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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!

A thoughtful woman surrounded by dreamy lights and soft focus, symbolizing reflection and clarity. Cameras at the bottom of the image suggest perspective and personal framing of life experiences.

What’s your frame of reference?

March 23, 20252 min read

What’s your frame of reference?

How aware are you of your values? Which moral guidelines do you follow? How do you ground yourself in reality?

These are only a few essential questions that could help you assess where you stand regarding healthy perceptions. In previous blogs, I discussed the conditions of worth developed in childhood – as young people, some of us develop beliefs based on external expectations and evaluations. That’s quite alright; a child or an adolescent wouldn’t have the maturity to reach a “reality check” on their own if they lack support at home or outside the home.

However, as an adult, you are responsible for looking after yourself and having a “reality check” of where you are and where and how you would like to be. I am aware it’s easier said than done, but regardless of how slow the progress is, it's healthier to start rather than continue living in blurred and unclear frames of reference. This is what leads to psychological distress and even mental illness.

Wishy-washy attitudes, looseness, and double standards applied whenever it feels convenient lead to confusion, increased anxiety, having boundaries crossed, and getting emotionally hurt (maybe even physically), to the extent of experiencing at least a depressive episode, if not depression as a disorder. It is crucial to identify what shades of grey sit well with you from that whole spectrum between white and black, and as long as they serve you, do your best to stick to those. Allow yourself to reevaluate once in a while, and if needed, why not change the frame of reference?

Be kind to yourself and seek support!

💎 At The Therapeutic Triad – online therapy services, we offer a safe space based on empathy and nonjudgment. In this space, you are welcomed to learn more about yourself and identify strategies to provoke beneficial change according to your needs.

📣 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 at www.therapeutictriad.com and take the first step toward a healthier and happier self.

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Monica

Monica Stanescu is a compassionate therapist specializing in counseling, psychotherapy, and cognitive-behavioral hypnotherapy. With a focus on a biopsychosocial approach, she helps clients manage anxiety, stress, trauma, and more. Her dedication to mental well-being is shaped by her personal journey, and she is committed to providing personalized care for her clients. Monica’s expertise is backed by her accreditations with reputable organizations like the BPS, GHR, and NCH. She offers both online and in-person therapy, helping individuals lead healthier, more balanced lives.

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