Benedicta Sanio Ala-Oborie, BACP

Benedicta Sanio Ala-Oborie is an accredited psychotherapist based in Edinburgh who is registered with both the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and COSCA (Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland). With four years of clinical experience, she offers a relational psychodynamic approach that weaves together person-centred, psychodynamic, inter-personal and psychoanalytic ideas to support people through a wide range of difficulties.

Her work addresses bereavement and loss, grief, anxiety, trauma and complex trauma including PTSD, depression, relationship challenges, stress, sexual abuse, self-harm, anger management, parenting and work-related problems, and self-esteem concerns. Benedicta draws on breath work, mindfulness and somatic techniques when they may help a person reconnect with their body and regulate strong emotions. While she does not provide formal diagnoses, she will work with any existing diagnoses to help a person make sense of their experiences and find ways forward.

Known for a warm, safe and non-judgmental style, Benedicta treats each person with sensitivity and respect and avoids stigmatizing labels. She tailors therapy to the individual, adapting pace and focus to match unique needs. Seeking therapy takes courage, and Benedicta aims to support and empower people as they take those first steps toward change.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Sessions

Psychodynamic therapy explores how past relationships and unconscious patterns influence current feelings and behaviour, helping people make sense of repeated problems and emotional blocks. Client-centered therapy focuses on creating an empathic, non-judgmental space in which the therapist follows the client's lead to build self-understanding and personal growth - it is helpful for issues like low self-esteem, relationship concerns and life transitions. Mindfulness therapy teaches practical attention and breathing practices that can reduce distress in the moment and support coping with anxiety, stress and trauma symptoms.

Finding the right approach is part of therapy itself, and Benedicta works collaboratively with each person to identify which methods fit best with their needs, goals and preferences. She integrates different approaches as appropriate so the work reflects what the client finds most helpful.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for people who balance work, family or mobility needs. These formats make it easier to access registered professionals and maintain continuity of care from different locations while keeping appointments adaptable to everyday life.