Sonia Dugay, BACP
Warm, client-led counselling for trauma and life transitions
- Person-centred listening
- Psychodynamic depth work
- Trauma informed support
About Sonia Dugay
Sonia Dugay is a BACP registered counsellor based in the south of the United Kingdom with 9 years of experience supporting people through a wide range of emotional and relational challenges. Her background includes work in a support centre for survivors of rape and sexual abuse, where she helped clients navigate the complex impacts trauma can bring, including anxiety, anger management difficulties, low self-esteem, intimacy concerns, eating disorders, self-harm, and relationship problems.
More recently, Sonia has worked in private practice and supported clients through the pressures and changes that emerged during lockdown. She has worked with young adults facing loneliness, anxiety, and career shifts, as well as people experiencing midlife transitions, relationship strain, and confidence difficulties. Sonia has also counselled individuals dealing with DNA surprises, which can be deeply personal and difficult to discuss.
Sonia understands that taking the first step can feel daunting, especially when the issues are hard to put into words. She aims to offer a space where clients can speak openly and feel listened to without judgement, helping them offload what they are carrying and explore a path forward with more hope.
Her core approach is person-centred, meaning she listens closely to what the client needs rather than telling them what to do, with the belief that clients hold their own answers and can be supported to hear their inner voice more clearly. She also draws on psychodynamic therapy to explore deeper patterns and earlier experiences that may still be shaping the present.
On a personal level, Sonia believes exercise can be a helpful support for mental wellbeing, and she finds that a brisk walk or a dance class can help when life feels tough. Raised with a light Christian background, she does not consider herself tied to any particular religion today, and she remains interested in different faiths and cultures while respecting the varied roles religion can play in people’s lives.
More recently, Sonia has worked in private practice and supported clients through the pressures and changes that emerged during lockdown. She has worked with young adults facing loneliness, anxiety, and career shifts, as well as people experiencing midlife transitions, relationship strain, and confidence difficulties. Sonia has also counselled individuals dealing with DNA surprises, which can be deeply personal and difficult to discuss.
Sonia understands that taking the first step can feel daunting, especially when the issues are hard to put into words. She aims to offer a space where clients can speak openly and feel listened to without judgement, helping them offload what they are carrying and explore a path forward with more hope.
Her core approach is person-centred, meaning she listens closely to what the client needs rather than telling them what to do, with the belief that clients hold their own answers and can be supported to hear their inner voice more clearly. She also draws on psychodynamic therapy to explore deeper patterns and earlier experiences that may still be shaping the present.
On a personal level, Sonia believes exercise can be a helpful support for mental wellbeing, and she finds that a brisk walk or a dance class can help when life feels tough. Raised with a light Christian background, she does not consider herself tied to any particular religion today, and she remains interested in different faiths and cultures while respecting the varied roles religion can play in people’s lives.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCompassion fatigue
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAttachment issuesBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCommitment issuesControl issuesDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersPregnancy and childbirthSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualityWomen's issuesWorkplace issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Sonia Dugay have?
Sonia Dugay has 9 years of experience providing counselling support.
Is Sonia Dugay a licensed therapist?
Yes. Sonia Dugay holds BACP credentials, meaning she is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
In which languages does Sonia Dugay provide therapy?
Sonia Dugay provides therapy in English.
Where is Sonia Dugay located?
Sonia Dugay is located in the United Kingdom.
How can I work with Sonia Dugay as my therapist?
You can work with Sonia Dugay through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, depending on what feels most comfortable and what is available.
Does Sonia Dugay work with international clients?
Yes. Sonia Dugay works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Sonia Dugay cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches That Translate Well to Online Support
Sonia Dugay draws on client-centered therapy, which focuses on careful listening and helping clients explore what they feel and need without being told what to do. This approach can be especially helpful for people who want a supportive space to talk through anxiety, stress, relationship concerns, or major life changes.She also uses psychodynamic therapy, a way of looking beneath the surface to understand how earlier experiences and long-standing patterns may still be influencing the present. For clients who feel stuck in repeated cycles, struggle with self-esteem, or want deeper insight into their relationships, this style of therapy can offer a meaningful framework for exploration.
Finding the right approach is part of the process. Sonia works collaboratively with clients to understand their goals, preferences, and what they are hoping to change, then adjusts the work to fit what is most useful and manageable over time.
Online therapy can make it easier to access consistent support alongside everyday responsibilities. Sessions can take place through video calls or phone sessions, and clients can also use live chat or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules, comfort levels, and communication styles.