culture & identity
A place where the whole person is welcome
For some, faith is central. For others, culture, family, community or personal values matter more. I welcome these parts of your experience where they are meaningful to you. Faith-informed or Christian-integrated counselling can be offered when specifically desired, never assumed or imposed.
What you can expect
- Warmth and compassion without judgement
- A psychologically informed, reflective approach
- Respect for culture, faith, identity and values
- A collaborative pace
- Professional boundaries and ethical practice
- Client experiences
What clients have said
“I’ve attempted Therapy a couple times and also changed Therapists a few times before ‘finding’ Gifty and I am so happy I didn’t ‘settle’. From her first message to me, I felt comfortable and like she genuinely cared about helping me get to the root of my challenges. She’s very thoughtful, sensitive, thorough and knowledgeable. … At every session, I learn things about myself I never expected to. She’s amazing!”
— Client Feedback
“Gifty is a wonderful therapist who takes time to get to know her patients before making assessments. She gets to the core of the challenges at hand by gently asking the right questions, leaving room for your own thought process. … I have always felt safe, respected and supported.”
— Client Feedback
“I’ve had two sessions with my therapist so far, but I can already feel a positive shift. She’s made me feel heard and comfortable right from the start. Even in such a short time, I’ve gained valuable insights into myself, and she’s been really great at helping me understand my thoughts and feelings more clearly.”