Living between cultures
Family expectations, identity, belonging, and the feeling of not quite fitting anywhere.
Battersea · Shoreditch · Online
Therapy for people who live between worlds
I'm Sandra Chittick, a counsellor and psychotherapist in London, accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I'm British-born Chinese, and I work with the ways culture, family and belonging shape who we are and how we struggle. Living between worlds might mean between cultures, between generations, or between who you were raised to be and who you are now. I offer a space to understand these influences, make sense of your experiences and explore ways of living that feel true to yourself.
About me
Years ago, I sat in on a therapy session and watched the therapist do something that seemed like magic. She helped that person open up and put into words what was going on for them.
I wanted to learn about the magic.
So I went on a course, then another, and then another, and before I knew it I was qualified.
Once I started working, I noticed that many people came to therapy through a cultural lens, and much of our work was about living between worlds. I realised I could offer something many of them had been looking for, a therapist who understood the intercultural side of their lives without it needing to be explained.
That has become the heart of my work. I still think of it as a kind of magic, helping someone feel safe enough to open up and put into words what is going on for them. That is what I offer now, a space where your whole self, and every world you live between, is welcome.
What brings people to me
You may already know what you want from therapy. Or you may just feel that something isn't quite right. Whatever brings you here, I offer a confidential space where you can be heard and where we can make sense of things together.
When the past is still present
Trauma, loss and grief, and old patterns that keep shaping how you feel now.
Pressure and demanding careers
Before training I worked in the City of London, so I understand stress, burnout and high expectations.
Everyday struggles
Anxiety, depression, relationships, self-esteem and confidence, assertiveness, family issues, ADHD and neurodivergence.
How I work
I'm an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist working with individuals and groups. My approach is relational and trauma-informed. The relationship between us is at the heart of the work, and we go at a pace that feels safe for you.
I draw on person-centred and psychodynamic ways of working. We look at what you're feeling now and, where it helps, at how your past has shaped it. I offer both short and long-term therapy.
It is mostly a talking therapy, but occasionally I introduce creative approaches such as drawing, writing and play.
I've worked therapeutically since 2017, including in an adult addiction centre, a school and a crisis helpline. I've lived and worked in several countries, and I welcome clients from all backgrounds.
Change is possible, and it can be amazing.
Starting therapy
Get in touch
Email, text or use the form below. Tell me a little about what's bringing you.
A few lines is plenty
Free initial consultation
We talk about what you're looking for and whether we're a good fit.
Free, no obligation
Regular sessions
Sessions in Battersea, Shoreditch or online via Zoom.
Weekly, 50 minutes
In their words
What people say
“There really aren’t enough words in the English language that can express how grateful I am to you for all your support, kindness and patience… You worked with me to give me the resources to understand who I am and understand my own behaviours. We had the true breakthrough I needed.”
“You’ve been instrumental in helping me reframe my family dynamic, understand my cultural context and how I relate to it, and most importantly, setting boundaries.”
“I want to say a big thank you, therapy has completely changed my life. I feel we touched on so many aspects of my life in the past 8 months (more than I ever expected going into this!)… I am so grateful to have experienced this with you.”
Fees & rooms
- Fee
£90 per 50-minute session
The first consultation is free.
- Days
- Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, daytime or evening
- Health insurance
- Registered provider with AXA Health and WPA
Online
via Zoom
Sessions from anywhere you feel comfortable.
Questions
It's therapy that takes culture seriously. Your background, family, language and experiences of belonging are part of the conversation, not something to leave at the door.
No. Many people come because something doesn't feel quite right but they can't yet put it into words. Finding the words is part of the work we do together.
Not at all. I have a particular interest in culture and belonging, and I welcome clients from all backgrounds.
It depends on what you bring. I offer both short and long-term work and we review together as we go.
Yes. I work to the BACP Ethical Framework. I'll explain the limits of confidentiality in our first conversation.
Usually once a week, at the same time each week. Sessions last 50 minutes.
I'm a registered provider with AXA Health and WPA. Check your cover with your insurer and let me know when you get in touch.
Get in touch
The first consultation is free and there's no obligation.
sandra@sandrachittick.com07859 950438 (text only, please)"*" indicates required fields
For therapists
Writing, groups and training
"We" as the Ground and “I” as the Extension
A cross-cultural model of the self, from my chapter in Rethinking Psychotherapy and Decolonisation, to be published by Springer.
BAATN East and South East Asian Gathering
I co-facilitate a monthly online peer group for therapists and trainees of East or South East Asian heritage, run by the Black, African and Asian Therapy Network (BAATN).
CPD and workshops
Workshops on intercultural practice and the self. Dates to be confirmed.