I’m Dagmar Salamonova, a psychologist and counsellor based in Brighton, UK, working online in English, Slovak and Czech. I sit with people at life’s crossroads – when the old way no longer feels honest and the new way hasn’t revealed itself yet. Together we explore what really matters to you, so you can move through change with more truth, courage and aliveness.
I bring over 15 years of experience, an MSc in Psychology, two postgraduate diplomas in counselling & psychotherapy, and BACP accreditation to support you in a deeply human, grounded way.
I’m Dagmar Salamonova, a psychologist and counsellor with an MSc in Psychology, two postgraduate diplomas in counselling and psychotherapy, and BACP accreditation. I’m originally from Slovakia and now based in Brighton, working online with clients in English, Slovak and Czech. I specialise in trauma, burnout and neurodiversity, and in helping people move beyond people‑pleasing into a more authentic, self‑honouring way of living.
My clients usually find me at a crossroad: a relationship that no longer fits, a career that has lost its meaning, a family role that has become too heavy, or a life that looks “fine” from the outside but feels flat on the inside. Therapy with me is a place to slow down, tell the truth, and listen for the part of you that still knows what you want from your one life.
I trained in psychology at Comenius University in Bratislava, where I completed my Master of Science (MSc) in Psychology. After moving to the UK, I completed two postgraduate diplomas: a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Therapeutic Counselling at the University of Brighton and a Postgraduate Diploma in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy at London Metropolitan University. As a BACP accredited counsellor, I work within a clear ethical framework: your safety, dignity and confidentiality are non‑negotiable.
Over the years I have worked in the NHS, in universities and in employee assistance programmes, and for the last seven years I have focused on my private practice with individuals and couples. I work with trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, addiction, depression, anxiety, burnout and family tensions. I have particular experience with neurodivergent adults (ADHD, autism) and with people who have spent years over‑functioning, caretaking and people‑pleasing.
My style is warm, thoughtful and grounded. We can go deep, but we don’t have to be heavy all the time. The aim is not just to understand your story, but to help you live it in a way that feels more honest, meaningful and alive.
My therapeutic approach is designed to be transparent, collaborative, and entirely centered on your unique needs. We define goals together and work at a pace that respects your boundaries and support systems.
A gentle, semi-structured conversation. We explore the here-and-now, past therapy history, relationship patterns, and physical health. Childhood schemas are touched on only if you feel safe doing so.
I usually suggest starting with around six sessions, then reviewing together. Some people want focused, short-term work; others choose longer-term depth. We decide together what makes sense for you.
I draw from CBT, Psychodynamic, person-centred, and systemic frameworks. We have multiple ways of working and choose what actually helps you. All sessions are held online.
Therapy is a space to slow down and reconnect. These images serve as quiet visual anchors for self-regulation and reflection.
Over time, my work has settled into two main therapeutic pillars, supported by a broad range of experience in clinical, academic, and private settings.
I work with people who have been “holding it all together” for a long time – often through trauma, chronic stress, demanding work or caring roles. This can show up as burnout, anxiety, numbness, or the sense of always being on alert. I have specific experience with neurodivergent adults (including ADHD and autism), and I pay attention to how your nervous system, history and environment interact.
Many of my clients are the reliable ones: the ones who say “yes”, smooth things over, carry the emotional load – often at the cost of their own truth. Over time this can turn into resentment, exhaustion, and a painful sense of having lost yourself. In therapy we gently untangle these patterns. We explore where they started, practise boundaries and “no”, and experiment with taking full, compassionate responsibility for your own life.
“Today, we turn to one person to provide what an entire village once did: a sense of grounding, meaning, and continuity. At the same time, we expect our committed relationships to be romantic as well as emotionally and sexually fulfilling. Is it any wonder that so many relationships crumble under the weight of it all?”— Esther Perel
Online Video Session — 50 mins
Online Video Session — 50 mins
Format: All sessions are held online via secure video link.
Frequency: Usually weekly to begin with; reviewed together as you go.
Reduced Rates: Reduced fee spaces are limited and offered on a case-by-case basis; you’re welcome to ask about current availability.
Location: Based in Brighton, UK, working online with clients in the UK and internationally.
Languages: Therapy can be conducted in English, Slovak, or Czech.
You can fill out the contact form below. We will schedule a brief initial conversation to explore what you need, discuss your goals, and see if working together is a good fit.
I require a minimum of 24 hours notice for any cancellations or changes to your scheduled appointments. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will be charged at the full rate.
Absolutely. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of professional psychological practice and is strictly maintained in accordance with BACP and GDPR guidelines. Details will only be shared in exceptional circumstances where safety is at risk.
All therapeutic sessions are held online via a secure, encrypted clinical video platform. This allows you to meet from a space that feels safe, accessible, and convenient for you, whether you are based in the UK or internationally.
If you are curious about working together, you’re welcome to get in touch. You don’t need to have the perfect words – we can explore what you need, together.
All sessions are held online via secure video link. I work with clients located in the UK and internationally.
Please submit the form below. I will read your message and respond as soon as possible to outline next steps.