ABOUT MONICA STANESCU
My interest in psychology and therapeutical approaches sparked about twenty years ago. Going through various adverse childhood experiences, being surrounded by unhealthy behaviours, and displaying unhealthy behaviours, understanding the mind and behaviours become something of high interest. Hence, I went to study psychology, and this was amazing! However, I needed to figure out what path to follow next. I wanted to study clinical psychology, but I was looking for more, so I decided to go and work in the Human Resources and Recruitment field. This time of my life was truly spectacular! I worked and met so many wonderful people (I still carry some wisdom from that time. My favourite is: “I am too poor to buy cheap shoes”, and I genuinely believe it, but I also love shoes, so it’s a good excuse when I want to buy another pair). I developed good diplomacy and professional skills, learned to adjust my communication skills, and developed people skills, which, over time, correlated with a high level of empathy and authenticity and became my strength as a person and now as a therapist.
Time went on, and when I found a Health Psychology course, it felt like the right approach to follow. I always believed in the biopsychosocial approach, that the environment we grow and live in is essential to our becoming. That was the time when I truly understood how traumatic it has been to receive the diagnosis of a chronic condition in my early twenties, how it has impacted my identity as a woman and how it took over my being and my life. I went through all the stages of grief, and it turned my world apart. But with great support around me, therapy, and friends, I managed to rebuild myself, the way I feel about myself. This time, in a conscious manner, by my values and beliefs, and my wishes for the future, how I wanted to conduct my life.Right after I received my MSc qualification, I started to work as a Specialist Mentor, providing emotional support for students all over the UK. When I studied for my undergraduate, I remember feeling my mind was so scattered, I had no notion of time management or prioritisation, struggling to study, focus and lacking motivation for a proactive approach to preparation ahead exams. I would end up not sleeping well, not eating the last two days before exams, and struggling to study.
Now, I understand that I needed guidance and support, and nowadays, someone does not need to spend years trying to change unhealthy beliefs and behaviours to healthy ones. You need the right support, tailored to your unique needs at that time. Hence, being able to work with students holds such a meaningful place in my heart. In my search to develop as an individual and professional, I started to study counselling. The counselling course was mind-blowing from a personal development perspective. I had to go back to therapy to process, challenge and integrate old, deeply ingrained beliefs. At a professional level, developing and applying the person centred approach made such a difference, but soon, I identified a new obstacle: trauma. Hence, I studied and integrated a trauma-informed, somatic psychotherapy course, which allows a whole exploration, beautifully exploring emotional beliefs and their expression throughout somatic work. This approach enables a healthy and rapid process and integration of our lived experiences.
Studying Cognitive-Behavioural Hypnotherapy was the cherry on top! I have always been fascinated by hypnotherapy, and it felt it would beautifully complete my set of skills to be able to offer a safe space and contain any challenge that one might bring into the therapeutical space, completing the process with enhancing self-confidence and self-esteem through deep suggestions right to the core of being. I now have well-rounded skills and professional expertise to support people in their transformative journey. But the most important thing is that I have grown so much due to all the knowledge I’ve accumulated, enhanced by my high level of empathy and non-judgment. I am currently enrolled as a trainee counsellor studying Level 5 and I am integrating the person centred approach not only in my professional life but in my personal one, it is a life style! I am happy to share this with anyone who might need a safe space to figure out ways to overcome emotional obstacles or to live well with daily stuff like managing stress, having to deliver a presentation, or managing social-romantic-family relationships.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. I look forward to hearing your story!
Your turn
Psychotherapy – A Trauma-Informed and Somatic-Based Approach
Psychotherapy – A Trauma-Informed and Somatic-Based Approach
After completing my master's course in Health Psychology and beginning to provide psychological support, everything was going well—until I started encountering a hidden barrier with almost all my clients: trauma.
Studying the connection between the mind and body from a holistic perspective was incredibly beneficial for both me and my clients. However, it wasn’t enough to go in-depth and uncover the layers of traumatic experiences that were affecting their well-being.
Discovering the Compassionate Inquiry Approach
During my master's course, I was briefly introduced to the mind-body connection as presented by Dr. Gabor Maté—a well-respected figure in mental health and psychotherapy. His approach, Compassionate Inquiry, deeply resonated with me.
As part of my personal and professional development, I immersed myself in his work—reading his books, watching interviews, and studying his approach. Everything made so much sense, and I knew I had to formally train in this method to bring those skills and insights to my clients.
The Journey of Training in Trauma-Informed Therapy
Training in Compassionate Inquiry for over a year felt like an emotional rollercoaster—full of highs and lows. Being constantly exposed to trauma-related work is not easy for any of us.
After six months, I was on the verge of burnout. But through personal therapy and professional supervision, I recognized the signs early and adjusted my self-care strategies to manage the emotional weight.
As they say: “The only way forward is through.”
With better self-care in place, I navigated the next six months successfully, and when I graduated, I felt joy, hope, and fulfillment—a deep sense that it was all worth it.
Applying a Trauma-Informed, Somatic-Based Approach
Now, using this trauma-informed and somatic-based approach, I can provide my clients with a safe space where they can explore their past at their own pace.
Many of my clients have uncovered layers of:
✔ Suppressed emotions stored in their bodies
✔ Traumatic events that have shaped their behaviors
✔ Unconscious patterns at the root of addictions or health conditions
The results have been truly transformative—a real eye-opener and a source of strength for my clients!
The Power of Healing and Self-Discovery
💬 “If there is something I wish I could pass on to everyone I love, it is the chance to work with you so they can learn to love themselves and others.” – KT, England
Working through trauma can be challenging, but it is worth it—like uncovering a diamond in the mud.
The Compassionate Inquiry approach reminds us:
“We all long to be seen, heard, understood, and loved. We heal when we feel safe in relationships and connected to our bodies, our breath, the present moment, and one another. Only when we experience connection to ourselves and others can we open to our vulnerability and emotions and express what is true for us. This expression is what heals us.”
Find a Safe Space to Heal and Grow
💎 At The Therapeutic Triad, we offer a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental space where you can:
✔ Explore your emotions with compassion
✔ Learn strategies to promote healing
✔ Take meaningful steps toward positive change
📢 For a limited time, we are offering 25% off therapy sessions for specific categories of people!
Use discount code TRAID25 at checkout.
💎 Book your session today at www.therapeutictriad.com and take the first step toward a healthier, happier self.
