About Me
My name is Novena-Chanel (pronounced 'No-ve-na-Cha-nel') and I am a BACP accredited integrative counsellor and psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, counselling lecturer, life coach, Reiki Master practitioner, acupressure body therapist and yoga teacher. I am also the Founder of the Epigenetic Relational Therapy Academy (ERTA)® where we specialise in working with relational trauma, exclusively training therapists in the IERA-Therapy® approach.
I have over eighteen years of experience working across the public, private and charity sectors; commanding roles ranging from managing staff teams of 20+ to working as a support worker within youth and adult homeless hostels such as Broadway and Centrepoint, across London.
I have worked within the NHS as a counsellor, as well as numerous other well-established and respected charities such as Solace Women’s Aid, London Friend, and The Women and Girl’s Network. I also offer clinical supervision to some of the staff of charities such as Victim Support, Nia and RAPt.
As a keynote speaker, author, researcher and media consultant, I offer consultation and assistance in areas of childhood trauma and abuse, family and relationship difficulties, identity, race, and neurodivergence. My special areas of interest are epigenetics, developmental psychology, intergenerational trauma, neurodivergence, and anti-oppressive practices.
My Therapeutic Approach
As an integrative therapist, I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches to support each client’s individual needs. My work is grounded in relational psychotherapy, attachment theory, and trauma-informed practice. I integrate perspectives from person-centred, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural, and intercultural therapy, allowing me to work flexibly and thoughtfully with the unique experiences each person brings.
I am also a certified IERA-Therapy practitioner, working with the impact of developmental relationships, intergenerational trauma, epigenetic and biological processes, neuroscience, and wider social realities. This approach recognises that our emotional wellbeing is shaped not only by personal experiences, but also by the relational and social environments in which we live.
Culture, race, gender, migration, identity, and social context can all influence how we understand ourselves, our relationships, and the challenges we face. Therapy can therefore be a space to explore both personal experiences and the wider systems that shape our lives, supporting deeper understanding, resilience, and connection.
My Therapeutic Philosophy
My Therapeutic Philosophy
Over the years I have come to believe that as unique, complex, and creative individuals, our personal journeys can sometimes become difficult to navigate or fully understand. At times we may feel disconnected from our sense of self, overwhelmed by life’s challenges, or unsure of how to move forward.
I believe that growth and healing can be supported through meaningful connection with others, the strengthening of self-belief, and the gradual unlearning of unhelpful patterns of thinking and relating.
Often this involves exploring the deeper roots of present concerns, which can lead us back to earlier relationships and formative life experiences. My hope is that this process supports you in recognising these patterns, gently challenging them, and developing new ways of understanding yourself and your relationships so that you can move toward a life that feels more fulfilling and meaningful.
Relevant Education and Training
Integrative Training in Counselling and Holistic Approaches:
Current Doctorate Candidate in Psychotherapy (DPsych)
BSc (Hons.) Integrative Counselling
Level 6 Diploma in Therapeutic Counsellor Supervision
Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (RQF)
Diploma in Acupressure Massage
Professional Accredited Yoga Teacher Training Certification (Yoga Teacher Diploma)
Diploma in Diet and Nutrition
Diploma in Life Coaching
Training:
Diversity and Mental Health Training
Working with LGBTQ+ Communities
Understanding Autism Training
Working with Eating Disorders
Working with Relational Trauma: Dealing with Disorganised Attachment
HIV and Sexual Health Training
Caoching and Personality Profiling Training
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) Training
Reiki Level 1, Reiki Level 2 and Reiki Level 3 Master Certificates
Domestic Violence Training
Sexual Violence and Abuse Training
Working with Trauma Training
Working with Couples Training – Couples Therapy
Safeguarding Essentials Training
The Wisdom of Trauma Training
Lead Safeguarding Training
From working with the BBC, BBC Radio, Rasac, Victim Support, Nia and more, I bring a wealth of expertise in areas such as childhood trauma and abuse, domestic violence, race, identity, neurodivergence, and mental health.
I also provide consultancy, workshops, and training to organisations ready to foster inclusivity, understanding, and resilience in their teams.
For personal appearances and articles, please feel free to find out more here
Please contact me for more information at hello@theequilibriumcoach.com.
Book Titles
Available through:
Epigenetic Relational Therapy Academy
The website Bookshop
Amazon
Also available at selected locations:
Diverse Gifts Brixton, SW9 8LF
Neter Vital, Brixton, SW9 8PB
Let's work together
If you're ready to start your next chapter, and you've got this far, let's journey it together.
Contact me for a free Counselling and Coaching consultation.